Romanian football great Mircea Lucescu dies aged 80
Published 07/04/2026 at 21:55 GMT+1
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Romanian football great Mircea Lucescu has died at the age of 80 after suffering from a reported heart attack on Friday. Lucescu was taken to Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, which confirmed his death on Tuesday. The 80-year-old had stepped down from managing the Romania national team on Thursday after falling ill, just three days after the country missed out on World Cup qualification.
Romanian footballing great Mircea Lucescu, who has passed away this week
Image credit: Getty Images
Romanian football great Mircea Lucescu has died at the age of 80, less than a week after stepping down as manager of the national team.
Lucescu had been taking charge of Romania for a second spell but left his position on Thursday after reportedly falling ill and being taken to hospital.
Lucescu was being treated at Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, where he reportedly suffered a heart attack on Friday morning, before his death was confirmed on Tuesday.Â
A statement from the hospital read: ”Mr Mircea Lucescu was one of the most successful Romanian football coaches and players, the first to qualify the national team for a European Championship, in 1984.
”Entire generations of Romanians grew up with his image in their hearts, as a national symbol.”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "European and world football have lost an exceptional figure whose influence, stature and legacy will endure for generations to come.
"Mircea Lucescu was one of the game’s true originals – a man of rare football intellect, remarkable dignity and passion, whose contribution to the sport is difficult to measure in words alone."
He added: "Over the course of an extraordinary career, he earned the admiration and respect of the entire football community through knowledge, leadership and deep commitment to the true values of the game.
"His presence shaped teams, inspired players and colleagues, and left a lasting imprint on football far beyond the touchline."
Lucescu fell ill just three days after Romania missed out on World Cup qualification following a 1-0 defeat against Turkey in their play-off tie.Â
The 80-year-old was appointed Romania manager for a second time in the summer of 2024, having previously taken charge of the national side between 1981 and 1986.
"This is a dark day for Romania and for world football," said Razvan Burleanu, president of the Romanian Football Federation.
"We have lost a man who lived through and for football every second of his life. Mircea Lucescu was not just a coach, but a mentor to entire generations of players.
"He was a man who loved this sport more than anything else in life, and his impact on our football is immeasurable."
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Lucescu managing Romania at the end of March
Image credit: Getty Images
He also managed the Turkey national team from 2017 to 2019, as well as several club sides, including Inter, Galatasaray and Besiktas, winning the league with both Turkish outfits.Â
He then won eight league titles in 12 years with Shakhtar Donetsk after joining in 2004, as well as the UEFA Cup in 2009.Â
His final club role saw him manage Dynamo Kyiv for more than three years between 2020 and 2023.Â
During Lucescu’s playing career, he captained Romania at the 1970 World Cup.
He played for a number of Romanian club sides, with his longest spell at a team coming at FC Dinamo between 1967 and 1977.Â
Speaking to the Guardian last month, Lucescu spoke of his health issues, admitting: ”I’m not in my best shape, so I would have stepped away if there was another option available.
”But I insist: I can’t leave like a coward. We must believe in our chance to qualify.
”I felt it was my duty to take charge of the team. It was my duty for everything that Romanian football has ever given to me. I was indebted. It was never about money, never about another medal. I have enough trophies.”
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