Mircea Lucescu, the iconic Romanian footballer and manager, has died at the age of 80. His passing was confirmed by Bucharest University Emergency Hospital on Tuesday, following a heart attack on Friday morning.
Lucescu was a serial trophy winner both as a player and coach. He earned 64 caps for Romania, captaining the side at the 1970 World Cup, and later managed the national team to their first European Championship qualification in 1984. He returned for a second spell as Romania manager, stepping down last Thursday after falling ill during training.
His club coaching career spanned Europe, including stints at Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Shakhtar Donetsk. At Shakhtar, he won eight league titles and the Uefa Cup in 2009. He also coached in Italy, leading Brescia to Serie B glory in 1992.
Tributes poured in from across the football world. Shakhtar Donetsk posted: “Thank you for everything, Mister. Your name is forever written into the history of world football.” Galatasaray added: “We extend our deepest condolences. We will never forget you.”
In an interview with the Guardian in March, Lucescu spoke of his duty to Romanian football despite health issues. “I felt it was my duty to take charge of the team,” he said. “It was never about money, never about another medal. I have enough trophies.”
