Romania manager Gheorghe Hagi has defended his son, Ianis Hagi, after the former Rangers star was named captain of the national team. The appointment sparked criticism directed at both the player and his father.
Father-son captaincy decision draws criticism
Gheorghe Hagi, who was appointed as Romania's manager earlier this year, named the playmaker as captain. Ianis Hagi left Rangers in the summer of 2025 to complete a permanent move to Alanyaspor, having scored 20 goals in 130 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side after spending five-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
The 27-year-old has been a regular figure in the Romania national team, earning 57 caps for his country and scoring eight goals. However, his appointment as captain soon after his father became manager led to criticism being directed at the former Rangers star and his dad.
Manager responds to critics
Hagi Sr. oversaw his first match as Romania manager last month, which is his second spell in charge, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Sweden. Romania went on to suffer further defeats to Poland, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Sweden, once again, which led to further criticism being directed at both Hagi and his father.
However, Hagi Sr. has dismissed the criticism and instead leapt to the defence of his son. “Ianis plays for the national team,” the Romania boss said. “Whether people like it or not, he has been featuring in the national squads since he turned 14.
“He has 14 years of national team experience behind him. He is part of the team – he is a player just like all the others. He is treated the same as the rest.
“He is a representative of the country. He probably deserves greater respect.
“He must take care of himself and play. Sometimes he plays, sometimes he doesn’t. He has proven his worth, he is at a certain stage in his career – he deserves greater respect.
“This is the national team. Everyone must shoulder these burdens.”
