Former Romania player and coach Mircea Lucescu has passed away aged 80. His death was confirmed by the Romanian Football Federation (FRF).
Lucescu had been in his second stint as Romania coach before falling ill last Thursday during a training session. Three days prior, he was on the touchline when they were defeated by Türkiye in the European play-offs for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
“We have lost a man who was more than just a coach – a man who taught us that football is not only a sport, but a way of living with dignity,” wrote the FRF in the statement. “Mircea Lucescu was a role model for dozens of generations, a man who loved football more than he loved himself.
“We are left with memories, life lessons, and the unmistakable elegance with which he walked into every stadium in the world. We are certain of one thing: if there is a football field where you are now, you will surely find it.
“Thank you for everything, Mr Lucescu! Rest in peace!”
Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Lucescu captained Romania at Mexico 1970, appearing in all three of their matches against Brazil, Czechoslovakia and England.
Among his coaching highlights were two spells at the Romania help and a successful term at Shakhtar Donetsk, whom he guided to 2008/09 UEFA Cup glory.
