Renowned football manager Mircea Lucescu has died at the age of 80, just days after stepping down as head coach of the Romanian Football Federation national team.
Lucescu resigned from his role last Thursday after falling ill ahead of a training session.
Reports indicate he was later hospitalised following a heart attack on Friday morning.
His passing was confirmed in a statement by the Romanian Football Federation, which described him as an enduring symbol of excellence in the country’s football history.
The veteran tactician enjoyed a remarkable managerial career spanning nearly five decades.
He first managed Romania between 1981 and 1986, leading the team to their maiden European Championship appearance in 1984, before returning for a second stint in 2024.
His final match in charge came on March 26, when Romania suffered a narrow 1-0 play-off defeat to Turkey, missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At club level, Lucescu managed several top European sides, including Inter Milan, Galatasaray, Besiktas, Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg, and Dynamo Kyiv.
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His achievements across Europe earned him widespread respect as one of the game’s most accomplished managers.
Tributes have poured in from across the football community.
Galatasaray hailed him as a historic figure who led the club to major successes, while Inter Milan extended condolences to his family, describing his death as a significant loss to the sport.
Beyond his managerial legacy, Lucescu also had a distinguished playing career, earning 64 caps for Romania and captaining the national team at the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
Romanian Football Federation president Razvan Burleanu described the day as a dark moment for both the nation and global football, praising Lucescu as a mentor and inspiration whose influence spanned generations.
Lucescu’s death marks the end of an era for Romanian and international football, leaving behind a legacy defined by success, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to the game.
