Five Days After Resigning As Head Coach; Romania Mourns as Football Legend Mircea Lucescu Dies at 80

Romanian football legend Mircea Lucescu has died at the age of 80, just five days after stepping down as head coach of Romania national football team.

Lucescu resigned last Thursday after falling ill before a training session. He was later taken to hospital, where reports said he suffered a heart attack on Friday morning.

In a statement, the Romanian Football Federation expressed deep sadness over his passing.

“Our football has lost a great coach, a mentor and a national icon,” the federation said. “He will always be remembered for his huge contribution to the game.”

Lucescu first managed Romania between 1981 and 1986 before returning for a second spell in 2024. His final match in charge was a 1-0 play-off loss to Turkey national football team on 26 March, a result that ended Romania’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

He enjoyed a long coaching career that lasted nearly five decades. During that time, he managed several top clubs including Inter Milan, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg and Dynamo Kyiv.

Galatasaray paid tribute to their former manager, saying they would never forget him and describing him as a historic figure at the club. Inter Milan also sent their condolences, saying the whole club was saddened by the news.

Before becoming a coach, Lucescu had a strong playing career. He made 64 appearances for Romania and captained the team at the 1970 World Cup.

Romanian Football Federation president Razvan Burleanu described it as a sad day for both Romania and world football.

“He was more than a coach. He guided many players and helped shape their lives,” Burleanu said. “His impact on football will never be forgotten.”