Football in Romania
Discover RomaniaRomania football team
The top tier of Romanian football is Liga I, which comprises 16 teams. The league has a promotion and relegation system with Liga II, the second division. Teams like Steaua Bucharest, Dinamo Bucharest, CFR Cluj, and FC Rapid București have traditionally been among the most successful and popular clubs.
The national team of „tricolorii”
The peak of Romania's national team was reached at the 1994 World Cup finals, where Romania, under the captaincy of Gheorghe Hagi, often referred to as "The Maradona of the Carpathians", advanced to the quarter-finals with a memorable 3-2 victory over Argentina. Romania's journey in the 1994 World Cup ended in the quarter-finals, where they lost to Sweden in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. Nevertheless, the match against Argentina is fondly remembered and celebrated as a testament to the skill, determination, and spirit of football in Romania during one of its team's golden eras.
More recently, the national team had another outstanding tournament at Euro 2024, hosted in Germany, that enriched football in Romania, advancing from the group stage in Group E. Romania defeated Ukraine 3-0, lost to Belgium 0-2, and drew 1-1 against Slovakia. Romania then suffered a 0-3 defeat against the Netherlands in the round of 16. This final tournament garnered the largest support for the national team outside the country. It made Romanians proud after 24 years of relative absence of noteworthy results in a major football tournament.
Meet Romanian football players.
The "Golden Generation" was a golden era for Romanian football, with legendary players like Gheorghe Hagi, Gheorghe Popescu, and Ilie Dumitrescu leading the way. These icons set high standards and brought Romania to international prominence.
In 2024, a new era dawns with the "Generation of the Heart". This talented group of players represents Romania at EURO 2024, inspired by their predecessors' achievements. The name "Generation of the Heart" was given by its coach after the victory of Romania over Ukraine at Euro 2024.
Remarkable current Romania football players
Nicolae "Nicușor" Stanciu is the captain of the national team. He is a prominent Romanian footballer known for his playmaking abilities and versatility on the field. Internationally, Stanciu debuted for the Romanian national team in 2016 and has been a key player in Romania football, contributing significantly in various tournaments, including EURO 2024. Known for his vision, dribbling, and precise passing, Stanciu is also a free-kick specialist and a leader on the field. His dedication and consistent performances in Romania football matches have made him a fan favourite and a respected figure in football.
Andrei Rațiu is another very appreciated national Romanian football player known for his defensive skills and versatility. Known for his dedication and hard work, Rațiu has continually improved his skills and performance through consistent effort and training. Rațiu has become a valuable asset for football in Romania, participating in key matches and contributing to the national team's defensive stability. Also called "Sonic", Andrei Rațiu captivated everyone at EURO 2024 with his blue-dyed hair and consistently strong performances in Romania football matches.
Radu Drăgușin is a promising Romanian professional footballer and central defender. Drăgușin has represented football in Romania at various youth levels, including the U-21 team, where he stood out due to his commanding presence and leadership in defence. Drăgușin is known for his physical presence, strong tackling, aerial ability, and composure on the ball. His height and strength make him a formidable opponent in defensive duels and set-piece situations. Drăgușin played a crucial role in Romania's EURO 2024 campaign, starting in all the matches and delivering solid performances that contributed to the team's overall success.
Florin Niță is a Romanian football player goalkeeper known for his agility, reflexes, and leadership on the field. Niță is also known for his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping abilities, command of the penalty area, and ability to organize the defence. His experience and calm demeanour under pressure make him a dependable goalkeeper. The Dutch journalists referred to Florin Niță as the "Penalty Killer" to highlight the Romanian goalkeeper's remarkable ability to save many penalty kicks.
From the "Golden Generation" to the "Generation of the Heart," the Romanian national football team continues to inspire pride. The recent success at EURO 2024 reflects this new generation's talent, determination, and team spirit. As Romania looks to the future, the legacy of past legends combined with the promise of today's stars ensures that Romanian football will continue to captivate and excite. The journey of football in Romania is far from over, and fans can eagerly anticipate more memorable moments and achievements on the international stage. Hai, România!
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