BUCHAREST, Romania — Mircea Lucescu, the renowned Romanian soccer figure who achieved numerous accolades as both a player and a coach, has passed away at the age of 80.
The confirmation of Lucescu’s passing was provided by Bucharest University Emergency Hospital on Tuesday. He had been admitted after reportedly experiencing a heart attack on Friday morning.
“Mr. Mircea Lucescu was among the most accomplished Romanian football coaches and players, being the first to lead the Romanian national team to qualify for a European Championship in 1984,” the hospital stated in a release.
“Entire generations of Romanians cherished his image as a national icon.”
Lucescu had an extensive coaching career and was in his second tenure with the Romanian national team until he resigned last Thursday following an illness during training. Just three days prior, Romania had failed to secure a spot in the World Cup after a defeat to TΓΌrkiye in a playoff.
As a player, Lucescu served as captain for his country during the 1970 World Cup. Throughout his well-traveled coaching journey, he guided Romania to the European Championship and managed various teams across Europe, securing multiple titles.
He returned to coach Romania after a 38-year hiatus in an effort to qualify for the World Cup.
