His death marks the end of one of the longest and most influential managerial careers in European football.

Early life and playing career

Born on July 29, 1945, in Bucharest, Lucescu first made his name as a player before becoming a legendary coach. He played primarily for Dinamo București, winning multiple league titles and earning around 70 caps for the Romanian national team. He even captained Romania at the 1970 FIFA World Cup.

His deep understanding of the game as a player laid the foundation for a remarkable managerial journey that would span decades.

A managerial career spanning decades

Lucescu transitioned into coaching in the early 1980s and quickly established himself as one of Europe's most respected tacticians. Over the years, he managed several top clubs across multiple countries, including:

• Inter Milan
• Galatasaray
• Beşiktaş
• Shakhtar Donetsk
• Dynamo Kyiv

His most successful spell came with Shakhtar Donetsk, where he spent over a decade and became the club's most successful manager, winning numerous domestic titles and the UEFA Cup in 2009.

Lucescu was known for his tactical intelligence, longevity, and ability to rebuild teams across different football cultures.

Romania national team and final chapter

Lucescu had two spells with the Romania national team. His first stint (1981-1986) saw him lead the country to the UEFA Euro 1984. Decades later, he returned in 2024 at the age of nearly 80, becoming one of the oldest active coaches in world football.

In his final months, he guided Romania through the UEFA Nations League and into the 2026 World Cup playoffs. However, Romania's campaign ended with a defeat to Turkey, after which he resigned due to health issues.

Illness and death

Lucescu had been battling serious heart problems in recent months. Reports indicate he suffered multiple cardiac complications shortly after stepping down, and his condition deteriorated rapidly. He passed away on April 7, 2026, in Bucharest