Article by Adrian Duţă – Published Tuesday, November 11, 2025 8:36 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, November 11, 2025 9:34 p.m.
Radu Popa, director of the Arc de Triomphe National Complex, posted a photo with Viorel Păunescu (90 years old).
The former president of Stella is an increasingly rare appearance in the public space in recent years. At 90 years old, Viorel Păunescu has health problems, declaring in the past that he has operated on 5 hernias.
PHOTO. Viorel Păunescu, rare appearance in public space
“Old friends, like old swords, are still the most trusted,” was the message sent by Radu Popa next to the picture with Viorel Păunescu, posted in the story section of his personal Facebook page.
“I was operated on my spine, I have 5 disc herniations”, said Viorel Păunescu 4 years ago.
Viorel Păunescu: “The star is that of the Army”
Viorel Păunescu was the president of Stela between 1998 and 2003. He took over the football team from the Minister of National Defense and founded the NGO AFC Steaua. Later, the entity led by Păunescu ceded its place in League 1 to Societatea Comerciala Fotbal Club Steaua București SA, led by Gigi Becali.
When the takeover was made, I didn't get involved, I withdrew. I had a good time then, we won the title with Victor Pițurcă.. The star is that of the Army, they won the Champions League, the team from League 2. The supporters respect me and call me even today, I talk to them. FCSB has its work, I remained on good terms with Gigi Becali.
– Viorel Păunescu, in 2023
The High Court of Cassation and Justice decided that CSA Steaua, the League 2 team, has a record from 1947-1998. The period 1998-2003, in which Păunescu was at Steaua, does not belong to either the Sports Club or the FCSB, according to the ÎCCJ.
