Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu, George Nistor – Published Monday, December 15, 2025, 8:35 p.m. / Updated Monday, December 15, 2025, 8:38 p.m.
Octavian Popescu (22 years old, left wing) was excluded from the team from FCSB for the match with Unirea Sloboziafrom round number 20 in the Superliga.
Octavian Popescu's career is going through a very weak period, and the player received warnings from Gigi Becali and Mihai Stoica.
“Octavian Popescu is at a crossroads. He has two paths ahead of him. If he starts on the right path, he can become a footballer, make his life for himself and the future generations of his family. He has qualities that we would not find in any player I have worked with. I was just talking to Tănase, and all our footballers admit that Popescu is the most talented”, said Mihai Stoica, two days ago.
Octavian Popescu
Octavian Popescu, excluded from the group by Gigi Becali
Octavian Popescu is not on the champion's team for the match in Clinceni. GSP.ro sources indicate that it was a decision by Gigi Becali.
In the victory with Feyenoord, Popescu was the starter and came out at halftime. In his place came Mihai Toma, who also scored.
In the derby with Dinamo, score 0-0, the footballer entered the break, and his game was not at all to Gigi Becali's liking. The boss had declared after the match that he wanted to change Tavi right during the match, but he was persuaded by Mihai Stoica.
“I put in George Popescu. Do you realize? How, me, to lose all the balls? I wanted to change him in the 75th minute, I thought that maybe we would win. I talked to MM and he said to me: “Hey Gigi, what's up, they don't even have anyone… You're ruining this guy”, Becali said after the derby.
This season, Popescu played 22 matches and did not score a single goal. He provided two decisive assists.
David Popa, promoted by FCSB to the first team
In Popescu's place, David Popa (18 years old, right wing) took the bench for the first time this season.
David Popa, Robert Necșulescu and Alexandru Stoian in FCSB – Lokomotiva Zagreb, UEFA Youth League. Photo: sportpictures.eu
He had good performances for the under 19 team, and Becali decided to bring him to the first team. “I saw a kid with number 7, I also watched the match. I called MM and told him that number 7 is coming to the first team. I don't even know his name. David Popa I think. He's a gang,” the businessman declared.
