Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Sunday, January 11, 2026, 6:31 p.m. / Updated Sunday, January 11, 2026, 6:35 p.m.
Eugen Pojoni, the former great central defender from UTA Arad, died at the age of 84.
Eugen Pojoni, who started football at Avântul Reghin, played for UTA for 10 years, between 1967 and 1977. He won two titles with the Arădeni team, in 1969 and 1970. He also played for Viitorul București and Crișul Oradea in his career.
UTA Arad announced the death of Eugen Pojoni
The sad news was given by the Arada club. The cause of death was not disclosed.
“The beginning of the year also brings us sad news: today, Arada football loses Eugen Pojoni (Jenö Pozsonyi), the iron defender of the last golden generation of UTA.
He was born on January 1, 1942 in Reghin, Mureș county. He played as a central defender and became one of the important defenders of UTA in the years 1967–1977. He grew up in Reghin and started football at Avântul Reghin, between 1957 and 1961. In 1962 he signed with Viitorul Bucuresti and played a match in Division A.
In the same period, he moved to Crișul Oradea (1962–1967), performing in Division A and B. In Oradea, he attracted the attention of big clubs and grew as a defender. He was selected for the Romanian youth national team and also played in international youth matches.
After the experience in the neighboring city, Pojoni was wanted in Arad, but the transfer was blocked for a year. A year later, he was released and over time managed to collect 247 matches and 9 goals for UTA in the championship. With our team he won two Romanian championship titles in the 1968 – 1969 and 1969 – 1970 seasons.
He also played in European cups with UTA, including memorable matches in the Champions Cup. He was known as an “iron defender” and loved by Arad supporters, being part of the generation considered the “last golden generation” of the club. May God rest him in peace!”, announced the people of Arad, on Facebook.
