Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, January 30, 2026, 6:29 p.m. / Updated Friday, January 30, 2026, 6:34 p.m.
Mihai Popa, in his second match since returning to CFR Cluj, committed an incredible blunder at the 2-1 goal scored by the Bucharesters from Metaloglobus. The goalkeeper recently returned from Italy made a serious mistake, just a few days after a sensational debut in the Transylvanian jersey.
In the previous stage, CFR Cluj prevailed 4-1 at the National Arena in front of the Romanian champions, FCSB, and Mihai Popa (25 years old) had a dream debut, just three days after the club from Gruia announced his permanent transfer from Turin. This time, however, the goalkeeper made a mistake, and Metaloglobus is close to producing a surprise on the field of the vice-champion.
VIDEO. Mihai Popa, monumental blunder in CFR – Metaloglobus
The CFR goalkeeper had to deal with a seemingly trivial situation, when Adrian Șîrbu's shot was sent directly to the goal. Mihai Popa let himself down on the ball, but dropped the ball between his legs, and Metaloglobus took the lead again, although the team from Bucharest occupies the last place in the SuperLigă.
Until the match with FCSB, Mihai Popa had not defended in an official match since May 23, 2025, when he also played for CFR Cluj, in a draw with the same red-blue formation.
Mihai Popa, without minutes played in Turin
Mihai Popa trained at the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, but did not get to make his senior debut for Farul. He was later transferred to Astra Giurgiu, where he performed for one season, then played for Rapid and FC Voluntari, before the transfer to Italy, to Turin, in 2023.
In 2024, the goalkeeper was loaned for a season to CFR Cluj, and in the summer of 2025 he returned to Turin, a club for which he did not perform in any official match. The definitive return to Gruia took place recently, and the match with Metaloglobus is his 15th match in the CFR shirt.
He made the most appearances for FC Voluntari, 77 in number. According to specialized websites, Mihai Popa is quoted at 500,000 euros.
