Tragedy in Romanian football! The Super League club announced the death of the 16-year-old player
Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:44 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:48 p.m.
The oil Ploiesti announced on Wednesday evening, February 18, through a post made on the club's official Facebook page, the death of junior Mario Cofaru, at only 16 years old.
He was part of the U17 group of the “Ilie Oană” team. Mario had turned 16 just a few days ago, on February 6th.
Mario Cofaru, Petrol's junior, died at 16 years old
Mario Cofaru, Petrol's junior, died at 16 // photo: Facebook
“A shocking news for the Petrolul Ploiești family! A very young player of our club, Mario Cofaru (16 years old), left us today, leaving a huge void in the souls of his family, teammates and everyone who knew him.
A member of the “U17” Group, Mario had taken the step to our club last summer, coming from HM Junior Câmpina. Thus, he wore the “yellow-blue” jersey in the Elite League matches played this season, and he had a whole promising career ahead of him.
Rest in peace, Mario! Condolences to the bereaved family!”, sent the representatives of Petrolul Ploiești, through a post on the Facebook page.
The cause of the sudden death was not announced by Petrolul.
Mario Cofaru had been brought in the summer of 2025 by Petrolul from the Câmpina juniors and was seen as one of the most promising juniors in Romanian football.
