Mourning at the Constanța Lighthouse! Ilhan Mustafa, “one of the most appreciated and loved players in the history of the club” has died
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 22:57 / Updated on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 23:01
Mourning in the family of the Constanța Lighthouse. Ilhan Mustafa, one of the most emblematic players of the Black Sea club, died at the age of 73. The announcement was made by the Constanta club itself.
The Mariners sent an emotional message, stressing that the former right-back was “one of the most valued and loved players in the club's history”, recalling his contribution to one of the best periods in Faro's history, the 1973/1974 season, when the team finished 4th in the first division.
Ilhan Mustafa, former player at Farul Constanța, has died
The Constanta club announced the separation from the former player of the 70s through social networks:
Farul Constanța regretfully announces the passing of Ilhan Mustafa, one of the most appreciated and loved players in the club's history.
Right back in one of the most beautiful teams in the history of Farul, 4th place in the 1973/1974 edition, Ilhan Mustafa made his debut in the blue-white shirt in 1970, and then played again for Farul between 1974-1981, where, as he would declare, “it was the most beautiful period of my life”.
Always in our heart! Condolences to the family!– the official release of the Lighthouse
Ilhan Mustafa, former player at Farul Constanța, died // PHOTO: @Farul Constanța
Who was Ilhan Mustafa?
According to the official website of the Farul Constanța club, Ilhan Mustafa was born in Mangalia, on August 12, 1952, and he took his first steps in football at AS Armata Marina Mangalia, as a teenager.
He advanced quickly, and at only 16 years old he was already playing at the senior level, in Division C. In January 1970, before he turned 18, he made the move to Farul. In the early years, he also played for Portul Constanța and Victoria Roman, during his military training, after which he returned to the white-blue team, where he established himself as a right-back until the beginning of the 80s.
He ended his career in 1983, at only 31 years old, and after his retirement he devoted himself to educational activities, holding the position of director of the Children's Palace in Constanța from 2005.
