Article by Andrei Crăiţoiu – Published Tuesday, 07 April 2026 23:06 / Updated Tuesday, 07 April 2026 23:12
Mircea Lucescu, the most famous name in the history of Romanian football, passed away today at the age of 80. Shortly after the announcement of the death, the Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel sent an emotional message of condolences.
Mircea Lucescu died this evening, after being admitted to the University Hospital in Bucharest for the last few days. “I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Mr. Mircea Lucescu, a prominent figure in Romanian and international sports”, was the message conveyed by the Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, in a press release.
“Mircea Lucescu stood out for his dedication, responsibility and professionalism”
“Throughout his fruitful activity, Mr. Mircea Lucescu stood out for his dedication, responsibility and professionalism, contributing significantly to the promotion of the authentic values of sport. He was particularly appreciated for his pedagogic tact, his special culture and his open and honest communication that attracted the respect and appreciation of all who knew him”, he noted.
In his message, the Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel also talks about the contribution of Mircea Lucescu in the relationship with the Church.
“His Highness had a significant contribution to the putting into use for the Romanian community resident in Istanbul, in 2004, of the Church of the Holy Martyr Paraschevi in Hasköy district, Istanbul. This church was rebuilt from the ground up by the Holy Martyr Constantin Brâncoveanu, in 1692, and benefited from extensive restoration works after 2004, including through the care of Mr. Mircea Lucescu and his entire family,” says Patriarch Daniel.
The disappearance of Mircea Lucescu quickly became the main topic in major publications in Europe and the world.
“His lordship also helped other churches in Romania”
Stating in his condolence message: “At the same time, his lordship also helped other churches in Romania, and the Romanian Orthodox Church showed its gratitude both by mentioning it in prayer and by offering some church orders or distinctions. Among the awards received, the Order of the Patriarchal Cross awarded by the worthy patriarch Teoctist, during his visit to Istanbul in 2004, stands out.”
“Also, as a sign of gratitude to the Romanian Orthodox Church for the help offered to its mission over time, as well as in appreciation of the results of his reign as an athlete and coach, at the beginning of this month, April 2026, I offered him the Order of Faith and Communion of the Romanian Patriarchate”, the Patriarch also noted.
In these moments of pain for his lordship's family, for his friends and those close to him, but also for all those who knew and cherished him, we pray to God to rest the soul of His servant Mircea in the light, peace and love of the Holy Trinity, and to give comfort and spiritual strength to the bereaved
Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Mircea Lucescu, unparalleled career in football
- Mircea Lucescu took his first steps in football at Dinamo Bucharest, the team with which he has spent most of his career. He also performed at Știința Bucharest and Corvinul Hunedoara.
- As a player, he won 6 championship titles and a Romanian Cup, all with Dinamo.
- Throughout his coaching career, he trained Corvinul, the Romanian national team, Dinamo, Pisa, Brescia, Reggiana, Rapid, Inter, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, Shakhtior, Zenit, the Turkish national team and Dinamo Kiev.
- He won 36 trophies in his career as a technician: 9 times the championship of Ukraine, 8 times the Ukrainian Cup, 7 times the Ukrainian Supercup, 3 times the Romanian Cup, 2 times the Romanian championship, 2 times the Turkish championship, as well as the UEFA Cup, the European Super Cup, the Russian Super Cup and the Anglo-Italian Cup.
