Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, May 22, 2026 9:11 p.m. / Updated Friday, May 22, 2026 10:55 p.m.
Ciprian Deac (40 years old) played the last game of his career, the duel between CFR Cluj and FC Argeș, ended 1-1. In the 83rd minute, at the time of substitution, the midfielder kissed the turf and burst into tears.
He was at the center of several emotional moments, first before the game's starting whistle, but also in the 10th minute, when the game was stopped for a special scenography.
PHOTO. Ciprian Deac, the last match of his career
Before the starting whistle of the match in Gruia, the captain of CFR Cluj came to the field with his girls, Anelise (12 years old) and Natalia-Giulia (7 years old).
Then, Teodora Albon (representing the FRF) and Paul Cazan (representing the LPF) gave him special awards. And the opponents from FC Argeș prepared a birthday shirt for him.
The plaque received also contained a message from Gino Iorgulescu, the president of the LPF.
Honor, glory and respect, Ciprian Deac! These are the words that your exemplary and unique career has imposed on football lovers everywhere, Ciprian! Now, when the time has come for your retirement from competitive activity, the Professional Football League thanks you for everything you have achieved in the area of Romanian football, in general, and in that of the great team CFR Cluj, in particular!
The 7 championship titles, the 4 Romanian Cups and the 4 Supercups, all won under the colors of this club, with whose history you practically identify yourself, have made you, Ciprian Deac, a legend! Of this club and Romanian football! On behalf of LPF, I congratulate you for the trophies, for the 440 matches played on the first stage of our football and for the entire career!
– the message sent by Gino Iorgulescu, president of the LPF, to Ciprian Deac
Ciprian Deac's first coach provided a very emotional moment. He kicked off the game and wanted to bow to his former student.
The presence at the stadium was numerous, and in the 10th minute, specially chosen considering that this is the number that Ciprian Deac has on his shirt, the game stopped. A special scenography appeared in the second stand. Fans chanted his name and set off fireworks.
“Cipri Deac, champion and legend, Gruia thanks you for everything / May your spirit stay on the grass when your boots are hung up“, was the message displayed by the fans of CFR Cluj.
In the 83rd minute, at the time of substitution, the midfielder kissed the turf and burst into tears. He was embraced by all his colleagues and staff.
Ciprian Deac, an impressive career in the cherry jersey
The current season has been a difficult one for the midfielder from Cluj, who only made 12 appearances, totaling just over 200 minutes. At the beginning of 2026, he was no longer included in coach Daniel Pancu's plans, missing even the winter camp.
Throughout his career, a truly exceptional one, he played for 19 seasons in the Super League (CFR Cluj, Oțelul, Rapid), during which he managed 89 goals and 103 decisive assists in 439 matches played in Romania's elite competition.
Ciprian Deac won 7 Romanian championship titles, 2 Romanian Cups and 4 Supercups, all in the shirt of CFR Cluj, being named “Footballer of the Year” in 2020.
From next season, Ciprian will occupy the position of vice president of the CFR Cluj club.
