Article by Eduard Apostol – Published Thursday, January 29, 2026, 2:46 p.m. / Updated Thursday, January 29, 2026 2:56 p.m.
Damian Militaru, 56 years old, an exceptional midfielder from the great Stella team of the 90s, recalled for the readers of Gazeta Sporturilor his special moment in the match with Fenerbahce, when he scored an extraordinary goal, but he also referred to tonight's duel at the National Arena
He also played for Dinamo, but he met his true glory at the big rival, Steaua. Practically, there he established himself as a footballer. Great football player. In the second part of the 90s, he was an essential man in the red-blue formation that ruled the domestic championship and fought with the “dragons” in the Champions League groups.
Damian Militaru, now 56 years old, is in charge of the Jiul Petroșani club, where he started and ended his career, also having a football school named after him in the town of Valea Jiului. A skilful, hard-working, brash, fearless midfielder with tremendous work capacity.
Militaru was a high-value holder in the “military” shirt. Hundreds of matches, goals in the first division and in European cups, including the exceptional one with Fenerbahce (2-1), which paved the way for a memorable qualification in the UEFA Cup in September 1997. Pass from Marius Lăcătuș and shot – “tracer” – from outside the box, with a remarkable precision that robbed the Turkish legend, Rüstü Reçber.
Damian Militaru, memorable duels with Simeone, Conte, Rai, Moller, Gascoigne or Okocha
Tonight, from 22:00, FCSB will face Fenerbahce in the last match of the XXL group of the Europa League. Good time for memories, but also to talk about the present confrontation.
The goal with Fener two decades ago also brought the midfielder a new nickname – “Bașkanul”, as journalist Andrei Crăciun told in a recent article from WeLoveSport.
For those who didn't catch Militaru playing, fan or rival, remember that he had tough duels with the world's great footballers of those years in the Champions League groups. One on one with Diego Simeone and Okocha, with Raí and Andreas Moller, with Antonio Conte and Paul Gascoigne!
Strong matches not only with Fener, but also with PSG, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Rangers, Valencia and Aston Villa.
2Militaru scored goals for Steaua in European cups in 35 matches
Damian Militaru's memory from “Şukru Saracioglu”: “In the euphoria of the moment, I didn't realize that I was happy in front of Fener's bench”
“No one thought at that time, September 1997, that we were going to knock Fener out of the European cups. They were better rated than us, even though Steaua was also someone in Europe. After my goal, Ciocoiu also scored, the success of their Bolic didn't matter anymore.
In the euphoria of the moment, I didn't even realize that I was happy on Fener's bench! I could see them (the Turkish players) coming towards me and I didn't understand why. But without wanting to, literally, I didn't realize it. I was too focused on the stakes of the game, because it was a very difficult match.
You know who was “my man” at the mark then? Okocha! Super talent of the world, he broke my spine (laughs)! Very technical, hard to hold. And when you thought you had “read” him, he invented something else. But it motivated me even more, it motivated me because it was magnificent. You had nothing to do but surpass yourself.
And the atmosphere was truly extraordinary in the Turks. Far beyond what is now in football. You felt that the spectators were coming over you on the field!”, Damian Militaru told GSP.ro.
Damian Militaru bets on 2-1 in FCSB – Fener, tonight
Tonight, he will watch on TV the match of the Romanian champion with yellow-blues with international stars, one and one. From Ederson to Asensio, from Skriniar to Akturkoglu.
“I hope that our result from that time in Istanbul will be repeated tonight. Let the Romanians win. It was difficult then, it is very difficult now. Football was different, but even the footballers of that time, we are talking about the great ones, were not inferior to those of now.
10Damian Militaru won trophies with Steaua, 4 championships, 3 Cups and 3 Supercups of Romania
We trusted each other and we succeeded. Let them be united! One makes a mistake, the other jumps and helps. And the public will be with the team, because the supporter feels when you put your soul. I would like ours to win, logically, we are Romanians, score 2-1. I hope so! With work, dedication and, of course, with football”, the former great footballer also declared.
