Article by Cezar Titor – Published Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:01 p.m. / Updated Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:08 p.m.
Starting today, Gică Hagi, 61 years old, is the new Romanian coachreturning to the helm of the first national team after 25 years. Luis Figo, 53 years old, the former teammate of the “King” from the 1995-1996 season in Barcelona, present at the Laureus Awards Gala in Madrid, discussed the appointment of his former colleague in the position of Romania's A1.
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona player, one of the best Portuguese players of all time, spoke highly of Hagi, calling him “his friend” and wishing him “all the happiness in the world”.
Luis Figo: “I wish all the happiness in the world to Gică Hagi”
“I was not aware that he is the Romanian national team. I wish my friend all the best and I wish him all the happiness in the world as if it were for me.
I don't think we have to compare with the results he had as a player. I think that will be his goal, right? To achieve the greatest success with the national team of his country”, declared the Lusitanian, winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2000, according to sport.ro.
Gică Hagi and Luis Figo, at the match of the legends of the world vs the legends of Romania
In the national team we have to do everything, to have courage, not to be afraid of defeat, to do everything to win, winning mentality, quality number 1, they have to be the best players in Romania, we can't complain that we don't have good, competitive players to fight with.
I was young and restless last time, now I am much more experienced, more coachable, I am a man who has progressed a lot. I was interested in winning, in having peace of mind, in implementing the mentality of liking to win.
– Gică Hagi, at the time of presentation to the national team
CV Gheorghe Hagi
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He played at: Farul (1982-1983), Sportul (1983-1987), Steaua (1987-1990), Real Madrid (1990-1992), Brescia (1992-1994), Barcelona (1994-1996), Galatasaray (1996-2001);
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He coached: the national team of Romania (2001), Bursaspor (2003), Galatasaray (2004-2005 – a Turkish Cup), Poli Timisoara (2005-2006), Steaua (2007), Galatasaray (2010-2011). From 2014 to 2025, he coached Viitorul/Farul, with whom he won two titles, a Cup and a Romanian Supercup.
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Matches/goals in the national team: 124-35
Performance as a player:
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Champion of Romania with the Star (1987, 1988, 1989)
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Romanian Star Cup (1987, 1989)
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Division A top scorer in 1985 and 1986
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European Super Cup with Steaua (1987) and Galatasaray (2001)
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Champion of Turkey with Galatasaray (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000)
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Turkish Cup with Galatasaray (1999, 2000, 2005- as coach)
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Turkish Super Cup with Galatasaray (1997)
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Spanish Super Cup (1990 with Real Madrid and 1994 with Barcelona)
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UEFA Cup with Galatasaray (2000)
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participated with the national team in three world championships (1990, 1994, 1998) and three European championships (1984, 1996, 2000)
