Legendary football manager Mircea Lucescu dies at 80

Renowned Romanian football coach Mircea Lucescu passed away in a Bucharest hospital on April 8, 2026, at the age of 80. He had been battling severe health issues for ten days prior to his death, with reports noting he suffered a cardiac arrest on April 3 while hospitalized. Lucescu enjoyed a prolific career, managing clubs such as Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won the 2009 UEFA Cup, Dynamo Kyiv, Galatasaray, and Zenit Saint Petersburg. He also served as the head coach of the Romanian national team from 2024 until his death, having previously led the squad from 1981 to 1986. His career spanned nearly five decades, starting at Corvinul in 1978 and including significant tenures in Italy, Turkey, and Ukraine. He was the father of PAOK Thessaloniki head coach Razvan Lucescu. PAOK FC issued an official statement expressing condolences to the family and mourning the loss of the legendary figure. His legacy includes numerous domestic titles and international honors, cementing his status as one of football's most influential tacticians.