Former Coach of Shakhtar and Dynamo, Mircea Lucescu, to Be Laid to Rest on Friday

Mircea Lucescu, the former head coach of prominent Ukrainian football clubs Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv, who won 25 different trophies during his illustrious career—more than any other coach in the history of Ukrainian football—passed away on April 7 at the age of 81. His burial is scheduled for Friday, where he will be honored with military honors at the Bellu Cemetery in Bucharest.

According to information published by Romanian television channel TVRinfo on Wednesday, Lucescu's coffin will be displayed for farewell at the National Arena from 5 PM on Wednesday until 8 PM on Thursday. This will provide an opportunity for fans, colleagues, and friends to pay their respects to the remarkable coach who left a significant mark on Ukrainian football.

Rinat Akhmetov, the president and owner of FC Shakhtar, expressed his condolences regarding Lucescu's passing. Akhmetov, who worked with Lucescu for 12 years, noted that it was during his tenure that Shakhtar became a dominant force in Ukrainian football. 'Today, the football world has suffered an irreparable loss—one of the most respected and decorated coaches in the history of the sport has passed away,' Akhmetov stated, emphasizing Lucescu's vital contribution to the club's development.

Akhmetov also recalled the achievements that the team garnered under Lucescu's leadership, including the UEFA Cup, eight Ukrainian championship titles, six Ukrainian Cup titles, and seven Ukrainian Supercup titles. 'Each of the 22 trophies that Mister won with Shakhtar holds special value for the club, for the fans, and for me personally… I will always be grateful to Mircea Lucescu for everything he did for Shakhtar and Ukrainian football. To me, he will forever remain a Great Coach and a Man with a big football heart,' he added.

Igor Surkis, president of FC Dynamo, where Lucescu worked from 2020 to 2023, also extended his condolences. Under Lucescu's guidance, the team achieved a 'golden treble' in the 2020/2021 season, winning the championship, the Cup, and the Supercup of Ukraine. 'The name Mircea Lucescu is forever inscribed in the history of our club… In difficult times, his experience, charisma, and dedication to football helped the team regain stability, a championship character, faith, and confidence in their abilities,' Surkis noted, alongside Dynamo's head coach Igor Kostiuk and team captain Vitaliy Buyalsky.

As fans and colleagues from across the country prepare to honor Lucescu's memory, his contributions to the development of Ukrainian football are being recognized. His achievements and influence on the sport will remain in the memories of many generations, and his name will forever be etched in the history of Ukrainian sports.