Renowned Romanian Coach Mircea Lucescu Passes Away: A Long Career in Ukraine and Global Recognition in Football

On April 7, 2023, it was announced that the renowned Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu had passed away at the age of 80. Lucescu's extensive career spanned numerous countries and teams, but he is most fondly remembered by Ukrainian fans for his significant contributions to the development of football in Ukraine, particularly during his time with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Lucescu left behind a rich legacy, having built a career that earned him respect and recognition across the globe. Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atletico Madrid, who had the opportunity to work under Lucescu, expressed his condolences to the coach's family. In a comment to Sky Sport Italia, Simeone recalled his early days in football when Lucescu invited him to his home for meals and supported him as a young player.

“I will always cherish the best memories of him, and I express my condolences to his family. I remember him back in Pisa when I was just starting out — he would invite me to his home for meals, looking after me because I was just a boy. I have wonderful memories of him as a person and as a coach. His numbers speak for themselves. Later, he was my coach at Inter — it wasn't the best period, but he always remained very sincere, humble, and a person with a big heart,” said Diego Simeone.

It is worth noting that Lucescu managed FC Shakhtar from 2004 to 2016. Under his leadership, the team played 573 matches, securing 22 trophies, including 8 Ukrainian championship titles, 6 Ukrainian Cups, and 7 Ukrainian Super Cups. Notably, under his guidance, Shakhtar won its first European trophy, the UEFA Cup, in 2009. Additionally, in the 2020/21 season, he led Dynamo Kyiv to a Ukrainian Premier League victory. Mircea Lucescu ranks among the top three most successful coaches in football history, underscoring his immense contribution to the sport.

On March 29, 2026, Lucescu was hospitalized after feeling unwell while with the Romanian national team following a 0-1 defeat to Turkey in the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff. On April 2, he stepped down as the head coach of the Romanian team, shocking many of his fans.

On April 3, Lucescu suffered an acute myocardial infarction while in the hospital. Following this, he was placed in a medically induced coma due to severe cardiac arrhythmias that were unresponsive to treatment. A computed tomography scan revealed multiple signs of ischemic cerebral strokes and pulmonary thromboembolism, with his condition being assessed as critical.

Cardiologist Stefan Busnatu evaluated the Romanian coach's condition after the CT scan, noting that several organs — the heart, brain, and lungs — were affected, significantly increasing the risks. Unfortunately, on the evening of April 7, Mircea Lucescu passed away, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the world of football.

Earlier, footballer Yaroslav Rakitsky bid a heartfelt farewell to Lucescu, expressing his condolences and respect for his memory. The death of Mircea Lucescu represents a significant loss not only for Romanian football but also for Ukrainian football, as his contributions to the sport in Ukraine are immeasurable.