НВ (Новое Время)

Farewell to Legendary Coach Mircea Lucescu: Final Tribute at Bucharest National Stadium

A farewell ceremony for the legendary Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu, who passed away on April 7, commenced at the National Stadium in Bucharest, drawing numerous football fans, colleagues, and friends to pay their last respects to a figure whose career left a significant mark on world football.

The National Stadium in Bucharest hosted a heartfelt farewell ceremony for the iconic Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu, who sadly passed away on April 7. The event attracted a large gathering of football enthusiasts, fellow coaches, and friends, all coming together to honor a remarkable professional whose contributions to the sport are widely recognized.

The coffin containing Mircea Lucescu's body will remain at Romania's largest arena until the end of Thursday. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, April 10, at the Church of Saint Eleftherios, located nearby. The burial will take place at Bellu Cemetery in Bucharest, where, according to DigiSport, only the coach's family will be present. This indicates a desire among his loved ones to preserve this significant moment within the family circle.

According to reports from digi24.ro, Mircea Lucescu had purchased a tomb at Bellu Cemetery over ten years ago. The tomb is situated on the main avenue, emphasizing his status and the respect he earned throughout his long career in sports.

It is important to note that on March 29, 2026, Mircea Lucescu was hospitalized after experiencing health issues during the Romanian national team's camp, where the team suffered a 0-1 defeat against Turkey in the playoff for the 2026 World Cup qualification. Just a few days later, on April 2, he stepped down from his position as the head coach of the Romanian team, a move that shocked many of his supporters.

On April 3, Lucescu suffered an acute myocardial infarction while still in the hospital. Following this incident, he was placed in a medically induced coma due to severe cardiac arrhythmias that were resistant to treatment. Doctors undertook every possible measure to stabilize his condition, but the results were disheartening.

During a CT scan, multiple signs of ischemic cerebral strokes and pulmonary thromboembolism were discovered in Lucescu. His condition was assessed as critical, and cardiologist Stefan Busnatu confirmed damage to several organs, including the heart, brain, and lungs. This news raised concerns within the football community, as Lucescu was not only a coach but also a symbol for many generations.

The reaction to Mircea Lucescu's death was immediate. Former Shakhtar star Tyson shared memorable photographs with the coach and expressed his condolences. This reflects the profound impact Lucescu had on the lives of many players and sports fans alike.

Mircea Lucescu leaves behind a vast legacy in both Ukrainian and Romanian football, and his contributions to the development of the sport are indisputable. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved football and respected this extraordinary coach.