Death of Mircea Lucescu: Sergey Rebrov Expresses His Condolences

Ukrainian national team head coach Sergey Rebrov has publicly expressed his condolences following the tragic news of the passing of Mircea Lucescu, the former coach of both Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk. In an emotional post on Instagram, Rebrov recalled the intense rivalry that existed between them, which lasted for many years and became a crucial part of Ukrainian football history.

“Yesterday, Mircea Lucescu passed away. A person who not only coached but defined the face of our football for decades,” Rebrov wrote, emphasizing Lucescu's immense contribution to the development of sports in Ukraine.

Rebrov also noted that their rivalry was always principled and complicated, but it was in this fierce competition that genuine respect was born. “I have always valued him for his incredible dedication to the game. For his ability to see future stars in young players. For having his unique style in football and life,” he added.

He highlighted that Mircea Lucescu knew everything about football. Even when they were competitors, he felt that this competition made them both stronger and Ukrainian football better. “His contribution is not just trophies; it is an entire era on which more than one generation has grown,” Rebrov pointed out.

“He was a strong opponent and a great professional. I will miss our conversations about the game and that special energy he brought to the stadium,” the Ukrainian national team coach concluded, extending his condolences to Lucescu's family and loved ones. “Rest in peace, Mister. Light memory,” Rebrov finished his post.

Mircea Lucescu, who worked in Ukraine for 15 years, managed both Dynamo and Shakhtar. During his career with Shakhtar, he won the Ukrainian championship eight times and also lifted the UEFA Cup in 2009. With Dynamo, he secured titles as Ukrainian champion, as well as the Cup and Super Cup.

Unfortunately, on March 29, 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 playoffs. On April 2, he resigned from his position as head coach of the Romanian team, and just a day later, he suffered an acute myocardial infarction while in the hospital.

Subsequently, he was placed in a medically induced coma after experiencing severe heart arrhythmias that were unresponsive to treatment. A CT scan revealed multiple signs of ischemic cerebral strokes and pulmonary embolism, and his condition was assessed as critical.

Cardiologist Stefan Busnatu evaluated the Romanian coach's condition after the CT scan, noting that several organs were affected—heart, brain, and lungs—significantly increasing the risks. Unfortunately, on April 7, Mircea Lucescu passed away.

The news of Lucescu's death has elicited reactions not only from Dynamo and Shakhtar but also from Inter Milan and Real Madrid, underscoring the immense impact this coach had on world football.