Gheorghe Hagi (born: February 4, 1965) is considered to be one of the best Romanian soccer players of all time. He led his national team in three consecutive World Cups during the 90s. He is the best attacking midfielder in Europe during the 198-s and 1990s, giving him the nickname “Comandante” (the commander) and “Regele” (the king). Hagi started out in youth systems before moving over to the Romanian Football Federal club.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Gheorghe Hagi played for three World Cups with the Romanian national team in 1990, 1994 and 1998, the European Football Championships in 1984, 1996 and 2000, with a total of 137 caps for Romania, ranking second after Dorinel Munteanu and the joint leading goal scorer with Adrian Mutu with 35 goals.
He was selected as the best Romanian player of the past 50 years at the UEFA Jubilee Awards in 2004.
Hagi was named “Player of the Year” when he played for the Galatasaray Istambul for the Turkish division. He scored 59 goals and gave out a number of assists in 132 matches that he played with Türkiye. He received the Turkish Championship award 4 consecutive times and as well as two Cups.
Why Was He So Good?
Whenever Gheorghe Hagi plays, he always leaves his mark on the game. He was the first Romanian player to truly play at the highest club level since managing the rare feat of playing for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. He was known for his technique, vision, passing and finishing, regarded as one of the best football players of his generation.
What You May Not Know
- When he was younger, he played for the Farul local team, shining ever since he was just a boy with small frame and fragile look.
- He had an outstanding technique that allowed him to play in championships with kids that were three to four year older than him.
- Gheorghe Hagi remained one of the most beloved players in the Turkish and Romanian championships.
He now coaches “Steaua Bucharest”, the team that launched him into big soccer.
Was he a legend?
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