At the end of the 1991-92 season, Corvinul Hunedoara suffered a clear relegation, finishing in 18th place with just 19 points, 9 points behind the safety zone. Even the most pessimistic fans did not expect that it would take more than three decades for Hunedoara's football to return to the top stage. […]

At the close of the 1991-92 season, Corvinul Hunedoara was relegated from the top division, finishing in 18th place with only 19 points, 9 points away from the safety zone (where two points were awarded for a win). The most pessimistic fans did not anticipate a three-decade wait for Hunedoara's football to return to the top tier. In the following years, the club faced existential challenges, including financial issues and a period without senior teams. In 2004-05, the club was excluded from the league due to financial troubles, not appearing for two matches after the 13th round.

The club persevered, relying solely on a youth team participating in the county championship until even that team ceased operations. However, after Dan Bobouțanu, a sports enthusiast and former journalist, became the mayor, serious efforts to revive the Corvinul brand were undertaken. These efforts were successful, and in the summer of 2022, the team's revival was realized.

The Rise and Return

The team's journey back to the top began with promotion to the second division, followed by an unexpected victory in the Romanian Cup. The final step was the long-awaited promotion to the Superliga. This return marks 34 years of anticipation. On May 16, 2026, supporters cheered for FC Corvinul Hunedoara against FC Bihor Oradea in the playoff match for promotion to the Superliga, played at the Corvinul 1921 Hunedoara Sports Complex Stadium.

Historical Context

The return of Corvinul Hunedoara is one of the longest absences in Romanian football history. The club's 34-year absence ranks third, behind Gaz Metan Mediaș, which was absent for 51 years (1949-2000), and Olimpia Satu Mare, which was absent for 36 years (1938-1974). The table below lists the longest periods of absence from the top division, starting from over 10 years.

  • 51 years – Gaz Metan Mediaș (1949-2000)
  • 36 years – Olimpia Satu Mare (1938-1974)
  • 34 years – Corvinul Hunedoara (1992-2026)
  • 31 years – Sportul Studențesc (1941-1972)
  • 28 years – Vagonul Arad (1940-1968), CFR Cluj (1976-2004)
  • 22 years – CSM Reșița (11950-1972)
  • 20 years – Gloria Buzău (1987-2007)
  • 18 years – Olimpia Satu Mare (1980-1998)
  • 16 years – Șoimii Sibiu (1934-1950)
  • 15 years – Corvinul Hunedoara (1961-1976), CS Târgoviște (1962-1977)
  • 14 years – CFR Timișoara (1956-1970), CSM Reșița (1978-1992)
  • 13 years – FC Baia Mare (1965-1978)
  • 12 years – CS Târgoviște (1984-1996), FC Bihor Oradea (1991-2003), UTA (2008-2020)
  • 11 years – UTA