Romanian President Nicușor Dan honored members of the Steaua Bucharest football team that triumphed in the 1986 European Champions Cup, marking the 40th anniversary of the historic victory. The Presidential Administration announced that state decorations were awarded in a ceremony ahead of the May 7 anniversary of the final in Seville.
Honoring Romania's Greatest Football Achievement
Steaua Bucharest's victory over Barcelona in Seville is widely recognized as the pinnacle of Romanian club football. The team became the first Eastern European team to win the European Champions Cup, defeating Barcelona on penalties in an iconic match. This historic achievement has left an indelible mark on Romanian sports history.
Recipients of the National Order "For Merit"
Former player and coach Anghel Iordănescu was awarded the National Order “For Merit” in the rank of Commander. Several other members of the 1986 squad received the same order in the rank of Knight, including Gavril Balint, Miodrag Belodedici, Ladislau Bölöni, Mihai Bumbescu, Constantin Iordache, Ștefan Iovan, Marius Lăcătuș, Mihai Majearu, and Victor Pițurcă.
Honoring the Goalkeeper Who Saved the Day
President Klaus Iohannis previously honored former Steaua goalkeeper Helmut Duckadam with the National Order "Star of Romania" in the rank of Knight. Duckadam's remarkable performance in saving four consecutive penalties was a key factor in Steaua's victory over Barcelona (2-0).
Additional Recipients
Additional recipients of the National Order "For Merit" include Dumitru Marin Radu, Costică Stîngaciu, Tudorel Stoica, and Ernestin Weiszenbacher, who all contributed to the team's success.
The ceremony is part of broader commemorations of the 1986 triumph, which remains a defining moment in Romanian sport and continues to hold significant symbolic value four decades later.
