On May 7, 1986, Steaua București made history by winning the European Cup for the first time, thanks to goalkeeper Helmut Duckadam's legendary performance. He successfully saved four penalty kicks from FC Barcelona, securing the title. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this significant achievement, both CSA Steaua and FCSB released messages on social media.

Forty years ago, Steaua defeated Barcelona in the penalty shootout at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville. Duckadam saved four penalties while Lăcătuș and Balint scored for Steaua, and Majearu and Boloni missed their attempts.

Both CSA Steaua and FCSB, involved in a long-standing dispute over branding and names, marked the anniversary with separate messages on Facebook. FCSB's message highlighted the national pride and unity that this victory brought, while CSA Steaua's message celebrated the iconic figures like Duckadam and the team's legendary status.

The 1986 final not only marked Steaua's success but also made them the first team from Eastern Europe to win the European Cup. This achievement remains a significant milestone in the club's history and the nation’s pride.

FCSB's Message

"Four decades after time stood still and Europe watched in awe at a team from Bucharest. On May 7, 1986, the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium in Seville became Romanian soil, where dreams turned into reality. This anniversary is not just about the coveted trophy but about the national pride that united an entire generation. Steaua București became the first team from Eastern Europe to win the European Cup.

Despite ongoing controversies over identity and achievements, the history written on the field remains sacred. Unfortunately, this jubilee is marred by the absence of two key figures, Emeric Ienei and Helmut Duckadam. Regardless of fan factions or legal interpretations of the club name, the spirit of Steaua 1986 belongs to all Romanians, it is a national heritage. Today, 40 years later, we do not just celebrate a date but a state of mind that reminds us that we were the best in Europe."

CSA Steaua's Message

"And 40 years have passed... On the magical night in Seville on May 7, 1986, time seemed to stand still under the warm Spanish sky on the billiard-table green pitch, where a story was written that no Romanian will ever forget. The 1986 European Cup final was not just a match; it was the moment when some people became symbols and a team became a legend. Helmut Duckadam, with his hands, with his fixed gaze and destiny written in his palms, made the impossible possible. Four saved penalties, four heartbeats that kept an entire country alive. Then, in that night, Europe not only saw but heard the name Steaua București spoken with respect and admiration. Heroes were not born then, but they were recognized then and became ours forever."

Helmut Duckadam and Emeric Ienei

Helmut Duckadam, the hero of the night in Seville, passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 65, at the Military Hospital in Bucharest. He had been battling health issues in recent years, including a heart surgery at the University Hospital in Bucharest in September 2024. Emeric Ienei, the legendary coach of Steaua and the national team, passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 88. He was a pioneering figure in Romanian football, leading Steaua to great success and coaching the national team in various tournaments.