Gheorghe Hagi decorated with the “Star of Romania”, the country’s highest distinction

Gheorghe Hagi, nicknamed the “king of Romanian football”, was decorated on Wednesday by the interim president of Romania. The captain of the Golden Generation received the National Order “Star of Romania” in the rank of Knight. It is the highest distinction of the Romanian state. Only 6 athletes have received this distinction before.

“Today, we gather as family, friends, members of the Golden Generation, and great athletes to celebrate a legend of Romanian and international football. He put Romania on the football map. Mr. Hagi, it is an honor for me to present you with the highest distinction of the Romanian state. This year, you turned 60, with 50 years dedicated to sports. You have been a hero both on the field and in the world of football. The Golden Generation remains a testament to what we can achieve when we stand united. Sports are part of our national identity, and Romania has a strong foundation of great athletic achievements. You are an inspiration to the entire nation. We thank you for all you have given to Romania and for teaching us what it means to believe, to fight, and to win,” said Ilie Bolojan, the interim president of Romania.

Overcome with emotion, Gheorghe Hagi expressed his gratitude: “Dear Mr. President, dear friends, colleagues, family. This is a special day. I am honored, happy, and fulfilled to have reached 60 years, having worked for 50 years for this moment, which is truly special for me. I thank the President of Romania. Thank you, Romania, for this wonderful day,” said Gică Hagi.

“I am honored, happy, and fulfilled. I thank the President and Romania for this honor,” Hagi added as he presented Ilie Bolojan with a jersey bearing the number 10. “We need mentors to grow. Romania has immense talent. Now, it’s up to us to work hard and develop them properly,” he emphasized.

Among those present at the ceremony were Mircea Lucescu, Nadia Comăneci, Simona Halep, Elisabeta Lipă, Ilie Năstase, Gică Popescu, Anghel Iordănescu, Răzvan Burleanu, Ilie Dumitrescu, and Mihai Covaliu.

Hagi’s decoration is a recognition of his entire sporting career and his contribution to developing Romanian football among young players. His career record includes 223 matches and 141 goals in Romania’s top league alone.

The former captain and coach of Romania’s national team, Gheorghe Hagi—widely regarded as the “King” of Romanian football—turned 60 on February 5. His domestic career saw him win three league titles and three Romanian Cups, and he was twice the country’s top scorer (1984/85 and 1985/86).

Hagi played in Spain for Real Madrid (1990-1992, 19 goals in 64 matches) and FC Barcelona (1994-1996, 7 goals in 36 matches). Between his stints at these clubs, he also played for Brescia (1992-1994) in Italy.

From 1996 to 2001, Hagi played for Galatasaray Istanbul, winning four league titles, two Turkish Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup.

Internationally, Hagi participated in three European Championships (1984, 1996, 2000) and three World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998). In 1999, he was named Romanian Footballer of the Century.

Following his retirement, Hagi coached Romania’s national team in 2001 before managing Bursaspor (2003), Galatasaray (2004-2005, 2010-2011), Poli Timișoara (2006), and Steaua (2007), leading the latter to the Champions League group stage.

Between 2014 and 2020, he served as manager of FC Viitorul Constanța, a club he founded, which won the Romanian championship in 2017. Since 2020, Hagi has focused on the Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy, overseeing youth development.

In 2021, he declined the role of Romania’s national team coach, choosing instead to remain owner and manager of Farul Constanța, which won the Romanian league title in the 2022/2023 season.