Football legend Mircea Lucescu, 80, remains in critical condition after suffering a heart attack. Medical staff have placed him in an induced coma due to severe arrhythmias, a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. His health has deteriorated rapidly, with indications he may have only days left.
Recent Health Crisis
Lucescu experienced the heart attack on Friday morning, shortly after collapsing during a team meeting that prompted him to step down as Romania’s manager just days prior. A statement from Bucharest’s University Hospital initially described his condition as stable. However, updates reveal a sharp decline, following heart surgery where doctors fitted a fifth stent to improve blood flow. He had shown signs of recovery, sitting up and speaking, but his state worsened in recent hours.
Family Rushes to Bedside
Family members, including wife Neli and granddaughter Marilu, stand vigil at his side. Son Razvan Lucescu, 57, manager of Greek club PAOK, abandoned his team’s crucial derby against Panathinaikos to join them. The match kicks off at 5 p.m. BST on Sunday, leaving PAOK without their head coach.
Visitor Describes Tense Scene
Mihai Stoichita, technical director for the Romania national team, visited Lucescu and shared observations. “I can’t give any news, because I haven’t talked to anyone. I just sat there with him for about five minutes, he doesn’t answer anything, that’s normal. Let’s hope he’ll be fine, God willing,” Stoichita said. He added, “He can’t talk. He’s probably in an induced state to help. He must have days, that’s important, nothing else.” Stoichita noted the exceptional care, with constant monitoring by machines and staff, but refrained from medical predictions. “Hope dies last,” he concluded.
Storied Football Careers
Lucescu, who earned 64 caps as a player for Romania, began coaching in 1979 after retirement. He led Romania from 1981 to 1986 and later managed elite clubs like Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, including Champions League campaigns. Recent roles included Turkey from 2017 to 2019, Dynamo Kyiv from 2020 to 2023, and a 2024 return to Romania.
Razvan Lucescu mirrors his father’s path, managing Romania from 2009 to 2011 and stints at clubs like Al Hilal. He assumed PAOK duties in 2021, marking their second collaboration.
