Quick Facts
Biography
Tudorel Stoica (born 7 September 1954 in Brăila) is a Romanian retired footballer who played as a central midfielder.
Club career
Stoica made his Romanian first division debuts with FCM Galaţi in 1974, having previously played for two other clubs from his native region.
After only one season, he transferred to country giants FC Steaua Bucureşti where, safe for his first year, he was a nuclear midfield element as the capital team won - that season included - seven league titles and five domestic cups. He was part of the squad that won the first European title in Romanian football's history, the 1985–86 European Cup, even though he did not play in the final against FC Barcelona, because of accumulation of yellow cards.
In 1989, 35-year-old Stoica moved abroad for the first time, playing one season in France with second level side RC Lens, returning to Steaua where he finished his career at the age of 37. The longtime team captain amassed totals of 369 games and 43 goals (373 counting with FCM Galaţi) in his country's top division, over the course of 15 professional seasons; in the early 90's, he had brief spells as assistant manager with his main club.
On 25 March 2008, Stoica was decorated by Romanian president Traian Băsescu with the Ordinul "Meritul Sportiv" — ("The Sportive Merit" Order) class II, for his part in the winning of the 1986 European Cup.
International career
During eight years, Stoica was capped 15 times for the Romanian national team, but did not attend any major international tournament.
He made his debut on 14 October 1979 in a 1–3 friendly loss with the Soviet Union.
Honours
- Steaua Bucureşti:
- Romanian League: 1975–76, 1977–78, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89
- Romanian Cup: 1975–76, 1978–79, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1988–89
- European Cup: 1985–86
- UEFA Super Cup: 1986
Personal
After retiring from football, Stoica served as scout for Belgian team R.S.C. Anderlecht. His son, Alin, was also a footballer and a midfielder. He also represented Steaua and the Romanian national team, and played mainly in Belgium, representing four different teams.