Dumitru Stângaciu


Dan Dumitru Stângaciu, is a Romanian former professional footballer who currently serves as a goalkeeping coach for UAE Pro League club Baniyas. He is best known for his spell with Steaua București in the 1980s and 1990s where he won the European Cup in 1986 and the European Super Cup in 1987.
He is one of the most famous and successful players who has ever played in the Romanian First League. He ranks second all-time in league championship, won tied with Giedrius Arlauskis, Ciprian Deac, Adrian Bumbescu, Mircea Lucescu and Tudorel Stoica, all with 7 championships won. Marius Lăcătuș won it 10 times and is ranked 1st.

Career

At the age of 18, Stângaciu signed for FCM Brașov, but after just two years, he was transferred to Steaua București, being the second goalkeeper option of the coach Emerich Jenei. As Helmut Duckadam retired from football in 1986, Stângaciu becomes the first option of the new coach, Anghel Iordănescu.
He spent the season 1988–1989 on loan to FC Olt Scorniceşti, as Steaua preferred to sign Silviu Lung, but returned in Bucharest one year later.
In 1995, Stângaciu began a new chapter in his career by moving to Turkish Premier Super Football League, played for Vanspor and Kocaelispor.
Stângaciu was Romanian football champion in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995, won the Romania Cup in 1985, 1987 and 1992 and the Turkish Cup in 1997. He also won five caps for Romania, being part of the squad who played at the World Cup 1998.
On 25 March 2008, he was decorated by the president of Romania, Traian Băsescu for the winning of the UEFA Champions League with Ordinul "Meritul Sportiv" — class II.

Honours

Club

FCM Braşov
Steaua București
Kocaelispor