​Former Romania international Gabriel Muresan has died at the age of 44 after drowning in a lake near the town where he served as mayor, local media reported on Thursday. The Romanian Football Federation confirmed the death of the midfielder, who earned nine caps for the national team and appeared in World Cup and European Championship qualifying matches from 2007 to 2011. During his international career, Muresan faced some of football’s most formidable teams, including France and Brazil, cementing his status as a respected figure in Romanian football.
The Romanian Football Federation issued its condolences, saying: “The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew Gabriel Muresan.” The public authority in Apold, where Muresan served as mayor since 2020, described him on Facebook as “a devoted servant of our community,” highlighting his commitment to public service beyond his football career.
Muresan’s club career was most notable during his six seasons with CFR Cluj, where he was a central figure in a golden era for the club. With Cluj, he won the Romanian Liga I title in 2008, 2010 and 2012, and the team claimed three domestic cups during his tenure from 2007 to 2013. In European competition, Muresan featured in three UEFA Champions League group-stage campaigns, facing elite clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and AS Roma, underscoring his experience at the highest level of club football.
Throughout his professional journey, Muresan spent his entire playing career in Romania and also had stints with a range of clubs across the country, including FC Dealul Morii, Sighişoara, Gloria Bistriţa, Mobila Sovata, Gaz Metan Mediaş, and ASA Târgu Mureș, as well as a period in Russia with Tom Tomsk. He eventually retired from professional play in 2017 and transitioned into a political career, ultimately serving as the mayor of Apold until his death.
Uefa paid tribute on Thursday morning, stating: “On behalf of the European football community, we are saddened by the passing of former Romania international Gabriel Muresan at the age of 44. Muresan earned nine caps for his country and captained CFR Cluj, winning three league titles during a successful six-year spell with the club. He also featured in the Uefa Champions League. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who knew him.” The sentiment from European football’s governing body echoed the respect shown by fans, clubs, and football institutions across Romania and beyond in reaction to Muresan’s passing.