Gabriel Muresan, a former Romanian football player who earned nine caps for the national team, has died at the age of 44 after drowning in a lake near the town of Apold, where he had been serving as mayor since 2020. The Romanian Football Federation confirmed the tragic news, expressing condolences to his family and friends.
Career Highlights with Cluj
Muresan's most successful period came with CFR Cluj, where he won the Romanian league title in 2008, 2010, and 2012, along with three domestic cups during his six seasons at the club. He also captained the side and featured in the UEFA Champions League group stages, playing against top European clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Roma.
Tributes from Football Community
The Romanian Football Federation stated: “The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew Gabriel Muresan.” Cluj posted on social media: “We’ll miss you, Gabi! We miss you already and we still don’t realise that you are no longer with us! Thank you for everything you’ve done for our club. May God rest his soul in peace! Sincere condolences to his grieving family and to all who knew and loved him!”
International and Local Impact
Muresan played for Romania in qualifying matches for the World Cup and European Championship between 2007 and 2011. The Apold public authority described him as “a devoted servant of our community” on Facebook. UEFA also paid tribute, saying: “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.”
