Romanian soccer has produced world-class talent for decades, and 2025 is no exception. From defenders anchoring top European clubs to creative midfielders and clinical forwards, here are the 10 best Romanian players making waves globally this year.
1. Radu Drăgușin (Centre-Back)
Club: Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
Age: 23
Radu Drăgușin is Romania’s most valuable defender in 2025. Standing at 6’3″, he combines physical strength with precise tackling, making him a cornerstone of Tottenham’s backline. In the 2024/25 season, he started 14 matches for Romania’s national team and scored a crucial goal in the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage. His aerial dominance (75% duel success rate) and composure under pressure have earned him comparisons to legendary Romanian defenders.
2. Dennis Man (Right Winger)
Club: Parma Calcio (Serie A)
Age: 26
Dennis Man is Romania’s top forward, known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing. After helping Parma win the 2023/24 Serie B title, he seamlessly transitioned to Serie A, scoring 4 goals in 21 matches by early 2025. His standout performance came in August 2024, netting a goal against AC Milan in a 2–1 upset. Man also holds the record for the most expensive transfer from Romania’s Liga I (€13 million to Parma in 2021).
3. Ianis Hagi (Attacking Midfielder)
Club: Rangers FC (Scottish Premiership)
Age: 26
The son of Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, Ianis has carved his own path as a creative force. Despite limited starts in 2024/25 due to injury, he contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in 14 appearances for Rangers. His vision and set-piece accuracy (85% pass completion rate) make him indispensable for both club and country. In the UEFA Nations League, he orchestrated Romania’s midfield, creating 4 scoring chances in 5 matches.
4. Răzvan Marin (Central Midfielder)
Club: Cagliari Calcio (Serie A)
Age: 28
Răzvan Marin is Romania’s midfield maestro, blending defensive grit with playmaking flair. In the 2024/25 Serie A season, he scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in 21 games, alongside a team-high 81.8% pass accuracy. His 29 key passes and 56 crosses highlight his role as Cagliari’s primary creator. For the national team, he’s a veteran with 13 starts in 2024, anchoring Romania’s midfield in UEFA Nations League matches.
5. Marius Marin (Defensive Midfielder)
Club: Pisa SC (Serie B)
Age: 26
Marius Marin is a tireless ball-winner, averaging 4.1 tackles per game in Serie B. Though his club plays in Italy’s second tier, his performances earned him 12 starts for Romania in 2024. His ability to break up opposition play and distribute efficiently (88% short-pass accuracy) has caught the eye of Serie A scouts.
6. Andrei Rațiu (Right-Back)
Club: Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)
Age: 26
Andrei Rațiu is Romania’s most reliable full-back, known for his overlapping runs and defensive discipline. In La Liga, he completed 42 dribbles in 21 games and won 67% of his defensive duels. His versatility allows him to play as a wing-back or centre-back, making him a key asset for Romania’s national team.
7. Florin Niță (Goalkeeper)
Club: Damac FC (Saudi Pro League)
Age: 37
Veteran goalkeeper Florin Niță remains Romania’s first-choice shot-stopper despite his age. In 2024, he kept 5 clean sheets in 11 international appearances, including a heroic display against Spain in the UEFA Nations League. His reflexes and leadership have earned him respect in Saudi Arabia’s top league, where he averages 3.2 saves per game.
8. Valentin Mihăilă (Left Winger)
Club: Parma Calcio (Serie A)
Age: 24
Valentin Mihăilă partners Dennis Man at Parma, forming Romania’s most dynamic wing duo. His agility and close control help him thrive in one-on-one situations, contributing 1 goal and 4 assists in Serie A by February 2025. For the national team, he’s a regular starter, using his speed to stretch defenses in counterattacks.
9. Darius Olaru (Attacking Midfielder)
Club: FCSB (Liga I)
Age: 26
Darius Olaru is the heartbeat of Romania’s domestic league, leading FCSB with 9 goals and 6 assists in the 2024/25 season. His creativity (2.3 key passes per game) and work rate make him a fan favorite. Though yet to move abroad, his performances in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers have put him on European clubs’ radars.
10. Alexandru Mitriță (Attacking Midfielder)
Club: CSU Craiova (Liga I)
Age: 29
Alexandru Mitriță combines experience with flair, ranking among Liga I’s top assist providers (5 assists in 18 games). His quick feet and eye for long-range goals (3 from outside the box in 2024/25) keep defenders guessing. While his prime years were spent in MLS with NYCFC, he remains a vital piece for Romania’s domestic giants.
Bottom Line
Romanian soccer in 2025 boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. From Radu Drăgușin’s defensive mastery to Dennis Man’s explosive attacks, these players represent the best of Romania’s footballing talent. Whether in top European leagues or domestically, their skill, determination, and passion continue to inspire the next generation. Keep an eye on these names—they’re shaping the future of Romanian soccer!