Former Romania international Gabriel Muresan has died after drowning in a lake near the town where he served as mayor. He was 44.
The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) confirmed the death of the former midfielder, who represented Romania nine times between 2007 and 2011, featuring in FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship qualifying matches.
Local authorities in Apold, where Muresan had served as mayor since 2020, paid tribute to him as “a devoted servant of our community” in a statement shared on Facebook.
“The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew Gabriel Muresan,” the FRF said.
Gabriel Muresan enjoyed trophy-laden spell with Cluj
Muresan enjoyed the most successful period of his playing career with Cluj, helping the club win Romanian league titles in 2008, 2010 and 2012. During his six seasons at the club, Cluj also lifted three domestic cup titles.
The former midfielder also featured in three UEFA Champions League group-stage campaigns, taking on European heavyweights Chelsea, Manchester United and Roma.
Gabriel Muresan remembered for football and public service
Following his retirement from professional football, Muresan entered public service and became mayor of Apold in 2020.
His sudden death has prompted tributes from Romanian football and the local community, who remembered him for both his contributions on the pitch and his commitment to public life.
Muresan is survived by his family, with condolences continuing to pour in from across the football fraternity.
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