Former Romania international Gabriel Muresan dies at 44 after drowning in lake

Gabriel Muresan, a former Romania international and Champions League midfielder, died at the age of 44 after drowning in a lake near Apold, the town in Romania where he had served as mayor since 2020. Local media reported the incident on Thursday, with both the Romanian Football Federation and UEFA confirming his passing.

Muresan earned nine caps for the Romanian national team between 2007 and 2011, featuring in World Cup and European Championship qualifying campaigns. His international appearances included matches against France and Brazil.

The Romanian Football Federation paid tribute in a statement: “The Romanian Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who knew Gabriel Muresan.”

The bulk of Muresan’s career was spent at Cluj, where he captained the side across six seasons from 2007 to 2013. During that period he won three Romanian league titles — in 2008, 2010 and 2012 — and three domestic cups. He also featured in three Champions League group-stage campaigns with the club, lining up against Chelsea, Manchester United and Roma.

Beyond Cluj, Muresan played for several Romanian clubs throughout his career, including Gloria Bistrita, Gaz Metan Medias and ASA Targu Mures, as well as a stint at Russian side Tom Tomsk. He retired from professional football in 2017 before transitioning into local politics.

The public authority in Apold described him as “a devoted servant of our community” in a statement on Facebook.

UEFA also issued a tribute on Thursday morning: “On behalf of the European football community, we are saddened by the passing of former Romania international Gabriel Muresan at the age of 44. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who knew him.”