Introduction

Nicolae 'Nicușor' Claudiu Stanciu is a name that embodies creativity, precision, and leadership on the football field. Born on May 7, 1993, in Romania, Stanciu has established a remarkable career as an attacking midfielder and winger. Currently showcasing his skills at Damac in the Roshn Saudi League and leading the Romania national team as captain, his rise from modest beginnings to international fame is truly inspiring.

Stanciu's football journey began at Unirea Alba Iulia in 2008, where he showcased his skill and technical talent. His innate abilities quickly led him to move to Vaslui and subsequently to Steaua București, a leading club in Romania. At Steaua, he established himself as one of the nation's top talents, winning six domestic championships and receiving widespread praise for his performances. His achievements attracted the interest of major European clubs, culminating in a record-breaking €9.8 million transfer to Belgian side Anderlecht in 2016 — a deal that made him the most expensive player in the history of the Belgian First Division A and the largest sale from Liga I at that time.

Stanciu had a successful tenure at Anderlecht, achieving notable victories such as a Belgian national title and a Super Cup. However, his desire for new challenges led him to join Sparta Prague for a record-breaking transfer fee of €4.5 million. He made a significant impact in the Czech Republic; however, his career took a surprising turn in 2019 when he moved to Saudi club Al-Ahli. After a short period there, Stanciu made his return to Czech football with Slavia Prague, where he secured consecutive league titles and a Czech Cup win, solidifying his reputation as a player who excels under pressure.

Since 2022, Stanciu has embarked on a more international football career, having played in China and currently holding a crucial role at Damac in Saudi Arabia. His leadership qualities, experience, and offensive skills have made him an essential player for both his club and the Romanian national team, where he has achieved over 50 caps and participated in two European Championships in 2016 and 2024.

Stanciu's journey showcases resilience, adaptability, and a love for the beautiful game. From captivating European audiences to setting an example in the Roshn Saudi League, his narrative continues to motivate fans all around the world.

Early Life

Nicolae Stanciu was born on May 7, 1993, in the serene village of Craiva, situated in Cricău, Alba County, Romania. His upbringing was marked by modest circumstances and strong familial ties. Raised primarily by his grandmother, Stanciu cultivated a profound appreciation for family values and resilience. Unfortunately, his grandmother passed away in 2007 when he was only 14 years old—a loss that profoundly impacted his young life. Nevertheless, her influence continued to serve as a source of strength and inspiration for Stanciu as he faced the hurdles of his emerging football career.

Motivated by a wish to celebrate her legacy, Stanciu devoted himself to football, a sport that swiftly evolved into both his passion and his refuge. His commitment paid off as he started gaining recognition on local fields, where his innate talent and skills shone through. Years later, when he netted his first senior international goal for Romania, he movingly dedicated it to his late grandmother, a heartfelt gesture that highlighted the profound emotional bond he carried with him throughout his journey.

Professional Career

Unirea Alba Iulia: Modest Origins and Initial Achievements

Nicolae Stanciu started his professional football career when he joined the youth system of Unirea Alba Iulia at the age of 11. His remarkable talent led him to make his senior debut on May 25, 2008, when he was just 15 years and 18 days old, coming off the bench in a 4–1 win against Corvinul Hunedoara in the Liga II championship. However, the 2008–09 season proved to be difficult for him as a long-term injury prevented him from playing.

On May 1, 2010, under the management of Blaž Slišković, a 17-year-old Stanciu made his Liga I debut, playing for 20 minutes in a 2–1 victory over Steaua București. That summer, German club VfB Stuttgart expressed interest in signing him; however, negotiations fell through due to economic differences. Stanciu scored his first senior goal on March 20, 2011, in a 3–0 victory against Petrolul Ploiești, during which he served as captain. During this time, several European clubs, including Brescia, Celtic, and 1899 Hoffenheim, kept an eye on his progress.

Vaslui: A Prominent Contender in Romanian Football

In September 2011, Vaslui activated Stanciu's €200,000 release clause, successfully acquiring his talents despite facing initial registration challenges due to a transfer ban. On 4 March 2012, Stanciu made an impactful competitive debut by netting the decisive goal in a 2–1 win over Petrolul Ploiești. His outstanding performances earned him a place on Sport.ro’s list of the top 10 Romanian youth players to keep an eye on. Notably, he converted a penalty during a UEFA Europa League match against Inter Milan in August 2012.

Steaua București: A Force in Romanian Football

On March 27, 2013, Stanciu signed with Steaua București for a reported transfer fee of €700,000. He made a significant impact by playing in all twelve matches of the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League and scoring an important goal against Legia Warsaw. After Cristian Tănase's departure in 2015, Stanciu took on the prestigious number 10 jersey. His most productive season was in 2015–16, during which he netted 14 goals over the course of 39 competitive matches.

In August 2016, Stanciu's performances in the Champions League qualifying rounds against Sparta Prague contributed to a decisive 3–1 aggregate victory for his team.

Anderlecht: Setting New Records in Belgium

On August 29, 2016, Stanciu transferred to Anderlecht for a record fee of up to €9.8 million, making him the most expensive signing in the history of the Belgian First Division A. He made his debut on September 11, 2016, and scored his first goals in a Europa League match against Mainz 05. Stanciu played a key role in Anderlecht's league title victory and Champions League qualification in his debut season, contributing eight goals and eight assists.

In his second season, Stanciu transitioned to the prestigious number 10 jersey and played a key role in helping Anderlecht secure the Belgian Super Cup.

Sparta Prague: Creating a Legacy in the Czech Republic

In January 2018, Stanciu made a transfer to Sparta Prague for a record fee in the Czech Republic of €4.5 million. He made an impressive debut by scoring in a 2–0 victory over Slovan Liberec. He also scored twice in an exciting 3–3 derby match against Slavia Prague. However, despite this early success, his second season was affected by Sparta Prague's difficulties in the Europa League and some internal challenges.

Al-Ahli: Initial Experience in Saudi Arabia

Stanciu joined Al-Ahli on January 28, 2019, for a fee of €10 million. He made his first appearance in February 2019 and scored his initial goal just nine days later. However, due to financial difficulties at the club, he returned to Europe.

Slavia Prague: Consecutive Championships and European Achievements

In July 2019, Slavia Prague purchased 65% of Stanciu's economic rights for €4 million. He quickly made his mark by scoring during a 5–1 win over Teplice. Stanciu played a crucial role in helping Slavia Prague achieve consecutive league title victories and in their Champions League matches against prominent European teams such as Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

Stanciu finished the 2019–20 season as the leading assist provider in the league and received the accolades of Foreign Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year.

Wuhan Three Towns: Champions of China

On February 15, 2022, Stanciu signed with Wuhan Three Towns in the Chinese Super League. He made headlines by netting two free kicks during a commanding 6–0 victory over Guangzhou. Stanciu finished the season as the third-highest assist provider and scored ten goals, contributing significantly to his team's national championship victory and the win of the Chinese FA Super Cup.

Damac: Comeback in the Saudi Pro League

On September 8, 2023, Stanciu returned to Saudi Arabia after signing a two-year contract with Damac. He made his first appearance six days later, scoring an impressive free-kick in a 1–1 draw against Al Hilal on September 21. His return to the Roshn Saudi League marked a continuation of his noteworthy career progression.

Global Career

Nicolae Stanciu has established himself on the international scene with Romania, gaining acclaim at both the youth and senior levels, and has become a key player for his national team.

Initial Engagement

Stanciu was chosen to be part of Romania's team for the 2011 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. In the opening match against the Czech Republic, he played the entire 90 minutes and scored Romania's only goal in a 3–1 loss. Despite his contributions, the team was unable to advance beyond the group stage.

First Appearance for the Senior Team and Euro 2016

Stanciu received his first cap for the senior national team of Romania on March 23, 2016. He made a significant impact by scoring the sole goal of the match during a friendly against Lithuania at Stadionul Marin Anastasovici. His performance solidified his position in the national team.

On May 17, 2016, coach Anghel Iordănescu included Stanciu in Romania's preliminary 28-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016. He secured a spot on the final roster after netting four goals in just five friendly matches leading up to the tournament. Stanciu was given the iconic number 10 jersey for the event in France.

Stanciu participated in the opening match of the tournament against the host nation, France. In the game, he earned a penalty in the second half, which was successfully converted by Bogdan Stancu, although the match ended in a 2–1 defeat. Stanciu also played the entire 90 minutes in the crucial group stage match against Albania, which resulted in a 1–0 loss, ultimately leading to Romania's elimination from the tournament.

Qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

On September 4, 2016, Stanciu provided an assist to Adrian Popa, helping Romania to score their first goal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in a 1–1 draw at home against Montenegro. However, he also missed a penalty in the closing moments of the match. Despite featuring in nine matches and scoring once during the qualification phase, Romania ended up in fourth place in their group and did not qualify for the tournament.

Demonstration Against Racial Inequality

In June 2021, Stanciu was one of two Romanian players who opted not to take the knee prior to a friendly match against England at Riverside Stadium. He stated that his decision was a protest against the ten-match ban handed down to his Slavia Prague teammate Ondřej Kúdela, who faced accusations of racially insulting Rangers’ Glen Kamara. Stanciu felt that there was a lack of sufficient evidence to justify the ban.

EURO 2024 Qualification and Tournament Achievement

Stanciu played a vital leadership role during Romania’s qualification campaign for Euro 2024. As the captain of the team, he led Romania through all ten matches, scoring three goals and helping his nation finish their group unbeaten.

On June 7, 2024, Stanciu was included in Romania’s 26-man roster for UEFA Euro 2024. During the opening match against Ukraine on June 17, he put in an outstanding performance, scoring the first goal in a decisive 3–0 win. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award and marked Romania’s first victory in the European Championship in 24 years.

Stanciu’s goal in the match made history as he became the first player to score in a European tournament while representing a Saudi Arabian club. He is also only the second player from a non-European club to accomplish this, following Vladimír Weiss.

Playing Style

Stanciu, primarily an offensive-minded midfielder, can also play as a winger on either side of the field due to his ability with both feet. He is renowned for his outstanding playmaking abilities, showcasing 'good technique, a powerful shot, and excellent vision.' These qualities have established him as a vital player at both the club and international stages, where his creativity and accuracy frequently set the pace of matches.

In the months after making his debut for the national team, the Romanian media frequently drew comparisons between Stanciu and former international legends Gheorghe Hagi and Adrian Mutu. These comparisons were noteworthy, given the legendary status of Hagi and Mutu in Romanian football. Stanciu has often conveyed his admiration for these two players, finding inspiration in their remarkable careers and their enduring influence on the history of Romanian football.

Iconic Performances                                                                                                        Nicolae Stanciu has produced a number of memorable performances during his distinguished football career, demonstrating his outstanding skill set, calmness under pressure, and ability to shine in crucial moments.

One of his most remarkable performances occurred during the third qualifying round of the 2016 UEFA Champions League. Playing for Steaua București, Stanciu played a key role in their victory against Sparta Prague, scoring two goals in the second leg and leading his team to a 3–1 aggregate win. His calmness and accuracy in front of the goal were clearly evident, earning him significant acclaim for his pivotal performance on Europe's premier stage.

During his time at Anderlecht, Stanciu showcased his talent in a significant UEFA Europa League match against APOEL in March 2017. He netted the sole goal of the match in the first leg of the round of 16, leading his team to an important away victory. This goal highlighted his capacity to perform under pressure and further established his reputation as a key playmaker.

During Stanciu's time at Slavia Prague, he had some memorable moments. A highlight was his performance in the 2019 Champions League group stage match against Barcelona, where he demonstrated exceptional vision and passing skills, playing a crucial role in generating opportunities against one of Europe's elite teams. His bold style of play and technical excellence earned him recognition as one of Slavia's key players.

In international football, Stanciu has delivered iconic performances, particularly during Romania's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. As the team captain, he set an exemplary standard, scoring three vital goals and leading Romania to an unbeaten streak. His performance in the opening match of Euro 2024 against Ukraine was especially outstanding. Stanciu netted the first goal and was awarded Player of the Match in Romania’s remarkable 3–0 win, marking their first victory in the competition in 24 years. His knack for controlling the game's tempo and executing precise set-pieces was invaluable.

Another remarkable moment occurred during his tenure with Wuhan Three Towns in the Chinese Super League. Stanciu's two precisely executed free-kick goals in a 6–0 victory over Guangzhou showcased his proficiency in set-pieces and his attacking prowess. His efforts were crucial in Wuhan's triumphant title campaign, earning him recognition as one of the league's top foreign players.

Stanciu's remarkable ability to excel in high-pressure scenarios and deliver game-altering performances has established him as a top-tier footballer. Whether competing for his club or representing his country, his talent for stepping up and making a significant contribution continues to engage both fans and analysts alike.

 Club Career Statistics

Club	Season	League	National Cup	League Cup	Continental	Other	Total
Unirea Alba Iulia	2007–08	Liga II	1 (0)	0 (0)	—	—	1 (0)

Awards and Accomplishments

Team Achievements

(1) Unirea Alba Iulia: In the early stages of his career, Nicolae Stanciu achieved notable success with Unirea Alba Iulia by aiding the club in winning the Liga II title during the 2008–09 season. This accomplishment served as a crucial stepping stone for his future in professional football.

(2) Steaua București: His later transfer to Steaua București began a time of local supremacy. At Steaua, Stanciu was crucial in securing consecutive Liga I championships during the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons. He also played a part in winning the Cupa României in the 2014–15 season, triumphantly lifted the Cupa Ligii in both the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons, and celebrated a Supercupa României win in 2013. These accolades highlighted his significant impact and growing reputation as one of Romania's top talents.

(3) Anderlecht: Moving to Europe, Stanciu joined Anderlecht, where he played a vital role in the club's achievements. He was essential in winning the Belgian First Division A title during the 2016–17 season and further enhanced his collection of trophies by clinching the Belgian Super Cup in 2017.

(4) Slavia Prague: Building on his success, Stanciu greatly enhanced his career at Slavia Prague, where he played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back Czech First League titles in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons. His contributions were crucial in clinching the Czech Cup during the 2020–21 season, demonstrating his capability to influence the game on various levels.

(5) Wuhan Three Towns: As he expanded his career into Asia, Stanciu played a pivotal role in the achievements of Wuhan Three Towns. He was instrumental in the team's victory in the Chinese Super League in 2022 and celebrated another win with the Chinese Super Cup in 2023.

Personal Accomplishments

(1) Gazeta Sporturilor Romanian Footballer of the Year: Stanciu's exceptional talent has been consistently acknowledged. He won the Gazeta Sporturilor Romanian Footballer of the Year award in 2022, and due to his continued outstanding performances, he was the runner-up in 2016, 2021, and 2023, while also coming in third place in 2019 and 2020.

(2) Digi Sport Liga I Player of the Month: His exceptional performances in Liga I led to him receiving the Player of the Month award in November 2015 and again in March 2016, further solidifying his status as an outstanding player.

(3) Czech First League Awards: In the highly competitive Czech First League, Stanciu earned numerous individual accolades. He was named Foreign Player of the Year twice, for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, recognized as Midfielder of the Year for 2019–20, and voted Fans' Player of the Year for the 2020–21 season. Moreover, he won the Player of the Month award in March 2021 and was the Top Assist Provider in the 2019–20 season, highlighting his creative influence and consistency on the pitch.

Future Prospects

Nicolae Stanciu's future in football looks promising and filled with potential as he makes significant strides in the sport. Currently playing for Damac in the highly competitive Saudi Pro League, Stanciu's experience, technical skills, and adaptability on the field make him a crucial player in his team's pursuit of success. His consistent ability to impact matches, whether from midfield or as a winger, ensures that his contributions are indispensable, even as the league continues to attract top-tier talent.

In addition to his club responsibilities, Stanciu’s position as the captain of the Romania national team highlights his leadership abilities and the confidence that coaches and teammates have in him. As he carries on representing his nation, his vast experience from various European and Asian competitions is expected to offer worthwhile perspectives for effective game management and the development of up-and-coming talents. His impact on the national team goes beyond the game itself; it creates opportunities for him to mentor younger players, helping to shape the future of Romanian football.

Looking ahead, it is highly likely that Stanciu may move into off-the-field positions later in his career. His deep understanding of the game and proven leadership skills suggest that he could find opportunities in coaching, mentoring, or even football administration. The trajectory of his career indicates that his influence on football may extend beyond his playing days, and his extensive experience could pave the way for a successful career after retiring from playing.

The future ahead for Nicolae Stanciu is full of potential. Whether it involves capturing more trophies with his club, enhancing the Romanian national team, or eventually mentoring the next generation of footballers, his future is as vibrant and influential as his career has been to date.