Costel Orac (born 14 June 1945) is a Romanian former professional footballer and football manager. He is most noted for his playing career as a forward/attacking midfielder with Rapid București and for representing the Romania national team. After retiring as a player, Orac pursued a career in coaching, managing several Romanian clubs, including a tenure at his former club Rapid București.
Early life
Born in Bucharest, Romania, Costel Orac began his football development in local youth systems before advancing to senior-level competition.
Playing career
- Club career: Orac spent the majority of his senior playing years at Rapid București, where he contributed to the team's domestic campaigns during the late 1960s and 1970s. He was recognized for his technical ability and goal‑scoring contributions from midfield and forward positions.
- International career: Orac earned multiple caps for the Romania national team in the early 1970s, appearing in official international fixtures and scoring at least one goal for his country.
Managerial career
Following his retirement from playing, Orac transitioned into football management. He held coaching positions at various Romanian clubs, most prominently serving as head coach of Rapid București, where he applied his experience as a former player to team tactics and player development.
Legacy
Costel Orac is regarded within Romanian football circles as a notable figure from the 20th‑century era, recognized for his contributions both on the field as a player and off the field as a manager. His association with Rapid București, in particular, has cemented his standing among the club’s supporters and in its historical records.
