Ilie Balaci (23 September 1960 – 21 February 2018) was a Romanian professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder and later worked as a football manager. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented Romanian players of his generation.
Early life and youth career
Balaci was born in Bucharest, Romania. He began his football education in the youth academy of Universitatea Craiova, where he progressed through the junior ranks.
Club career
| Years | Club | Appearances (league) | Goals (league) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–1989 | Universitatea Craiova | 285 | 76 |
| 1989–1990 | OGC Nice (France) | 18 | 2 |
| 1990–1991 | FC Bursaspor (Turkey) | 4 | 0 |
| 1991–1992 | ES Troyes AC (France) | 12 | 1 |
| 1992–1993 | Universitatea Craiova (return) | 0* | 0* |
*Balaci did not make league appearances during his final stint at Universitatea Craiova due to injury.
During his tenure at Universitatea Craiova, Balaci helped the team win three Romanian Liga I titles (1979–80, 1980–81, 1982–83) and three Romanian Cup trophies (1977–78, 1979–80, 1982–83). He was known for his technical skill, vision, and play‑making abilities.
International career
Balaci earned 31 caps for the Romania national team between 1979 and 1988, scoring 2 goals. He participated in the qualifying campaigns for the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups and the UEFA European Championships of 1984 and 1988.
Managerial career
After retiring as a player, Balaci pursued coaching, primarily in the Middle East and North Africa. His managerial appointments included:
- Al-Jazira Club (United Arab Emirates) – 1995–1997
- Al-Wahda FC (UAE) – 1997–1999
- Al-Masry SC (Egypt) – 2001–2002
- Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) – 2003
He also served as a technical director and advisor for several clubs and football academies in the region.
Personal life and death
Balaci was married and had two children. On 21 February 2018, he suffered a severe heart attack while playing a casual football match in Craiova. He was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, at the age of 57.
Legacy
Balaci is remembered for his contributions to Romanian football, particularly his role in the successful era of Universitatea Craiova in the early 1980s. He is frequently cited in Romanian sports media as one of the country's all‑time great midfielders. His playing style has been compared to that of classic playmakers, emphasizing creativity, precise passing, and tactical intelligence.