CFR Cluj
Full nameSC Fotbal Club CFR 1907 Cluj SA
Nickname(s)
  • Ceferiștii (The CFR People)
  • Clujenii (The Cluj People)
  • Feroviarii (The Railwaymen)
  • Alb-vișiniii (The White and Burgundies)
  • Campioana Provinciei (The Provincial Champion)
Short nameCFR
Founded10 November 1907 (10 November 1907)
as Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club
GroundDr. Constantin Rădulescu
Capacity22,198[1]
OwnerIoan Varga[lower-alpha 1]
ChairmanCristian Balaj
Head coachAndrea Mandorlini
LeagueLiga I
2022–23Liga I, 3rd of 16
WebsiteClub website

Fotbal Club CFR 1907 Cluj, commonly known as CFR Cluj (Romanian pronunciation: [t͡ʃefeˌre ˈkluʒ] or [ˌt͡ʃefere ˈkluʒ]), is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj County, which competes in the Liga I. It was founded in 1907 as Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club, when Transylvania was part of Austria-Hungary, and the current name CFR is the acronym for Căile Ferate Române (i.e. "Romanian Railways").

Before its latest promotion to the Liga I in 2004, the club had spent most of its existence in the lower divisions. CFR Cluj has since relied increasingly on foreign players for its success, and in the 2005–06 season participated in its first European competition, the Intertoto Cup, where it finished as runner-up. With significant financial support from previous owner Árpád Pászkány, CFR took the national title away from capital-based teams after seventeen years and became national champion for the first time in the 2007–08 campaign.[6]

Between 2017 and 2022, "the White and Burgundies" won five successive championships. In total, CFR has amassed sixteen domestic trophies, all of them in the 21st century—eight Liga I, four Cupa României and four Supercupa României. As well as becoming a highly esteemed figure in Romanian football, the team has secured three qualifications each to the UEFA Champions League and Europa League group stages and two qualifications to the Europa Conference League group stages.

Additionally, CFR has a fierce rivalry with neighbouring Universitatea Cluj, with matches between the two being known as Derbiul Clujului. Several, but minor rivalries also developed in the recent period against teams with which CFR has contended for the league title.

History

Establishment and early years (1907–1969)

Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club team in 1911.

CFR was founded in 1907, when the city of Cluj-Napoca (then Kolozsvár) was part of Austria-Hungary, under the name Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club ("Kolozsvár Railway Sports Club"). From 1907 to 1910, the team played in the municipal championship. However, the club did not have any notable achievements during this time. In 1911, the team won the newly organized Championship of Transylvania. The club consistently finished in second place in that competition between 1911 and 1914, a competition that was interrupted because of World War I. After the war, Transylvania joined Romania and the club accordingly changed its name to CFR Cluj, maintaining its links with the national rail organisation, this time the Romanian state railway carrier, Căile Ferate Române, hence the acronym. They went on to win two regional titles, in 1918–19 and 1919–20.

Between 1920 and 1934 the club did not have any notable achievements. Between 1934 and 1936, CFR played for two seasons in the Divizia B, ranking sixth in the 1934–35 season and eighth in the 1935–36 season. In 1936, CFR was relegated to the Divizia C, where the team played for two seasons, finishing second and 4th, respectively. After World War II, CFR played for one season in the Divizia C, earning the promotion to the Divizia B. Before the start of the 1947–48 season, the team merged with another local club, Ferar Cluj, and played in the Divizia A for the very first time in history. Unfortunately, the team lasted only two years in the first league and would not play there again for another 20 years. In 1960, another merger, this time with Rapid Cluj resulted in CSM Cluj. In 1964, the team's name was changed to Clujeana. In that same year, the club's junior team won the national championship. Three years later, the team's name was reversed yet again to CFR Cluj.

Return to the top flight (1969–1976)

Chart depicting the yearly positions of CFR in the national leagues between 1943 and 2017.

In 1969, CFR finished first in Divizia B with 40 points, five more than their rival, Politehnica Timișoara. The conclusive game of that season was a 1–1 draw with Politehnica. Politehnica had a 1–0 lead at half-time, but CFR came back with a fine header.

During the summer of 1969, CFR Cluj advanced to Divizia A under the leadership of coach Constantin Rădulescu. Rădulescu was originally from southern Romania, but he grew to manhood in the atmosphere of Transylvania. Before coaching, he had played for CFR and another well-known local team, Universitatea Cluj (or U Cluj), during the 1940s. In the 1969–70 first league championship, CFR made its debut with a 2–0 victory over ASA Târgu Mureș. The next few games did not go as well; although there was a 1–0 win to Politehnica Iași, there were 2 losses to Steaua București (1–3) and Dinamo București (0–2). These and other defeats were a factor in the team's supposed downhill slide. However, the following spring CFR bounced back with a win over ASA Târgu Mureș (1–0), after a goal from Octavian Ionescu, and averted relegation.

At the beginning of CFR's second season in Divizia A, Rădulescu was replaced by Eugen Iordache as head coach. During his tenure, CFR did not do well, and Rădulescu was swiftly brought back. Even so, CFR Cluj found itself again at the bottom of the table before the winter break. The spring of 1971 was somewhat better, although CFR struggled again to avoid relegation. CFR's last game of that season, against UTA Arad, was a memorable one. CFR led 1–0 at half-time. UTA Arad, however, overturned the match after scoring twice. Nonetheless, the persistence of the players from Cluj was rewarded with a late goal, tying the game at 2–2. UTA went on to play in the European Cups, but, most importantly, CFR avoided relegation.

Constantin Rădulescu, the pivotal coach of the club during the 1970s.[7]

The 1971–72 season started off badly for CFR. Losses to Dinamo București (1–3); Crișul Oradea (0–1, after a last-minute penalty kick), and Jiul Petroșani (1–2 after two regrettable own-goals) meant CFR's demise after the first round of the championship – the team finished at the bottom, with only seven points. CFR's return was dramatic, although inconsistent at times. The team won some important games, such as a 1–0 with Universitatea Craiova and a 3–0 with Petrolul Ploiești. By the end of the season, however, CFR was again struggling to stay in Divizia A. CFR was tied at half-time after having led with 2–0 in their game against Politehnica Iași. In the second half, two late goals from Ionescu and Petrescu saved the team from relegation. When Rădulescu and his players got back home to Cluj, 3,000 fans turned out to celebrate their performance.

During the summer of 1972, CFR made an important transfer. Mihai Adam, from Universitatea Cluj, was traded for Soos. Adam had been twice Romania's top scorer, and was considered one of the best Romanian players of his generation. He and the rest of the team would make the 1972–73 season the most successful in CFR's history. The team achieved its highest ranking ever in Romanian football, fifth in Divizia A. Several important results concluded a great season, including a 2–0 victory against Rapid București, a 2–2 draw against Sportul Studențesc București, and another draw, 1–1, with Steaua București. Additionally, the stadium that CFR continues to use even today was built in 1973. To celebrate the completion of the stadium, CFR Cluj played a friendly game against Cuba. The game ended in a 2–1 victory for CFR.

The 1973–74 season was a rather bad one for CFR, as it barely saved itself from relegation, ranking 14th at the end of the season. The only notable achievement of that season was Mihai Adam's third title as Romania's top goal-scorer who, even though he was 33 years old, scored 23 goals. The 1974–75 season was much like the one before: CFR struggled to avoid relegation, achieving its objectives all the while. The 1975–76 season marked CFR's relegation and its last season in Divizia A during the 20th century. A contributing negative factor was the age of the team, with most of its players in their 30s.

Lower leagues (1976–2002)

During the 1977–78 season, CFR attempted to make a comeback. However, the team finished only second in Divizia B, after Baia Mare. Four years later, CFR slid further down, into the third division, Divizia C. From then on, the team would alternate between the second and third leagues. In 1983, CFR played in Divizia B under its longstanding coach, Dr. Constantin Rădulescu. In the 1990s, CFR struggled financially and found itself more than once on the brink of bankruptcy. Nevertheless, several very talented players were raised, including Cristian Dulca, Attila Piroska, Cristian Coroian, and Alin Minteuan.

Pászkány takeover and first national titles (2002–2012)

In January 2002, a new sponsor, Árpád Pászkány, head of S.C. ECOMAX M.G., founded a new commercial sport society, with ECOMAX M.G. as the primary shareholder. By the end of the 2001–02 season in Divizia C, CFR had been promoted back to Divizia B (later on Liga II).

The summer of 2003 was very important for CFR as many new talented players were transferred including Cătălin Bozdog, Adrian Anca, Cristian Turcu, and Sabin Pîglișan. With these players and others, CFR entered the first league after a successful season in Divizia B. CFR began the season strongly, holding first place for a while. Then the club's main sponsor, Árpád Pászkány, became involved in a public scandal during which Pászkány accused several referees of corruption. The affair plagued the team and resulted in the dismissal of head coach GH. Cioceri.

CFR lost several consecutive games before the scandal subsided. After the winter break, Cioceri was replaced by Aurel Șunda. In the spring of 2004, Sunda's team had a nearly perfect run, winning 14 out of 15 games, with only one draw. One round before the season's end, CFR was in second place, one point behind the Jiul Petroșani in first. But when Jiul was held to a draw by Gaz Metan Mediaș, and CFR won their last match 3–0, CFR advanced to the top of the league for the first time in 28 years. In the summer of 2004, CFR acquired many new valuable Romanian players, including Vasile Jula and Radu Marginean.

CFR Cluj's first year back in Divizia A was strong, yet inconsistent. CFR finished sixth after the first half of the 2004–05 championship. It was during this time that CFR played one of its most popular games ever, defeating Dinamo București at home. The final score was 4–2, after two goals each by Adrian Anca and Sorin Oncică. However, the second half of the championship proved disappointing for CFR, as it gathered only 12 points after 15 games. The team finished 11th, avoiding relegation.

The summer of 2005 brought significant change to CFR Cluj. The club's executives signed the team up for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, being CFR's first European adventure. CFR began well, qualifying for the second round after two victories against FK Vetra (3–2 and 4–1).

Also, the Romanian international Dorinel Munteanu came to CFR from Steaua București. Munteanu would have the dual role of player-coach. His first game produced one of CFR's greatest successes. CFR defeated Athletic Bilbao of Spain 1–0 (although almost all players from Bilbao's side were from the reserve squad) during the second round of the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup. The only goal of the match was scored by Cosmin Tilincă with a header. CFR then lost in Bilbao (1–0) but still qualified to the next round after a penalty shootout.

Munteanu's team played the next game at Cluj, against French club Saint-Étienne. Adrian Anca played one of the greatest games in his career, even though the match ended in a 1–1 draw. Anca hit the crossbar with a header early in the game, and Tilincă pushed the ball into the net from the rebound. Anca then went on to earn a penalty, but did not score. He then hit the crossbar a second time in the second half. The away game, in France, was also an eventful game for CFR Cluj. The game began well for CFR, as Cristian Coroian scored from a penalty kick, earned by Adrian Anca. The second half went less smoothly for CFR; Julien Sablé scored for Saint-Étienne, tying the game at 1–1. This was followed by CFR player László Balint's elimination. However, a Cosmin Tilincă goal gave the team the ability to tie with the French at the last minute. The game ended in a 2–2 draw, so CFR went on to the next qualifying stage due to its away goals. In the next round CFR easily disposed of Zalgiris Vilnius, 2–1 in Lithuania and 5–1 at home.

For the final match of the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup, CFR Cluj's opponent was another French franchise, RC Lens. The first game, at Cluj, ended in a 1–1 draw with both sides having scored from free kicks. Cristian Turcu scored for CFR. The second game was played at Lens in front of 30,000 French fans. The Romanian players showed signs of exhaustion and conceded three goals. Player-coach Dorinel Munteanu scored a goal from a free kick in the 89th minute. Thus ended CFR Cluj's Intertoto journey. CFR then finished fifth at the end of the 2005–06 domestic season. During the 2006–07 season, major changes at the club started to occur. Dorinel Munteanu resigned as player-coach, and was replaced by Cristiano Bergodi. Foreign players from Western Europe and South America were transferred. A partnership with Portuguese club Benfica was signed. On 22 July 2007, CFR Cluj celebrated its centenary year by playing a friendly game against Benfica and inaugurating the new illumination system at its stadium.

CFR Cluj's players lining up at Stamford Bridge before a duel with Chelsea, December 2008.

The team's new coach, Romanian Ioan Andone, formerly of Omonia Nicosia and Dinamo București, started the 2007–08 season well, with CFR Cluj leading the league by eight points halfway through the season and remaining undefeated. Their form was not as good in the second half of the season, and they were overtaken by Steaua București with two games remaining. Even though Steaua crushed Gloria Buzau 5–0 in the last matchday, it was not enough to bring the title to Ghencea, since CFR won the derby against Universitatea Cluj and won the title, becoming the first team outside Bucharest to win the title in nearly two decades.[8] Three days later, CFR Cluj completed a league and cup double, beating Unirea Urziceni in the Romanian Cup final.

By winning the league, CFR Cluj qualified for the group stage of the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League season. They were drawn in Group A against Chelsea of England, A.S. Roma of Italy, and Bordeaux of France and given little chance of progressing, with odds of 300–1 being given on them winning the competition.[9] In their opening game, CFR caused a shock by beating Roma in the Italian capital, 2–1,[10] with Argentine Juan Culio scoring the brace. Expectations were further exceeded by holding the previous season's finalists, Chelsea, to a 0–0 draw.[11]

The end of the 2008–09 season saw CFR finish fourth; the team had two coaching staff changes in the second part of the competition and did not manage to secure a second title. The Romanian Cup was kept for a consecutive year at Cluj, and thus they played against Unirea Urziceni (the Liga I champions that season) in the Supercupa României. CFR became the first club not from Bucharest to claim the trophy in 2009.

In the 2009–10 season, the team won the league title for the second time in its history, exhibiting the heavy investments in the club's infrastructure, management, and squad transfers. Managed by coach Andrea Mandorlini, CFR Cluj also kept the Romanian Cup and qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage. As a premier, the 2009–2010 CFR Fans' Trophy was awarded to Cristian Panin as voted by supporters and football reviewers. The trophy is to be awarded every year by the CFR Cluj fans associations to the player that receives the highest aggregate number of votes online and highest per match rating respectively.[12] The 2010–11 CFR Fans' Trophy was awarded to captain Ricardo Cadú and the 2011–2012 CFR Fans' Trophy was awarded to goalkeeper Beto Pimparel.

The 2011–12 season brought the league title to Cluj for the third time. Starting under Jorge Costa's supervision, the team maintained a spot in the top three. After a few major defeats close to the end of the season, Costa was replaced by Ioan Andone. Under Andone, CFR won all the remaining matches except for one draw, and finished first. Later that year, FC Dinamo București defeated CFR Cluj in the Romanian Supercup with 6–4 after penalties, handing them their first defeat in a final.

Financial difficulties and bounceback (2012–2017)

After 2012, poor management saw the club go through a sharp decline, finishing 9th in the 2012-13 season, though in the Champions League they performed admirably, finishing 3rd on goal difference in a group with Manchester United, Galatasaray and SC Braga with 10 points, a record still standing for a Romanian team. Their Champions League campaign culminated in a 1–0 away win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, with a long shot from Luis Alberto. They were drawn against Inter Milan in Europa League, where they were eliminated 5–0 on aggregate.

CFR had a quiet 2013–14 season, finishing 5th and earning a Europa League berth, mainly due to the fact that 4th placed Dinamo filed for insolvency and thus were ineligible for European competitions. During this time owner Pászkány faced legal charges and neglected the team, which lead to serious financial difficulties that would culminate in the following seasons.

CFR Cluj began the 2014–15 season well, but financial difficulties led to insolvency which subsequently started a period of poor performances.[13] After failing to fully remunerate five former club players, the Romanian Football Federation decided to deduct 24 points from CFR, which placed them in the last position in Liga I. Many players left the club as a result, and Ceferiștii challenged the Federation's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In May 2015 the Court ruled in their favour, restoring the deducted points, which helped the team secure a third-place finish in the league championship. CFR Cluj won the 2016 Cupa României final played against Dinamo București after penalty shootouts,[14] being their first trophy since 2012.

National dominance and return to European competitions (2017–present)

Dan Petrescu led the club to the 2017–18, 2019–20, and 2021–22 league titles. He partially managed them in the 2018–19 and 2020–21 Liga I seasons as well, which CFR also won.

During early 2017, it was reported that businessman Marian Băgăcean purchased 62% stake in the club.[2] On 30 May that year, after finishing the 2016–17 Liga I campaign on the 4th place, CFR Cluj finally got out of insolvency and was again able to participate in European competitions starting with the 2018–19 season.[15] In June 2017, Dan Petrescu replaced Vasile Miriuță as the head coach of the team, with the goal of a European cup return and an ambitious transfer campaign to support it.[16]

On 20 May 2018, "the Railwaymen" won 1–0 over defending champions Viitorul Constanța and clinched their fourth Liga I title as they finished one point above FCSB in the table.[17] CFR also came victorious in the subsequent 2018 Supercupa României played against Universitatea Craiova, this time under the management of coach Edward Iordănescu.[18] However, Iordănescu was replaced after just three games and Toni Conceição was brought back for his third term as a manager. The club's European campaign was cut short after Luxembourgish side F91 Dudelange won the UEFA Europa League play-off round 5–2 on aggregate; due to Dudelange's underdog status, daily newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor regarded CFR's elimination as "the biggest shame in the history of Romanian football".[19]

In May 2019, again under the management of Dan Petrescu, "The Railwaymen" earned their fifth Liga I title. Unlike the previous year, the club had a fruitful run in European competitions. After getting past Astana and Maccabi Tel Aviv, CFR Cluj defeated Scottish team Celtic in the Champions League third qualifying round. In the play-off they met Slavia Prague, but lost both matches 0–1 and were sent to the Europa League group stages. There, CFR were drawn against Lazio, Rennes and again Celtic. They finished second behind the latter and earned a total of twelve points in the group, a Romanian record in European competitions. In the round of 32, CFR was eliminated by Sevilla on the away goals rule after two draws—the Spaniards went on to win the final 3–2 against Inter Milan, on 21 August 2020. On 3 August, CFR Cluj won the third consecutive title and sixth overall, after a final fixture win over rivals Universitatea Craiova.[20]

CFR started the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League season by beating Maltese side Floriana. They were then eliminated by Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb at home in a penalty shoot-out. Dropping down to the Europa League, they made it to the group stage after defeating Nordic sides Djurgårdens IF and Kuopion Palloseura. Drawn with AS Roma, BSC Young Boys, and CSKA Sofia in Group A, they eventually finished third and were eliminated from the competition from the group stage.[21][22] During late 2020, Edward Iordănescu became once again coach of the club after the departure of Dan Petrescu. On 18 May 2021, Iordănescu Jr. managed to win the league title of the 2020–21 Liga I season. This was Iordănescu Jr.'s first national title as head coach. In addition, winning the title with CFR thereby allowed the club to play the final of the 2021 Supercupa României (i.e. the Romanian supercup) against Universitatea Craiova, the winners of the 2020–21 Cupa României, which they eventually lost after 2–4 on penalty shoot-out.[23]

Following the end of the season Iordănescu left the club and was replaced by Marius Șumudică. The latter failed to qualify the club for the group stage of either the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League, being consequently dismissed and replaced by the returning Dan Petrescu. Under Petrescu, CFR qualified for the group stage of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League, competing in Group D with Dutch side Alkmaar, Czech side Jablonec, and Danish side Randers.[24] The club debuted with an away 1–0 loss at Jablonec nad Nisou in the Czech Republic against FK Jablonec on 16 September 2021 and consequently on the 4th place in the group after the first fixture.[25] In the second fixture however, the club managed to draw 1–1 with Randers FC and thereby gained its first point in the Europa Conference League.[26] After their away match with Randers, which they lost 1–2, CFR were mathematically eliminated from advancing to the Round of 16 and finished in fourth place in Group D of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League season. This outcome remained unchanged despite their eventual 2–0 victory in the last home match against Jablonec, which earned them their first three points in the competition, bringing their total to four.

CFR Cluj celebrating their fifth consecutive Liga I title at the end of the 2021–22 season.

While CFR Cluj's European campaign in the 2021–22 season proved to be quite disappointing, the team had an almost flawless domestic season. They secured the top spot in the regular season by accumulating 76 out of 90 possible points, finishing 16 points ahead of the second-place team. During the play-offs, CFR experienced their worst run of form throughout the season, suffering two consecutive defeats against Universitatea Craiova and FCSB, which narrowed the gap between CFR and the latter to just two points. However, CFR swiftly recovered from their setback and embarked on a remarkable winning streak, securing four consecutive victories, including an impressive 6–0 win over FC Argeș. On 14 May, with FCSB's draw against Voluntari, CFR only needed a win in their match against Craiova to clinch the league title, which they accomplished with a 2–1 win. With this triumph, CFR became the team with the most titles won outside the capital (eight) and the only Romanian team in the 21st century to claim five consecutive titles.

Stadium

The Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium in 2012

CFR Cluj plays nearly all of its home games at the Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium, which was expanded in 2008 to seat a maximum capacity of 23,500.[1] It meets all of UEFA's regulations and can also host Champions League matches. In 2006–07, with an investment of €30 million, the club upgraded the field with higher quality turf, built a state of the art lighting system, and updated its infrastructure. All the work was completed for the club's 100th anniversary in 2007, when a friendly game was played against Portuguese side Benfica.

Support

CFR Cluj supporters on 14 August 2006 at a domestic match against FC Dinamo București in Romania

A 2011 survey has shown that CFR Cluj has the fourth-largest number of supporters in Romania.[27] They have many fans in Cluj-Napoca, but also in some other parts of the country. Since the 2014 withdraw of important groups such as "Patriots" and "Commando Gruia", the fans have a single big group called "Peluza Vișinie", which consists of former members of older groups such as "Romaniacs", "Juvenes", "Gruppo Gara", "Valacchi", "Pride 1907", "Nostra Famiglia", and "1907". There is another group of supporters which consists of ethnic Hungarians who currently sit in the Tribuna 1 sector of the stadium. Their group is named KVSK, which is the Hungarian name of CFR.They had such major conflicts with the Romanians ultras group 'Peluza Vișinie' and decided to go to matches alone. Their support is less vocal and visible, but they are a consistent part of the active fans.

Rivalries

CFR fans at a home game in 2010

CFR Cluj has a fierce rivalry with their local opponents Universitatea Cluj.[28] According to journalist Răzvan Toma, the first match between the two teams was played on 13 October 1920, when CFR thrashed Universitatea 8–0 on a field based in the Central Park.[29] History and statistics website Romanian Soccer regards a 1–3 loss by CFR (which had just merged with Ferar Cluj on 7 December 1947) as the first Liga I meeting between the two teams.[30]

In 2019, Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal's website referred to a match between FCSB—formerly FC Steaua București—and CFR Cluj as "the Romanian Derby",[31] a name generally used for the meetings between the former club and their cross-town rivals Dinamo București. This stems from the fact that after the 2000s CFR and FCSB were often some of the main contenders for the national title, and during the late 2010s the rivalry exacerbated further as Dinamo lost its power status. As of 2023, CFR and FCSB have met each other over 70 times in the first division.

Ceferiștii also hold milder rivalries with Dinamo București, Rapid București, Universitatea Craiova, and Politehnica Timișoara.

CFR Cluj was the subject of a long documentary film directed by Laviniu Lazăr on their 2012–13 UEFA Champions League season and the historical victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, titled "The Theatre of Dreams" (Romanian: Teatrul Viselor) which was presented at the Film Transilvania (TIFF) festival in 2013.[32][33][34]

Honours

Domestic

Leagues

Cups

European

Players

First team squad

As of 15 January 2024[35][36]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF Ukraine UKR Alan Aussi
4 DF Romania ROU Cristian Manea (3rd captain)
6 DF Albania ALB Arlind Ajeti
7 MF Morocco MAR Omar El Kaddouri
8 MF Romania ROU Robert Filip
10 MF Romania ROU Ciprian Deac (Vice-captain)
17 FW Nigeria NGA Philip Otele
19 DF Romania ROU Vasile Mogoș
21 MF Romania ROU Luca Mihai
27 DF Romania ROU Matei Ilie
29 MF Republic of the Congo CGO Durel Avounou
30 FW Romania ROU Daniel Bîrligea
34 GK Romania ROU Cristian Bălgrădean
No. Pos. Nation Player
40 MF Croatia CRO Lovro Cvek
42 DF Slovenia SVN Matija Boben
44 DF Croatia CRO Anton Krešić (on loan from Rijeka)
45 DF Romania ROU Mário Camora (Captain)
73 MF Croatia CRO Karlo Muhar (4th captain)
77 MF Greece GRE Panagiotis Tachtsidis
79 DF Croatia CRO Petar Mamić
81 FW Moldova MDA Gheorghe Gondiu
82 MF Romania ROU Alin Fică
89 GK Romania ROU Otto Hindrich
90 GK Romania ROU Răzvan Sava
— MF Ivory Coast CIV Kader Keïta

Other players under contract

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
24 DF Kosovo KOS Rion Zejnullahu
— MF Croatia CRO Josip Mihalić
No. Pos. Nation Player
— FW Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH Luka Juričić
— FW Romania ROU David Ciubăncan

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
5 MF Ivory Coast CIV Ricky Gnéba (to Chindia Târgoviște)
11 MF Romania ROU Claudiu Petrila (to Rapid București)
12 GK Romania ROU Mihai Pînzariu (to Bihor Oradea)
18 MF Ghana GHA Isaac Nortey (to Argeș Pitești)
33 GK Romania ROU Cătălin Căbuz (to Hermannstadt)
55 FW The Gambia GAM Mustapha Jah (to Chindia Târgoviște)
71 DF Romania ROU Andrei Peteleu (to Universitatea Cluj)
76 MF Romania ROU Tudor Lucaci (to CSM Satu Mare)
No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF Romania ROU Rareș Bălan (to Gloria Bistrița)
— MF Romania ROU George Leață (to CSM Slatina)
— DF Ivory Coast CIV Abdoulaye Niakaté (to CSU Alba Iulia)
— DF France FRA Laley Fofana (to CSU Alba Iulia)
— MF Romania ROU Sergiu Luca (to Gloria Bistrița)
— FW Ghana GHA Carl Davordzie (to Gloria Bistrița)
— FW Romania ROU Viktor Kun (to SCM Zalău)
— FW Burkina Faso BFA Moussa Samaké (to CSM Satu Mare)

Club officials

Records and statistics

European cups all-time statistics

Total UEFA statistics

As of home match played against Lazio on 23 February 2023.
Competition S P W D L GF GA GD
European Cup / UEFA Champions League 841169165554+1
UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League 837127193450−16
UEFA Europa Conference League 214437911−2
UEFA Intertoto Cup 1105322013+7
Total19102372244118128−10

UEFA club ranking

In the table below, the current UEFA club ranking position for CFR Cluj is shown based on its current UEFA coefficient for the ongoing 2022–2023 season.[39][40][41]

As of 5 March 2023

All time records

  • Biggest victory: CFR Cluj – Minaur Zlatna 10–0 (4 October 2003)
  • Biggest defeat: CFR București – CFR Cluj 12–2 (20 April 1949)
  • Player with most caps in Liga I: RomaniaPortugal Camora (377)
  • Player with most goals in Liga I: Romania Ciprian Deac (76)
  • Biggest European home win: CFR Cluj 5–0 Armenia Alashkert (16 August 2018, UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round second leg)
  • Biggest European away win: Lithuania Vėtra 1–4 CFR Cluj (26 June 2005, UEFA Intertoto Cup First round second leg)
  • Biggest European home defeat: CFR Cluj 0–4 Germany Bayern Munich (19 October 2010, UEFA Champions League group stage)
  • Biggest European away defeat: Italy A.S. Roma 5–0 CFR Cluj (5 November 2020, UEFA Europa League group stage)

Other records

  • Since the 2012–13 season, CFR Cluj holds the record for the most points obtained by any Romanian club in the UEFA Champions League group stages, with 10 points, having recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
  • CFR Cluj also holds the record for most points scored by any Romanian club in the UEFA Europa League group stages, with 12 points, having recorded 4 wins and 2 losses in the 2019–20 season

Domestic history by season

Champions Runners-up Third place Promoted Relegated

The players in bold were the top goalscorers in the division.

Season League National Cup Continental Other Top scorer(s) Notes Name[42]
Division (Tier)PosPWDLGFGAPtsNameGoals
Hungarian Football Championship[43][44]Kolozsvári Vasutas SC
(KVSC)
/ Clubul Sportiv Feroviar
Cluj
1907–08District3rd40042450 –
1908–093rd84134119 –
1909–102nd4202242[45] –
1910–11Transylvania Ch.1st[46]43011166 –Kolozsvári Torna Club
(KTC)
1911–123rd61052 –
1912–131st[47]12111023 –
1913–142nd2034 –Championship discontinued
1914–18 Not involved in any competitions due to World War I. In 1918, Transylvania is united with Romania.
1918–19District1st6 –
1919–201st –
1920–213rd –
Romanian Football Championship[48]CFR Cluj
1921–22District7 –
1922–23 –
1923–243rd –
1924–2514 –
1925–2618 –
1926–276th10 –
1927–28 Not involved in any competitions
1928–29District3rd –
1929–30 –
1930–31 Not involved in any competitions
1931–32District3rd –
1932–332nd –Foundation of the Romanian Football
League system
1933–341st324p
1934–35Div B (2)B35th14437212711p
1935–36B38th14311011287p
1936–37Div C (3)S2N2nd10361121012p
1937–38S1N4th16844392520p
1938–39District (3)1stp
1939–401stp
1940–41Div B (2) – – – – – – –– – – –Retired due to Second Vienna Award
Hungarian Football Championship[43]Kolozsvári MÁV SE
1940–41District2nd8512191111 –
1941–42Nem II (2)3rd261529775132 –
1942–433rd18927323720 –
1943–4411th267712394921 –
1944–45 – – – – – – –– – – –Retired – Vienna Award nullified
Romanian Football Championship[48]CFR Cluj
1945–46District3rd –
1946–47Div C (3)C71st16151056531 –
1947–48Div B (2)B4 15th[49] 1510054028 20 pMerged with Ferar Cluj during the Season
Div A (1)8th3091011485228R16Romania Anton Fernbach-Ferenczi15
1948–4911th269512396723R32
1950Div B (2)B28th227510423419pLocomotiva Cluj
1951B26th22958373123R32
1952B24th22778292421p
1953B23rd281477483235R32
1954B25th241068332626p
1955B27th2611312453825p
1956B110th249312304121R32
1957 [50]B16th1232718288 –
1957–58B114th263518317111pCFR Cluj
1958–59Div C (3)C52nd181035261723R32
1959–60Div B (2)B38th2611213333624R32Merged with Rapid Cluj
1960–61B38th269710294125pCSM Cluj
1961–62B37th261088323128p
1962–63B35th261079403027p
1963–64B211th269413343122R32
1964–65B23rd2611510342227R32Clujeana Cluj
1965–66B29th267811314322R16
1966–67B211th268711263523pDiscontinued
1960–67 Amateur Team in District Leagues; Substituted Clujeana Cluj (Div B)CFR Cluj
1967–68Div B (2)B25th26113124637255RRomania Romulus Petrescu13
1968–69B21st3016865731405RGreece Giannis Matzourakis15
1969–70Div A (1)14th3010713294527R32Romania Arpad Soos8
1970–7114th309813375226R32Romania Octavian Ionescu9
1971–7213th309714273725QF
1972–735th3011118333333R16Romania Mihai Adam11
1973–7414th3411914405331R32Romania Mihai Adam 23
1974–7515th34111013263432R16
1975–7617th3491015303928R32Romania Mihai Adam9
1976–77Div B (2)B39th3414614384034p
1977–78B32nd342185802150p
1978–79B34th3416414484236p
1979–80B310th3414416475432p
1980–81B38th3415415614834p
1981–82B317th3410618375826pMerged with CS Armata Cluj
1982–83Div C (3)C101st302037643143pSteaua CFR Cluj
1983–84Div B (2)B316th3413219445228p
1984–85Div C (3)C115th3014214372630R32
1985–86C91st302028872742p
1986–87Div B (2)B317th347819355622p
1987–88Div C (3)C92nd302037732943p
1988–89C111st301857662441p
1989–90Div B (2)B318th3451019266620R16
1990–91Div C (3)C111st302064772746pRomania Ilie Lazăr25CFR Cluj
1991–92Div B (2)B37th3415514655235pRomania Ilie Lazăr30
1992–93Div A (2)S215th3413318566829p
1993–94S212th34126165357305RRomania Cristian Coroian
Romania Dănuț Matei		9
1994–95S216th3410717496737pRomania Cristian Coroian9
1995–96Div B (3)S41st342635962081pRomania Cristian Coroian31
1996–97Div A (2)S29th34145154345475RRomania Sorin Oncică7
1997–98Div B (2)B216th3411518415738p
1998–99Div C (3)C45th3616812615556p
1999–00C610th3011613534939p
2000–01C710th2610511373535p
2001–02C81st262123601065R32
2002–03Div B (2)B26th2812106522646QFRomania Cosmin Tilincă9CFR-Ecomax Cluj
2003–04B31st3021637519696RRomania Adrian Anca24
2004–05Div A (1)11th309912334436R16Romania Adrian Anca11
2005–065th301488362750R32ITFRomania Adrian Anca6
2006–07L1 (1)3rd342167593269R16Romania Cristian Coroian11CFR 1907 Cluj
2007–081st342374522276WUEFA2QRRomania Eugen Trică14
2008–094th3416117442659WUCLGSSupercupWBurkina Faso Yssouf Koné10
2009–101st342095432169WUELGSSupercupWRomania Cristian Bud7
2010–1110th34111211504545QFUCLGSIvory Coast Lacina Traoré7
2011–121st342185633171R32SupercupFGreece Pantelis Kapetanos12
2012–139th3412139563949FUCLGSPortugal Rui Pedro7
UELR32
2013–145th3413129443351R32Romania Ciprian Deac
Nigeria Derick Ogbu		6
2014–153rd341699492957SFUEL3QRLeague CupR16France Grégory Tadé 18
2015–16 10th269107312527[51]WLeague CupQFSpain Cristian López13
14644251336[52]SupercupF
2016–174th261475422343[53]QFLeague CupQFRomania Cristian Bud11
10325814 33[54]
2017–181st261853421359R32SupercupWArgentina Emmanuel Culio8
1055012650[55]
2018–191st261592391654SFUCL2QRSupercupFRomania George Țucudean18
1072115450[56]UELPO
2019–201st261574511652R32UCLPOSupercupWRomania Ciprian Deac14
1072117749[57]UELR32
2020–211st301974511664R32UCL2QRSupercupFRomania Ciprian Deac13
1071215554[58]UELGS
2021–221st302442481676R32UCL3QRSupercupFCroatia Gabriel Debeljuh14
UELPO
1061318957[59]UECLGS
2022–233rd302037542863SFUCL1QRCuraçao Rangelo Janga10
10244111442[58]UECLKPO
2023–244th209653321 33 QFUECL2QRNigeria Philip Otele6

Notable former players

The footballers enlisted below have had international cap(s) for their respective countries at junior and/or senior level. Players whose name is listed in bold represented their countries at junior and/or senior level while they played for the club or had a significant number of caps and goals accumulated throughout a certain number of seasons for the club itself as well.

Notable former managers

Notes

  1. ↑ In 2017, businessman Marian Băgăcean purchased 62% stake in CFR Cluj.[2] However, starting from that year, press generally acknowledges Ioan Gheorghe "Neluțu" Varga as the "real" owner of the club.[3][4][5]
  2. ↑ In 2017, businessman Marian Băgăcean purchased 62% stake in CFR Cluj.[2] However, starting from that year, press generally acknowledges Ioan Gheorghe "Neluțu" Varga as the "real" owner of the club.[3][4][5]

References

  1. 1 2 "Stadion – Info utile" [Stadium – Useful info] (in Romanian). CFR Cluj. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 "El e noul patron din Gruia! A cumpărat 62% dintre acțiunile CFR Cluj: cine e și câți bani a oferit" [He is the new owner in Gruia! He bought 62% stake of CFR Cluj: who is he and how much money he offered]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 6 February 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  3. 1 2 "Campionii din umbră: fețele nevăzute care au făcut-o pe CFR campioană doi ani la rând: dosare, bani publici, teamă, discreție". Gazeta Sporturilor. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2020. Varga is the presumed owner of the fresh champions, a guy with a not-so-happy reputation.
  4. 1 2 "Gigi Becali ANUNTA falimentul la CFR Cluj: "Nelutu Varga are de luat 20 de milioane de euro!" Ce s-ar putea intampla cu campioana Romaniei". Sport.ro. 18 January 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  5. 1 2 "Visul nebun al lui Neluțu Varga, patronul celor de la CFR Cluj: vrea să câștige Europa League!". Fanatik.ro. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  6. ↑ Hafez, Shamoon. "BBC Sport – Champions League: What can Manchester United expect in Cluj?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  7. ↑ Redacția website-ului oficial CFR Cluj. "Toți oamenii CFR-ului…". CFR Cluj official website (in Romanian). Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  8. ↑ Lawrence, Amy (14 September 2008). "Minnows from Transylvania to Cyprus take a bite of the big time". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
  9. ↑ "Champions League: Full group guide". The Guardian. London. 29 August 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
  10. ↑ "Newcomers CFR catch Roma cold". UEFA. 17 September 2008. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  11. ↑ Taylor, Louise (2 October 2008). "Drogba injury leaves Chelsea reeling". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
  12. ↑ "Trofeul suporterilor". Cluj: cheferetv.net/kvsc1907.ro. 2 January 2010. Archived from the original on 1 May 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010.
  13. ↑ "CFR Cluj a intrat in insolventa, dar a fost penalizata cu 24 de puncte! Cum arata acum clasamentul din Liga I: CFR E ULTIMA" [CFR Cluj became insolvent but was penalized with 24 points! How the Liga I rankings look now: CFR IS LAST]. Sport.ro. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  14. ↑ "Magistrala CFR! Clujenii se impun cu 5–4 la penalty-uri după o finală dramatică, încheiată 2–2 în timpul regulamentar!" [The great CFR! The Cluj men win 5–4 on a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw at the end of extra time!]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 18 May 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  15. ↑ "CFR Cluj a iesit din insolventa. A doua echipa din Romania care reuseste sa evite falimentul" [CFR Cluj got out of insolvency. The second team in Romania which manages to avoid bankruptcy] (in Romanian). Ziare.com. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  16. ↑ "Lovitură de proporţii dată de CFR Cluj! Dan Petrescu va fi noul antrenor al echipei: "E singura echipă care m-a căutat"" [Major blow given by CFR Cluj! Dan Petrescu will be the new coach of the team: "It's the only team that sought me"]. Digi Sport. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  17. ↑ "Soccer – Cluj clinch fourth Romanian title on final day of season". Reuters. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  18. ↑ "CFR Cluj a câștigat Supercupa României 2018" [CFR Cluj won the 2018 Romanian Supercup] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 14 July 2018. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  19. ↑ "CFR CLUJ – DUDELANGE 2–3 // 5 motive pentru care "dubla" CFR – Dudelange este cea mai mare rușine din istoria fotbalului românesc" [CFR CLUJ – DUDELANGE 2–3 // 5 reasons why the CFR – Dudelange "double" is the biggest shame in the history of Romanian football]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 31 August 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  20. ↑ "Universitatea Craiova – CFR Cluj 1–3. Veni, Vidi, Vinicius. Ardelenii revin spectaculos, câștigă al treilea titlu consecutiv și se pregătesc de preliminariile Champions League" [Universitatea Craiova – CFR Cluj 1–3. Veni, Vidi, Vinícius. Ardelenii turn the game around in a spectacular manner, win their third consecutive title and prepare for the Champions League qualifiers] (in Romanian). ProSport. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  21. ↑ "The history of CFR Cluj in UEFA Europa League". UEFA official website. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  22. ↑ "Europa League group stage draw made". UEFA official website. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  23. ↑ "CFR Cluj - Universitatea Craiova 0-0, 2-4 d.l.d. Oltenii câștigă Supercupa României! Pigliacelli, erou". Digi24.ro (in Romanian). 10 July 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  24. ↑ "UEFA Europa Conference League group stage draw: 27 August". UEFA official website. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  25. ↑ DigiSport (16 September 2021). "LIVE TEXT Jablonec - CFR Cluj 1-0. Cehii înscriu din penalty după ce Camora a fost eliminat pentru henț în careu. Ocazie uriașă Bouhenna". Digi24.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  26. ↑ Redacția Digisport (30 September 2021). "CFR Cluj - Randers 1-1. Ardelenii obțin un punct, dar rămân pe ultimul loc. Petrila, salvatorul lui Petrescu". Digisport.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  27. ↑ "CFR este mai iubită decât "U", potrivit unui sondaj. Cum comentaţi?" [CFR is more loved than "U", according to a survey. What do you think?] (in Romanian). Ziua de Cluj. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  28. ↑ "ŢINE-ŢI RESPIRAŢIA! TOP 10 rivalităţi din fotbalul românesc" [HOLD YOUR BREATH! TOP 10 rivalries in Romanian football] (in Romanian). ProSport. 10 June 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  29. ↑ "DESTINAȚIE: ROMÂNIA/ U Cluj – CFR 1907, povestea celei mai lungi rivalități din fotbalul românesc" [DESTINATION: ROMANIA/ U Cluj – CFR 1907, the story of the oldest rivalry in Romanian football] (in Romanian). Agerpres. 30 August 2014. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  30. ↑ "Divizia A Etapa 15 1947–1948 – Romania" [Division A Fixture 15 1947–1948 – Romania] (in Romanian). Romanian Soccer. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  31. ↑ "FCSB – CFR Cluj. Derby de România" [FCSB – CFR Cluj. The Romanian Derby] (in Romanian). Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal. 22 September 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  32. ↑ Redacția Digisport (2 June 2013). "VIDEO "Teatrul viselor", un film despre parcursul CFR - ului în Champions League". Digisport.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  33. ↑ Horea Soica (6 June 2013). "TIFF 2013: Premiera Teatrul viselor, un film despre CFR Cluj și Champions League - VIDEO". Știri de Cluj (in Romanian). Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  34. ↑ Laviniu Lazăr (28 May 2013). "Teatrul Viselor". Vimeo (in Romanian). Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  35. ↑ "Echipa" [Squad] (in Romanian). CFR Cluj. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  36. ↑ "FC CFR 1907 CLUJ" (in Romanian). Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  37. ↑ "CFR 1907 | Conducerea clubului".
  38. ↑ "CFR 1907 | CFR 1907 CLUJ".
  39. ↑ "UEFA Club coefficients". UEFA. 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  40. ↑ "UEFA Team Ranking 2023". kassiesa.net. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  41. ↑ "Current statistics for UEFA cups season 2022/23". UEFA Coefficient. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  42. ↑ RomanianSoccer.ro, (r). "Evolutia denumirilor echipelor de-a lungul anilor". www.romaniansoccer.ro. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  43. 1 2 Magyarfutball.hu. "Kolozsvár, FC CFR 1907 Cluj (bajnoki múlt) • csapatok • Magyarfutball.hu". www.magyarfutball.hu. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  44. ↑ Magyarfutball.hu. "Kolozsvár, Kolozsvári TC (bajnoki múlt) • csapatok • Magyarfutball.hu". www.magyarfutball.hu. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  45. ↑ Deducted two points.
  46. ↑ Qualified for "Best provincial team" Title. Lost to Kassai Athletikai Club in the quarter-finals.
  47. ↑ Qualified for "Best provincial team" Title. Lost to Bácska Szabadkai Athletikai Club in the quarter-finals.
  48. 1 2 "CFR Cluj-Napoca – statistics". www.romaniansoccer.ro. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  49. ↑ 3rd place at the time of merger
  50. ↑ 1957 Spring Cup - unofficial championship.
  51. ↑ Deducted ten points for failing to comply with licensing requirements.
  52. ↑ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-out with 14 points.
  53. ↑ Deducted six points for failing to comply with licensing requirements.
  54. ↑ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 22 points.
  55. ↑ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 30 points.
  56. ↑ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 27 points.
  57. ↑ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 26 points.
  58. 1 2 Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 32 points.
  59. ↑ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 38 points.
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