8 ani fără Ilie Balaci, emblema absolută a Universității Craiova: debutul său la echipa națională, „contrele” cu oltenii și finalul unui destin nedrept

Ilie Balaci, a legendary figure of Universitatea Craiova, passed away on October 21, 2018, at the age of 62. He was a key player during the club's golden era, known for his exceptional skills and contributions to both the club and the national team. Balaci debuted for Romania at just 17 and scored eight goals throughout his international career. His time at Universitatea Craiova included significant achievements, such as reaching the UEFA Cup semifinals in 1983. Despite facing challenges, including a suspension and a serious injury that hampered his career, Balaci remained a beloved figure in Romanian football. He later played for Dinamo București before retiring at 31 due to health issues. Balaci's legacy continues to resonate with fans today.