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{{Short description|Romanian footballer and manager (born 1965)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Gheorghe Hagi
| image = Lansarea candidaturii Gabrielei Szabo pentru Camera Deputatilor, Voluntari - 04.05 (48) (14270956179) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Hagi in 2014
| full_name = Gheorghe Hagi<ref name="TFF">{{cite web |url=https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=526&kisiId=27581 |title=Gheorghe Hagi |publisher=Turkish Football Federation |access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|2|5|df=y}}<ref name="TFF" />
| birth_place = [[Săcele, Constanța|Săcele]], Romania
| height = 1.74 m
| position = [[Attacking midfielder]]
| currentclub = [[FCV Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]] (owner)
| youthyears1 = 1975–1980
| youthclubs1 = [[FC Farul Constanța|FC Constanța]]
| youthyears2 = 1980–1982
| youthclubs2 = Luceafărul București
| years1 = 1982–1983
| clubs1 = [[FC Farul Constanța|FC Constanța]]
| caps1 = 18
| goals1 = 7
| years2 = 1983–1987
| clubs2 = [[FC Sportul Studențesc București|Sportul Studențesc]]
| caps2 = 108
| goals2 = 58
| years3 = 1987–1990
| clubs3 = [[FCSB|Steaua București]]
| caps3 = 97
| goals3 = 76
| years4 = 1990–1992
| clubs4 = [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
| caps4 = 64
| goals4 = 16
| years5 = 1992–1994
| clubs5 = [[Brescia Calcio|Brescia]]
| caps5 = 61
| goals5 = 14
| years6 = 1994–1996
| clubs6 = [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]
| caps6 = 36
| goals6 = 7
| years7 = 1996–2001
| clubs7 = [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
| caps7 = 132
| goals7 = 59
| totalcaps = 516
| totalgoals = 237
| nationalyears1 = 1983–2000
| nationalteam1 = [[Romania national football team|Romania]]
| nationalcaps1 = 124{{efn|name="ROM"|125 appearances according to some sources, although, as of 2007, the [[Romanian Football Federation|FRF]] no longer recognises Romania's unofficial 3–1 friendly away win against the [[Ecuador national football team|Ecuador U23 side]] on 22 January 1984<ref name="RSSSF-International"/>}}
| nationalgoals1 = 35
| manageryears1 = 2001
| managerclubs1 = [[Romania national football team|Romania]]
| manageryears2 = 2003
| managerclubs2 = [[Bursaspor]]
| manageryears3 = 2004–2005
| managerclubs3 = [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
| manageryears4 = 2005–2006
| managerclubs4 = [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]]
| manageryears5 = 2007
| managerclubs5 = [[FCSB|Steaua București]]
| manageryears6 = 2010–2011
| managerclubs6 = [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
| manageryears7 = 2014–2020
| managerclubs7 = [[FC Viitorul Constanța|Viitorul Constanța]]
| manageryears8 = 2021–2025
| managerclubs8 = [[FC Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]]
}}
'''Gheorghe Hagi''' ({{IPA|ro|ˈɡe̯orɡe ˈhadʒʲ|-|Ro-Gheorghe Hagi.ogg}}; born 5 February 1965) is a Romanian professional [[Association football|football]] [[Manager (association football)|manager]] and former player, who is currently the owner of [[Liga I]] club [[FCV Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]]. Deployed as an [[attacking midfielder]], Hagi was considered one of the best players in the world during the 1980s and 1990s,<ref name="planetworldcup.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.planetworldcup.com/LEGENDS/hagi.html|title=Gheorghe Hagi|work=Planet World Cup.com}}</ref> and is regarded by many as the greatest Romanian footballer of all time.<ref>[http://www.romania-insider.com/famous-romanians-gheorghe-hagi/5870/# "Famous Romanians: Gheorghe Hagi"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924092023/http://www.romania-insider.com/famous-romanians-gheorghe-hagi/5870/|date=24 September 2015}}. ''Romania Insider''. 11 August 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gheorghe Hagi |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/barca-legends/players/1054331/hagi#/1054331/gheorghe-hagi/1054331/gheorghe-hagi |website=FC Barcelona |access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> Fans of Turkish club [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]], with whom Hagi ended his career, called him {{lang|it|Comandante}} ("[The] Commander"), while he was known as {{lang|ro|Regele}} ("The King") to Romanian supporters.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/> Nicknamed "The [[Diego Maradona|Maradona]] of the [[Carpathian Mountains|Carpathians]]", he was a creative advanced [[playmaker]] renowned for his dribbling, technique, vision, passing and shooting.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mensyoutholympic/news/y=2013/m=8/news=romania-and-gala-commander-and-king-2152855.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105033726/https://www.fifa.com/mensyoutholympic/news/y%3D2013/m%3D8/news%3Dromania-and-gala-commander-and-king-2152855.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2019|title=Romania and Gala's commander and king|publisher=[[FIFA]]|date=17 August 2013|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="FIFA Profile">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=2354/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312031022/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=2354/|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 March 2014|title=Gheorghe HAGI|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=3 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians"/>

After starting his playing career in Romania, with [[FC Farul Constanța|FC Constanța]], and subsequently featuring for [[FC Sportul Studențesc București|Sportul Studențesc]] and [[FCSB|Steaua București]], he later also had spells in Spain with [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] and [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], Italy with [[Brescia Calcio|Brescia]], and Turkey, with Galatasaray. Hagi is one of the few footballers to have played for both Spanish rival clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. Throughout his club career, he won numerous titles while playing in four different countries: he won three [[Liga I|Romanian League]] titles, two [[Cupa României]] titles, and the [[UEFA Super Cup|European Super Cup]] with [[CSA Steaua București (football)|Steaua București]] – also reaching the final of the [[1988–89 European Cup]] –, a [[Supercopa de España]] title with Real Madrid, the [[Anglo-Italian Cup]] with Brescia, another Supercopa de España title with Barcelona, and four [[Süper Lig]] titles, two [[Turkish Cup]]s, two [[Turkish Super Cup]]s, the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]], and the UEFA Super Cup with Galatasaray.

At international level, Hagi played for the [[Romania national football team|Romania national team]] in three [[FIFA World Cup]]s, in [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990]], [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994]] (where he was named in the [[FIFA World Cup awards#All-Star Team|World Cup All-Star Team]] after helping his nation to the quarter-finals of the tournament) and [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998]]; as well as in three [[UEFA European Championship]]s, in [[UEFA Euro 1984|1984]], [[UEFA Euro 1996|1996]] and [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]]. He won a total of 124 caps for Romania between 1983 and 2000,{{efn|name="ROM"}} making him the second-most capped Romanian player of all time, behind only [[Dorinel Munteanu]]; he is also the joint all-time leading goalscorer of the Romania national side (alongside [[Adrian Mutu]]) with 35 goals.

Hagi is considered a hero both in his homeland and in Turkey. He was named [[Romanian Footballer of the Year]] a record seven times, and is regarded as one of the best football players of his generation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gandul.info/sport-miscare/hagi-locul-35-topul-celor-buni-fotbalisti-secolului-1029680|title=Hagi, pe locul 35 în topul celor mai buni fotbaliști ai secolului|language=ro|date=7 November 2007}}</ref><ref name=soccer>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamHons/HonsWldSocPlyrsCent.html|title=World Soccer 100 Players of the Century|work=England Football Online}}</ref> Hagi was nominated six times for the [[Ballon d'Or]], his best performance being a 4th place in [[1994 Ballon d'Or|1994]].<ref name=RSSF6>{{Cite web|url= https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy94.html| title = European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1994|first= José Luis|last = Pierrend|date= 1 February 2006|website= [[RSSSF]]| access-date = 15 December 2020}}</ref> In November 2003, to celebrate [[UEFA]]'s Jubilee, Hagi was selected as the [[UEFA Jubilee Awards|Golden Player]] of Romania by the [[Romanian Football Federation]] as their most outstanding player of the past 50 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefa/news/Kind=256/newsId=130150.html |title=Golden Players take centre stage |work=[[UEFA]] |date=29 November 2003 |access-date=4 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040312203128/http://www.uefa.com/uefa/news/Kind%3D256/newsId%3D130150.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 March 2004}}</ref> In 2004, he was named by [[Pelé]] as one of the [[FIFA 100|125 Greatest Living Footballers]] at a [[FIFA]] Awards Ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3533891.stm |title=Pele's list of the greatest |work=BBC Sport |date=4 March 2004 |access-date=18 November 2013 }}</ref> In 1999, he was ranked at number 25 in ''[[World Soccer Magazine]]''{{'}}s list of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century.<ref name=soccer/>

Following his retirement in 2001, Hagi pursued a managerial career, coaching the Romania national team, as well as clubs in both Romania and Turkey, namely [[Bursaspor]], Galatasaray, [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]], Steaua București, [[FC Viitorul Constanța|Viitorul Constanța]] and Farul Constanța. In 2009, he founded Romanian club Viitorul Constanța, which he has coached between 2014 and 2020. Hagi also established his [[Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy|namesake football academy]], one of the largest in [[Southeastern Europe]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/reportaj-exclusiv-suma-fabuloasa-pe-care-gica-hagi-a-investit-o-in-academie-si-facilitatile-incredibile-din-complex-453588.html |title=Suma fabuloasă pe care Gică Hagi a investit-o în Academie şi facilităţile incredibile din complex |publisher=[[Gazeta Sporturilor]] |language=ro |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=11 July 2015}}</ref>

==Early life==
Hagi was born to Iancu and Chirata Hagi on 5 February 1965.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ziaruldeiasi.ro/sport/a-decedat-si-mama-lui-gica-hagi~nio7v|title=A decedat si mama lui Gica Hagi|publisher=Ziaruldeiasi.ro|trans-title=The mother of Gica Hagi died|date=27 February 1999|access-date=23 August 2022|language=ro}}</ref> Hagi's grandfather was one of 40,000 ethnic [[Aromanians in Greece|Aromanians]] who fled Greece to Romania. His mother was born in [[Mesolakkia]], Greece, and her original surname was Mega.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ertsports.gr/podosfairo/o-chatzis-ton-karpathion/|title=Ο "Χατζής" των Καρπαθίων|publisher=Ertsports.gr|trans-title=The "Hatzis" of the Carpathians|date=23 August 2022 |access-date=11 February 2025|language=el}}</ref> He set up home in the village of Săcele, near [[Constanța]] on the Black Sea coast. Hagi has fond memories of his grandfather who, like many Aromanians, was a shepherd. He stated: "I was proud when he, who was called Gheorghe like me, asked me to go and spend the whole day with him minding the sheep". He added: "I loved to eat cheese and tomatoes with him, and that is still my favorite food today."<ref name="icon">{{cite news |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-gheorghe-hagi-a-footballing-icon |title=Why Gheorghe Hagi is a footballing icon |work=FourFourTwo |last1=Wilson |first1=Jonathan |date=24 July 2017 |access-date=3 October 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-14 |title=SportMob – Top facts about Gheorghe Hagi, Maradona of the Carpathians |url=https://sportmob.com/en/article/976791-Top-facts-about-Gheorghe-Hagi-Maradona-of-the-Carpathians |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=SportMob |language=en |archive-date=17 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017072111/https://sportmob.com/en/article/976791-Top-facts-about-Gheorghe-Hagi-Maradona-of-the-Carpathians |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-15 |title=Gheorghe Hagi: Maradona of the Carpathians |url=https://footballmakeshistory.eu/gheorghe-hagi-maradona-of-the-carpathians/ |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=Football Makes History |language=en-US |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929092842/https://footballmakeshistory.eu/gheorghe-hagi-maradona-of-the-carpathians/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also said "ambition is the main quality of the Aromanians".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://forza.ro/din-galeria-personalitatilor-aromane-din-romania-gheorghe-hagi|title=Din galeria personalităților aromâne din România: Gheorghe Hagi|newspaper=Forza România|date=29 January 2018|language=ro}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fanatik.ro/astazi-23-mai-este-ziua-simonei-halep-si-a-lui-gica-hagi-si-a-tuturor-aromanilor-din-lume-ce-machedoni-mai-avem-in-sportul-romanesc-19205252|title=23 mai este ziua Simonei Halep și a lui Gică Hagi. Și a tuturor aromânilor din lume. Ce machedoni mai avem în sportul românesc|first=Silviu|last=Ghering|newspaper=Fanatik.ro|date=23 May 2020|language=ro}}</ref>

==Club career==
===FC Constanța===
{{Quote box|
 width=20%
|align=left
|quote="I knew he would soon be one of the best players in the world. He could do everything with the ball. To watch him was like watching a fairytale."
|source=–[[Iosif Bükössy]], Hagi's first coach<ref name="icon"/>}}
Hagi began his career in 1978, playing for [[SSC Farul Constanța|FC Constanța]]'s youth teams under the guidance of coach [[Iosif Bükössy]].<ref name=RS>{{RomanianSoccer|858/gheorghe-hagi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://romanialibera.ro/sport/sporturi/a-decedat-iosif-bukossy--antrenorul-care-l-a-descoperit-pe-hagi--2292 | title=A decedat Iosif Bukossy, antrenorul care l-a descoperit pe Hagi| publisher=Romanialibera.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Joseph Bukossy, the coach who discovered Hagi, died| date=1 November 2006| access-date=23 November 2021}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/iosif-bukossy-cel-mai-bun-antrenor-pentru-hagi-217455.html | title=Iosif Bukossy, cel mai bun antrenor, pentru Hagi| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Joseph Bukossy, the best coach, for Hagi| date=11 May 2007| access-date=23 November 2021}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.9am.ro/stiri-revista-presei/Sport/46954/Hagi-cutremurat-de-decesul-lui-Bukossy.html | title=Hagi, cutremurat de decesul lui Bukossy| publisher=9am.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, shaken by Bukossy's death| date=1 November 2006| access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref> The [[Romanian Football Federation]] selected him to join the Luceafărul București squad in 1980, where he remained for two years.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/7-imagini-in-premiera-cu-hagi-din-perioada-luceafarul-si-de-la-selectii-ipostaze-spectaculoase-cu-regele-din-anii-tineretii-foto-si-video-exclusiv-19639515 | title=7 imagini în premieră cu Hagi din perioada "Luceafărul" și de la selecții. Ipostaze spectaculoase cu "Regele" din anii tinereții| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=7 premiere images with Hagi from the "Luceafărul" period and from the selections. Spectacular poses with the "King" from his youth| date=20 April 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In 1982, he returned to FC Constanța, making his [[Liga I|Divizia A]] debut on 11 September at age 17, being a starter under coach [[Emanoil Hașoti]] in a 3–0 away loss to [[FCM Bacău|SC Bacău]].<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/gica-hagi-debuta-in-liga-1-acum-39-de-ani-tupeul-sau-in-joc-era-extraordinar-641523.html | title=Gică Hagi debuta în Liga 1 acum 39 de ani: "Nu aveai cum să nu-l simpatizezi. Tupeul său în joc era extraordinar"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi made his debut in Liga 1 39 years ago: "You couldn't help but sympathize with him. His ability in the game was extraordinary"| date=11 September 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/11-septembrie-2024-gheorghe-hagi-42-de-ani-de-la-debutul-pentru-fc-constanta-in-divizia-a-870486.html | title=11 septembrie 2024. Gheorghe Hagi, 42 de ani de la debutul pentru FC Constanța în Divizia A| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=September 11, 2024. Gheorghe Hagi, 42 years since his debut for FC Constanța in Division A| date=11 September 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> On 6 November he scored his first goal when he defeated goalkeeper [[Vasile Iordache]] with a 35-meter shot, closing the score in the 2–2 draw against [[FCSB|Steaua București]].<ref name=ziua>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/s-au-scurs-38-de-ani-de-la-primul-gol-al-lui-gica-hagi-in-divizia-a-reusita-de-poveste-contra-stelei-733052.html | title=S-au scurs 38 de ani de la primul gol al lui Gică Hagi în Divizia A. Reușită de poveste, contra Stelei!| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=It's been 38 years since Gică Hagi's first goal in Divizia A. A great success, against Steaua!| date=11 November 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=ziua2>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/acum-39-de-ani-zi-de-neuitat-pentru-gica-hagi-primul-sau-gol-in-divizia-a-la-17-ani-intr-un-meci-cu-steaua-o-super-reusita-763210.html | title=Zi de neuitat pentru Gică Hagi. Primul său gol în Divizia A, la 17 ani, într-un meci cu Steaua. O super reușită!| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Unforgettable day for Gica Hagi. His first goal in Divizia A, at 17, in a match with Steaua. A super success!| date=10 November 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=GSP>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/publicitate/primul-gol-prima-perla-a-lui-gica-hagi-constanta-steaua-670966.html | title=Primul gol, prima perlă a lui Hagi: "Dribla extraordinar, avea o «explozie» cum rar vezi în lume"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The first goal, the first pearl of Hagi: "He dribbled extraordinary, he had an "explosion" that you rarely see in the world"| date=5 August 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the ''Sportul'' newspaper, the chronicle of the match was signed by Stelian Trandafirescu, under the title "A junior (Hagi) stops the Bucharest team!" in which the journalist described the goal as follows:"Hagi scored sensationally (what an effective shot!), from distance".<ref name=ziua/><ref name=ziua2/> Until the end of the [[1982–83 Divizia A|season]] he would score six more goals, including two doubles against [[FCM Târgoviște|CS Târgoviște]] and [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]], but the team finished in last place, being relegated to [[Liga II|Divizia B]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=ziua/><ref name=GSP/>

===Sportul Studențesc===
Hagi was originally directed to [[CS Universitatea Craiova|Universitatea Craiova]], but chose [[FC Sportul Studențesc București|Sportul Studențesc]] of [[Bucharest]] instead where he would form a successful offensive partnership with [[Marcel Coraș]].<ref name="icon"/><ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/marcel-coras-interviu-jocuri-de-culise-fotbalul-romanesc-671660.html | title=Interviu rar cu legendarul Marcel Coraș: "Nu știu dacă am fost leneș, delăsător, dar m-am mulțumit cu puțin". Povești incredibile despre jocurile de culise din fotbalul românesc| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Rare interview with the legendary Marcel Coraș: "I don't know if I was lazy, careless, but I was satisfied with a little". Incredible stories about the behind-the-scenes games in Romanian football| date=12 August 2022| access-date=20 February 2025}}</ref> The highlights of his years with Sportul were becoming the top-scorer of the league for two consecutive seasons, in the first one with 20 goals scored, then in the second with 31, including six in a 7–5 win over [[FC Olt Scornicești|Olt Scornicești]] in the last round.<ref name=RS/><ref name=topscorer>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/craiova-viitorul-victor-piturca-doi-ani-in-spatele-lui-gica-hagi-cum-au-aratat-duelurile-pentru-titul-de-golgeter-dintre-cei-doi-578755.html| title=CRAIOVA - VIITORUL. Victor Pițurcă, doi ani în spatele lui Gică Hagi! Cum au arătat duelurile pentru titul de golgeter dintre cei doi| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Craiova – The Future. Victor Pițurcă, two years behind Gică Hagi! How the duels for the top scorer title between the two looked| date=30 September 2019 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimafaza.ro/top-3-golgheterii-campionatului-romaniei-din-anii-80/| title=TOP 3 – Golgheterii campionatului Romaniei din Anii '80| publisher=Ultimafaza.ro| language=ro |trans-title=TOP 3 – Top scorers of the Romanian championship in the 80s| date= 10 February 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/topscorers.shtml |title=Top Scorers |publisher=Romaniansoccer.ro |access-date=11 February 2025 |language=ro}}</ref> In both instances he had a hard competition with [[FCSB|Steaua]]'s [[Victor Pițurcă]], and those 31 goals netted in the [[1985–86 Divizia A|1985–86]] season, helped the team finish runner-up in the league.<ref name=RS/><ref name=topscorer/> During his time with ''The Students'', Hagi started playing in European competitions, making 10 appearances with four goals scored in the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] over the course of four seasons.<ref name=RS/> Most notably he played in a historical 1–0 victory against [[Inter Milan]] in the first round of the [[1984–85 UEFA Cup|1984–85]] season, then in the same round in the [[1985–86 UEFA Cup|following edition]] he scored a [[hat-trick]] in a 4–4 draw against [[Neuchâtel Xamax FCS|Neuchâtel Xamax]], but on both occasions the team did not qualify further, losing on the aggregate result.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/diverse/retro-gsp-video-foto-35-de-ani-de-la-cea-mai-glorioasa-victorie-a-sportului-1-0-cu-legendara-inter-577837.html| title=35 de ani de la cea mai glorioasă victorie a Sportului: 1-0 cu legendara Inter| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=35 years since the most glorious victory of Sportul: 1-0 with the legendary Inter| date=20 September 2019 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/hagi-si-a-luat-revansa-cu-neuchatel-121859| title=Hagi si-a luat revansa cu Neuchatel| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi took his revenge with Neuchatel| date=26 January 2006 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1984/1985|date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1985/1986|date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Steaua București===
In late 1986, Hagi transferred to [[FCSB|Steaua București]] as the team prepared for the [[UEFA Super Cup|European Super Cup]] final against [[FC Dynamo Kyiv|Dynamo Kyiv]].<ref name="icon"/> The original contract was for a one-game loan only, the [[1986 European Super Cup|final]].<ref name="icon"/> However, after winning the final, in which Hagi scored the only goal of the match from a free kick, Steaua did not want to release him back to Sportul Studențesc and retained him.<ref name="icon"/><ref name=GSP2>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/hagi-in-cupele-europene-de-la-sportul-la-victoria-in-finala-cupei-uefa-175080.html | title=Hagi în cupele europene! De la Sportul la victoria în finala Cupei UEFA!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi in the European cups! From Sportul to victory in the UEFA Cup final!| date=5 February 2010 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/steaua-romania-bright-star-1072307 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808200423/https://www.fifa.com/news/steaua-romania-bright-star-1072307 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2019 |title=Steaua, Romania's bright star |publisher=FIFA.com |date=19 June 2009 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}<br>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/supercup/history/season=1986/intro.html |title=Hagi style stirs Steaua |publisher=[[UEFA]] |access-date=14 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331172400/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/SuperCup/history/Season%3D1986/intro.html |archive-date=31 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> By the end of his first season he helped ''The Military Men'' win [[Double (association football)|The Double]], coach [[Anghel Iordănescu]] giving him 14 league appearances in which he scored 10 goals, and also appeared the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 victory in the [[1987 Cupa României final|Cupa României final]] over [[Eternal derby (Romania)|rivals]] [[FC Dinamo Bucureşti|Dinamo București]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=RSC>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/champions.shtml|title=Romania National Champions |publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1986_1987.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1986–1987|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> 

In the [[1987–88 Divizia A|next season]], Hagi was used by Iordănescu in 31 league games in which he scored 25 goals that helped the club win another title.<ref name=RS/><ref name=RSC/> Steaua also reached the semi-finals of the [[1987–88 European Cup|European Cup]] where they lost to [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]], and Hagi contributed with two doubles scored against [[MTK Budapest FC|MTK Budapest]] and [[AC Omonia|Omonia Nicosia]] in the eight matches played, being the competition's top-scorer alongside six other players.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name=RSC/><ref name="Champions Cup/Champions League Topscorers">{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec1tops.html |title=Champions Cup/Champions League Topscorers |first1=Roberto |last1=Di Maggio |first2=Roberto |last2=Mamrud |first3=Davide |last3=Rota |first4=Jarek |last4=Owsianski |date=8 June 2017 |website=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=2 November 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/meciul-de-aur-al-generatiei-de-la-sevilla-cum-a-ratat-steaua-finala-suprema-cu-real-madrid-gica-popescu.html| title=Meciul DE AUR al generatiei de la Sevilla! Cum a ratat Steaua finala SUPREMA cu Real Madrid. Gica Popescu a ucis visul| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The GOLDEN match of the generation from Sevilla! How Steaua missed the SUPREMA final with Real Madrid. Gica Popescu killed the dream| date=6 April 2011| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/liga-campionilor/gica-hagi-singurul-roman-din-istoria-ligii-campionilor-care-a-fost-golgheter-intr-un-sezon-12645060| title=Gică Hagi, singurul român din istoria Ligii Campionilor care a fost golgheter într-un sezon| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, the only Romanian in the history of the Champions League who was the top scorer in one season| date=22 May 2014| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Champions League 1987/1988|date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> 

In the [[1988–89 Divizia A|1988–89]] season, the team won another Double, Hagi managing to score 31 goals in the 30 league matches he was played by Iordănescu, and also scored the only goal in another 1–0 victory in the [[1989 Cupa României final|Cupa României final]] over Dinamo.<ref name=RS/><ref name=RSC/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1988_1989.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1988–1989|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Champions League 1988/1989|date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Furthermore, he played nine games in the [[1988–89 European Cup|European Cup]] campaign, including the entire match in the 4–0 loss to [[AC Milan]] in the [[1989 European Cup final|final]], scoring three goals against [[AC Sparta Prague|Spartak Prague]], two against [[FC Spartak Moscow|Spartak Moscow]] and one in the semi-finals against [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name=RSC/><ref name=GSP3>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/ideile-gazetei/istoria-la-raport-steaua-ac-milan-liga-campionilor-finala-664540.html| title=Episodul 5: Finala Cupei Campionilor 1989. Steaua a driblat mai mult la 0-4 cu AC Milan, dar a făcut doar 10 faulturi și a fost ucisă pe contraatac!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Episode 5: Champions Cup Final 1989. The star dribbled more at 0-4 with AC Milan, but only committed 10 fouls and was killed on the counter-attack!| date=24 May 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In December 1988 he netted five goals against [[FC Corvinul Hunedoara|Corvinul Hunedoara]] in a 11–0 win which is the biggest goal difference victory for Steaua in its first division history.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP4/> In addition to his goal scored in the Cupa României final, he also scored four league goals in the derby against Dinamo that helped his side earn one victory and two draws.<ref name=GSP4>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/retro-gsp-30-de-ani-de-la-ultimul-gol-al-lui-hagi-pentru-steaua-597903.html| title=RETRO GSP. 30 de ani de la ultimul gol al lui Hagi pentru Steaua. Strania coincidență care îl leagă de roș-albaștri| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=RETRO GSP. 30 years since Hagi's last goal for Steaua. The strange coincidence that links him to the red-blues| date=6 May 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68377/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1987-88.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1987–88|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68378/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1988-89.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1988–89|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68379/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1989-90.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1989–90|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> On 6 May 1990, Hagi made his last appearance for Steaua, a Divizia A match in which he scored once in the 4–0 success over Corvinul Hunedoara, having a total of 222 matches with 141 goals in the competition.<ref name=GSP4/><ref name=labtof>{{cite web|url=https://www.labtof.ro/profil/gheorghe-hagi-7182/|title=Gheorghe Hagi profile|publisher=Labtof.ro|access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

His strong performances had him linked with [[Arrigo Sacchi]]'s AC Milan, fellow Serie A club [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], and German side [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]], but [[Nicolae Ceaușescu]]'s [[Socialist Republic of Romania|communist government]] rejected any offer.<ref name="icon"/>

===Real Madrid===
After impressing in the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 World Cup]], Hagi was signed on 27 June that same year by Spanish club [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] who paid a sum estimated by the press in between [[United States dollar|$]]3.5 – 4.3 million to Steaua to acquire him.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="LATimes-1994FWC">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-19-sp-6064-story.html |title=WORLD CUP USA '94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Hagi: A Romanian Version of Gretzky : Group A: Soccer star sparks his team just like the hockey player, only with a few more rough edges. |work=Los Angeles Times|last1=Dwyre |first1=Bill|date=19 June 1994 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref><ref name=sport>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/cat-ar-fi-costat-astazi-trasferurile-lui-gica-hagi-la-real-madrid-brescia-barcelona-si-galatasaray.html| title=Cât ar fi costat astăzi transferurile lui Gică Hagi la Real Madrid, Brescia, Barcelona și Galatasaray| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=How much would Gică Hagi's transfers to Real Madrid, Brescia, Barcelona and Galatasaray cost today?| date=5 February 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1990/06/28/MD19900628-024.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810061112/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1990/06/28/MD19900628-024.pdf |archive-date=2016-08-10 |url-status=live |title=Hagi firmò el Blanco |work=El Mundo Deportivo |page=24 |language=es |date=28 June 1990 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref> He made his [[La Liga]] debut on 1 September, being used the entire match by coach [[John Toshack]] in a 1–0 home win over [[CD Castellón|Castellón]] which was the club's 1000th victory in the competition.<ref name=WF>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Primera División 1990/1991 |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma1870042/lineup/|title=Real Madrid - CD Castellón 1:0 |access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://welovesport.ro/stiri/fotbal-vintage-hagi-a-debutat-la-real-in-victoria-1000-din-istoria-clubului-30160| title=Hagi a debutat la Real în victoria 1000 din istoria clubului| publisher=Welovesport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi debuted at Real in the 1000th victory in the club's history| date=5 February 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> On 21 September he netted his first goal by closing the score in a 3–1 away victory against [[Real Zaragoza]].<ref name=WF/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma1870074/lineup/|title=Real Zaragoza - Real Madrid 1:3 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> During his first season, Toshack got replaced with [[Alfredo Di Stéfano]] and under his command he managed to win the [[1990 Supercopa de España|Supercopa de España]], playing in the final minutes of the 1–0 win in the first leg against [[El Clásico|rivals]] [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], but didn't play in the second leg because of an injury.<ref name=GSP5>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/27-iunie-prima-ultima-zi-hagi-real-667550.html| title=27 iunie, prima și ultima zi a lui Hagi la Real. "Niciodată nu trebuia să plec de la Madrid! Mă adaptasem foarte bine, dădusem multe goluri, dar..."| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=June 27, Hagi's first and last day at Real. "I should never have left Madrid! I had adapted very well, scored many goals, but..."| date=27 June 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=fanatik>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/trei-fotbalisti-romani-au-castigat-supercupa-spaniei-gica-hagi-dublu-succes-iberic-gica-popescu-capitanul-care-a-ridicat-trofeul-si-adi-ilie-ultimul-care-a-triumfat-19138674| title=Trei fotbaliști români au câștigat Supercupa Spaniei! Gică Hagi – dublu succes iberic, Gică Popescu – căpitanul care a ridicat trofeul şi Adi Ilie – ultimul care a triumfat| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Three Romanian footballers won the Spanish Supercup! Gică Hagi – double Iberian success, Gică Popescu – the captain who lifted the trophy and Adi Ilie – the last to triumph| date=12 January 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/34-de-ani-de-la-singurul-trofeu-castigat-de-hagi-cu-real-madrid-ghinionul-regelui-in-dubla-in-care-galacticii-si-au-demolat-rivala-istorica-20930366| title=34 de ani de la singurul trofeu câștigat de Hagi cu Real Madrid. Ghinionul Regelui în dubla în care "galacticii" și-au demolat rivala istorică| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=34 years since the only trophy won by Hagi with Real Madrid. The bad luck of the King in the double in which the "galacticos" demolished their historical rival| date=12 December 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

In the [[1991–92 La Liga|following season]] under the guidance of [[Radomir Antić]], Hagi scored more often.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=GSP5/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/> Most notably he managed a hat-trick in a 5–0 home win over [[Athletic Bilbao]] and a double in another victory against [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]], one of the goals being scored with a [[Knuckleball#Association football|folha seca]] from the center of the field.<ref name=GSP5/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="treccani"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/04/historic-goals-hagi |title=Hagi style stirs Steaua |publisher=Real Madrid |date=17 April 2018 |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711153303/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/04/historic-goals-hagi |archive-date=11 July 2018 }}</ref> In 2013, the ''[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]'' newspaper organized a poll for the most beautiful long-distance goal in Real Madrid's history and Hagi's folha seca against Osasuna came in first place.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/campionate/video-hagi-cel-mai-frumos-gol-romanii-au-invadat-site-ul-marca-pentru-a-l-vota-pe-rege-391939.html| title=Hagi, cel mai frumos gol! Românii au invadat site-ul Marca pentru a-l vota pe Rege| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, the most beautiful goal! Romanians invaded the Marca website to vote for The King| date=27 February 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/gol-hagi-mijlocul-terenului-osasuna-637970.html| title=Golul lui Hagi de la mijlocul terenului, votat cel mai spectaculos de cititorii cotidianului spaniol Marca| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's goal from midfield, voted the most spectacular by the readers of the Spanish daily Marca| date=28 February 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.b1tv.ro/sport/golul-lui-gica-hagi-inscris-de-la-mijlocul-terenului-votat-cel-mai-spectaculos-de-catre-cititorii-cotidianului-marca-video-50935.html| title=Golul lui Gică Hagi înscris de la mijlocul terenului, votat cel mai spectaculos de către cititorii cotidianului Marca (Video)| publisher=B1tv.ro.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi's goal scored from midfield, voted the most spectacular by the readers of the daily Marca (VIDEO)| date=1 March 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He also helped ''Los Blancos'' reach the [[1991–92 UEFA Cup]] semi-finals, making 10 appearances in the campaign, scoring against [[FC Utrecht]], [[Neuchâtel Xamax FCS|Neuchâtel Xamax]] and in the lost semi-final to [[Torino FC|Torino]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=GSP5/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1991/1992 |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> With one round before the end of the season, Real was in first place, needing a victory against [[CD Tenerife|Tenerife]] to win the title, but after leading 2–0 at halftime with one goal netted by Hagi, they ended up losing 3–2 and Barcelona won the championship.<ref name=GSP5/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://theplaymaker.ro/insula-blestemata-cum-a-pierdut-real-madrid-doua-titluri-consecutive-la-tenerife-la-inceputul-anilor-90/4526/| title="Insula Blestemată": cum a pierdut Real Madrid două titluri consecutive la Tenerife, la începutul anilor '90| publisher=Theplaymaker.ro| language=ro |trans-title='Cursed Island': How Real Madrid lost two consecutive titles in Tenerife in the early 90s| date=18 February 2019| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> The team also lost the [[1992 Copa del Rey final|Copa del Rey final]] with 2–0 in a [[Madrid derby|derby]] against [[Atlético Madrid]] in which coach [[Leo Beenhakker]] used Hagi as a starter.<ref name=GSP5/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma441395/lineup/|title=Copa del Rey 1991/1992. Final. Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid 2:0 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Brescia===
In 1992 he was transferred for 8 billion [[Italian lira|lira]] ([[United States dollar|$]]2.4 million) by [[Mircea Lucescu]]'s "[[Brescia Calcio|Brescia]] Romena", as around that period, his fellow Romanians [[Florin Răducioiu]], [[Ioan Sabău]], [[Dorin Mateuț]] and [[Dănuț Lupu]] also played for the club.<ref name=sport/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="via Serie B">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2016/sep/15/gheorghe-hagi-real-madrid-barcelona-brescia |title=How Gheorghe Hagi went from Real Madrid to Barcelona ... via Serie B |work=The Guardian |last1=Hall |first1=Richard |date=15 September 2016 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref><ref name=fanatik2>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/top-10-cei-mai-scumpi-fotbalisti-din-generatia-de-aur-in-banii-din-prezent-cat-ar-costa-acum-transferul-lui-hagi-la-barcelona-mutu-si-chivu-lideri-dupa-2000-19185793| title=Top 10 cei mai scumpi fotbaliști din "Generația de Aur", în banii din prezent! Cât ar costa acum transferul lui Hagi la Barcelona + Mutu și Chivu, lideri după 2000| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Top 10 most expensive footballers from the "Golden Generation", in today's money! How much would Hagi's transfer to Barcelona cost now + Mutu and Chivu, leaders after 2000| date=21 April 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://cultofcalcio.com/mircea-lucescu-brescia-romena/ | title=Mircea Lucescu and The Tale of The "Brescia Romena"| publisher=Cultofcalcio.com| language=ro | date=31 March 2020 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://onromanianfootball.medium.com/brescia-romena-159163ca5a02 | title=Brescia Romena| publisher=Onromanianfootball.medium.com| language=ro| date=4 September 2021 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He made his [[Serie A]] debut on 5 September 1992 in a 0–0 draw against [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]] in which he received a red card, one month later scoring his first goal in a 4–1 home win over [[Calcio Foggia 1920|Foggia]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Serie A 1992/1993|date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> At the end of his [[1992–93 Serie A|first season]], the team was relegated to [[Serie B]].<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="via Serie B"/> After the relegation, Hagi was wanted by Napoli who needed a replacement for [[Diego Maradona]] but Brescia denied his transfer.<ref name=fanatik3>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/brazilianul-din-carpati-aproape-sa-joace-in-tara-lui-pele-hagi-putea-sa-ii-ia-locul-lui-maradona-la-napoli-21011086| title=Brazilianul din Carpați, aproape să joace în țara lui Pele! Hagi putea să îi ia locul lui Maradona la Napoli| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The Brazilian from the Carpathians, almost to play in Pele's country! Hagi could take Maradona's place in Napoli| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/gica-hagi-prima-reactie-despre-oferta-fabuloasa-pe-care-a-primit-o-de-la-napoli-a-trebuit-sa-fac-asta-va-dati-seama-ce-a-fost-pentru-mine-atunci-19889787| title=Gică Hagi, prima reacție despre oferta fabuloasă pe care a primit-o de la Napoli! "A trebuit să fac asta! Vă dați seama ce a fost pentru mine atunci?"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, the first reaction about the fabulous offer he received from Napoli! "I had to do it! Do you realize what it was for me then?"| date=9 May 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/gica-hagi-prima-reactie-despre-oferta-fabuloasa-pe-care-a-primit-o-de-la-napoli-a-trebuit-sa-fac-asta-va-dati-seama-ce-a-fost-pentru-mine-atunci-19889787| title=Gică Hagi, prima reacție despre oferta fabuloasă pe care a primit-o de la Napoli! "A trebuit să fac asta! Vă dați seama ce a fost pentru mine atunci?"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, the first reaction about the fabulous offer he received from Napoli! "I had to do it! Do you realize what it was for me then?"| date=9 May 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/cum-a-ratat-gica-hagi-sansa-de-a-fi-urmasul-lui-maradona-la-napoli-am-fost-suparat-pe-nea-mircea-21014434| title=Cum a ratat Gică Hagi șansa de a fi urmașul lui Maradona la Napoli: "Am fost supărat pe nea Mircea"| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=How Gică Hagi missed the chance to be Maradona's successor in Naples: "I was angry with nea Mircea"| date=7 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

In his second season with Brescia, he helped them win the [[1993–94 Anglo-Italian Cup|Anglo-Italian Cup]], defeating [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] 1–0 in the final at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] and also contributed to their third-place finish in [[1993–94 Serie B|Serie B]] and subsequent promotion back to Serie A.<ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="via Serie B"/>

===Barcelona===
After performing memorably during the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]], Hagi returned to Spain, signed by [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] from Brescia for [[United States dollar|$]]3.2 million, and was coached by his childhood idol [[Johan Cruyff]].<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=sport/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/hagi-e-un-soc-cruyff-a-fost-cel-mai-bun-fotbalist-si-antrenor-un-idol-pentru-mine-219249| title=Hagi: "E un șoc! Cruyff a fost cel mai bun fotbalist și antrenor, un idol pentru mine"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi: "It's a shock! Cruyff was the best footballer and coach, an idol for me"| date=24 March 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/sport-life/special/omagiul-lui-hagi-pentru-idolul-cruyff-era-un-tip-fantastic-sunt-trist-si-socat-regele-despre-ce-a-invatat-de-la-legenda-olandeza-m-a-facut-sa-fiu-mai-bun-v-am-spus-intotdeauna-15146475| title=Omagiul lui Hagi pentru idolul Cruyff: "Era un tip fantastic. Sunt trist și șocat". "Regele", despre ce a învățat de la legenda olandeză: "M-a făcut să fiu mai bun. V-am spus întotdeauna…"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's tribute to his idol Cruyff: "He was a fantastic guy. I'm sad and shocked." "The King" on what he learned from the Dutch legend: "He made me better. I always told you..."| date=24 March 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.marca.com/radio/2021/03/10/60487b21268e3ea64d8b45d8.html| title=Gica Hagi: "Me arrepiento al 100% de haberme ido del Real Madrid"| publisher=Marca.com| language=es |trans-title=Gica Hagi: "I 100% regret leaving Real Madrid"| date=10 March 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> His first performance was winning the [[1994 Supercopa de España|Supercopa de España]] against [[Real Zaragoza]], where in the first leg, [[Hristo Stoichkov]] opened the score after a free kick executed by Hagi, which the goalkeeper defended.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name="Happy Birthday">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/happy-birthday-you-2274002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105144553/https://www.fifa.com/news/happy-birthday-you-2274002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2019 |title=Happy Birthday to you! |publisher=FIFA.com |date=2 February 2014 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref> In the second leg, Hagi played the first 10 minutes, but was replaced after suffering an injury.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name="Happy Birthday"/> He made his league debut for ''Barça'' on 16 September 1994 in a goalless draw in the [[Derbi Barceloní|derby]] against [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]], then in the following round he netted a double in a 4–0 win over [[SD Compostela|Compostela]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/clasament-gica-hagi-in-istoria-eleganta-a-1687481.html| title=Clasament: Gică Hagi, în istoria elegantă a Barcelonei! Companie selectă pentru cel mai bun fotbalist român| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Ranking: Gică Hagi, in the elegant history of Barcelona! Select company for the best Romanian footballer| date=13 February 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Primera División 1994/1995 |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In December 1994 he scored a goal from the center of the field in an away victory against [[RC Celta de Vigo|Celta Vigo]] which in 2007 was nominated by the ''[[Mundo Deportivo]]'' newspaper for the most beautiful goal in Barcelona's history.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/barcelona/stiri-fc-barcelona/un-gol-al-lui-hagi-candideaza-la-titlul-de-cel-mai-frumos-gol-din-istoria-echipei-fc-barcelona-77677| title=Un gol al lui Hagi candideaza la titlul de cel mai frumos gol din istoria echipei FC Barcelona| publisher=Ziare.com| language=ro |trans-title=A goal by Hagi is a candidate for the title of the most beautiful goal in the history of the FC Barcelona team| date=29 March 2007| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/hagi-gol-pentru-istoria-barcelonei-1295127.html| title=Hagi, gol pentru istoria Barcelonei| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, goal for the history of Barcelona| date=30 March 2007| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

In the following season he was teammates with compatriot [[Gheorghe Popescu]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/2-fotbalisti-din-romania-au-jucat-la-barcelona-inaintea-lui-gica-popescu-si-gheorghe-hagi-povestea-lor-fascinanta-20872881| title=Doi fotbaliști din România au jucat la Barcelona înaintea lui Gică Popescu și Gheorghe Hagi. Povestea lor fascinantă| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Two footballers from Romania played in Barcelona before Gică Popescu and Gheorghe Hagi. Their fascinating story| date=26 October 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Hagi scored three goals in five matches in the [[1995–96 UEFA Cup]] campaign against [[Hapoel Be'er Sheva F.C.|Hapoel Be'er Sheva]], [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] and in the lost semi-final to [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1995/1996 |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Barcelona reached the [[1996 Copa del Rey final]] where they lost 1–0 after [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]] against [[Atlético Madrid]] in which Cruyff used Hagi the entire match.<ref name=WF2>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma441401/lineup/|title=Copa del Rey 1995/1996. Final. Atlético Madrid - Barcelona 1:0 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Galatasaray===
{{Quote box|
 width=20%
|align=left
|quote="Hagi is like wine, the older it gets, the better it is."
|source=–[[Luis Fernández]], former French international<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/>}}
In 1996, 31-year-old Hagi signed for Turkish club [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]] who paid [[United States dollar|$]]3.5 million to Barcelona for his transfer, during this spell reuniting with [[Gheorghe Popescu|Popescu]], and with Romanians [[Adrian Ilie]] and [[Iulian Filipescu]] also at the club.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=sport/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/25-de-ani-cu-romani-la-galatasaray-655872.html| title=Care e bilanțul celor 25 de ani cu jucători români la Galatasaray? Doi "regi", doi buni și 10 eșecuri!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=What is the balance of the 25 years with Romanian players at Galatasaray? Two "kings", two good ones and 10 failures | date=25 February 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gds.ro/Sport/2003-12-01/Trei-fotbalisti-romani-au-fost-titulari-la-Galatasaray/| title=Trei fotbalisti romani au fost titulari la Galatasaray| publisher=Gds.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Three Romanian footballers were starters at Galatasaray | date=1 December 2003| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.primasport.ro/hagi-adi-ilie-si-mai-cine-13-romani-au-jucat-la-galatasaray-19271039| title=Hagi, Adi Ilie şi mai cine? 13 români au jucat la Galatasaray| publisher=Primasport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, Adi Ilie and who else? 13 Romanians played at Galatasaray | date=12 February 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He had been the subject of a competing transfer offer from [[São Paulo FC|São Paulo]].<ref name=fanatik3/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/1996/3/20/esporte/16.html| title=Time faz proposta pelo meia romeno Hagi| publisher=Folha.uol.com.br| language=ro |trans-title=Team makes offer for Romanian midfielder Hagi| date=20 March 1996| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He made his [[Süper Lig|Turkish league]] debut on 9 August under coach [[Fatih Terim]], scoring a brace in a 4–0 win over [[Vanspor]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/stranieri/10-08-1996-ziua-cand-gica-hagi-marca-doua-goluri-la-debutul-pentru-galatasaray-restul-e-istorie.html| title=10.08.1996, ziua când Gică Hagi marca două goluri la debutul pentru Galatasaray! Restul e istorie | publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=10.08.1996, the day when Gică Hagi scored two goals on his debut for Galatasaray! The rest is history| date=10 August 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma2291774/lineup/|title=Vanspor AS - Galatasaray 1:2|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Although in the twilight of his career, at Galatasaray, he was extremely successful and became highly popular among the Turkish supporters.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=RS/> In his first four seasons, he domestically won four league titles, two [[Turkish Cup]]s and two [[Turkish Super Cup]]s.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=RS/> His highest success was when at age 35 he [[Captain (association football)|captained]] the club to win the [[1999–2000 UEFA Cup]], scoring two goals in the campaign against [[Borussia Dortmund]] and in the semi-finals against [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name=WF3>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42260/gheorghe-hagi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1999/2000 |date=21 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the [[2000 UEFA Cup Final|final]], they defeated [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] on penalties following a 0–0 draw, but during the match, Hagi was sent off in extra time for punching Arsenal captain [[Tony Adams]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name=WF3/><ref name="Galatasaray win historic UEFA Cup">{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0221-0e90c1e2d4d0-6b6135fa4c69-1000--snap-shot-galatasaray-win-historic-uefa-cup/ |title=Snap shot: Galatasaray win historic UEFA Cup |publisher=[[UEFA]] |last1=Tozar |first1=Türker |date=17 May 2015 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/752751.stm|title=BBC News – FOOTBALL – Penalty heartbreak for Arsenal|website=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Consequently, Galatasaray became the first Turkish club to win a [[UEFA club competitions|UEFA club competition]] title.<ref name="Galatasaray win historic UEFA Cup"/> 

In June 2000, Romanian [[Mircea Lucescu]] replaced Fatih Terim at the ''[[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Cim Bom Bom]]'' side, together winning the [[2000 UEFA Super Cup]], after a 2–1 victory against [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=DIGI>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/champions-league/deja-vu-galata-cu-hagi-si-popescu-a-invins-de-doua-ori-realul-42505| title=Deja-vu: Galata, cu Hagi şi Popescu, a învins de două ori Realul| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Deja-vu: Galata, with Hagi and Popescu, defeated Real twice| date=15 March 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.playsport.ro/inspiratia-lui-gica-hagi-a-adus-supercupa-europei-la-istanbul-mircea-lucescu-n-a-avut-de-ales-hagi-mi-a-zis-sa-intru-21638| title=Inspirația lui Gică Hagi a adus Supercupa Europei la Istanbul! Mircea Lucescu n-a avut de ales: "Hagi mi-a zis să intru"| publisher=Playsport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi's inspiration brought the European Supercup to Istanbul! Mircea Lucescu had no choice: "Hagi told me to enter"| date=28 March 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> They also reached the quarter-finals of the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] during the [[2000–01 UEFA Champions League|2000–01 season]] where in the [[2000–01 UEFA Champions League first group stage|first group stage]], Hagi netted a goal with a spectacular long-distance shot in a win over [[AS Monaco FC|AS Monaco]].<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=sport2>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/golul-din-champions-league-care-il-reprezinta-pe-gica-hagi-si-azi-regele-reusita-recunoscuta-dupa-un-sfert-de-secol.html| title=Golul din Champions League care îl reprezintă pe Gică Hagi și azi! "Regele", reușită recunoscută după un sfert de secol| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The Champions League goal that represents Gică Hagi even today! "The King", recognized success after a quarter of a century| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Subsequently, in the [[2000–01 UEFA Champions League second group stage|second group stage]] he scored his last goal in a European competition following a deep launch from [[Capone (footballer)|Capone]], then succeeding a [[Chip (association football)|lob]] over goalkeeper [[Dida (footballer, born 1973)|Dida]] in a 2–0 victory against [[AC Milan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/motivul-pentru-care-gica-hagi-a-vrut-in-mod-special-tricoul-unui-fotbalist-de-la-stelele-lumii-la-meciul-de-adio-al-generatiei-de-aur-20704077| title=Motivul pentru care Gică Hagi a vrut, în mod special, tricoul unui fotbalist de la Stelele Lumii, la meciul de adio al Generației de Aur| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The reason why Gică Hagi specifically wanted the jersey of a football player from Stelele Lumii, at the farewell match of the Golden Generation| date=28 May 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the quarter-finals they earned a 3–2 victory in the first leg against Real Madrid, but lost with 3–0 in the second one.<ref name=DIGI/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/video-amintiri-dupa-12-ani-hagi-si-lucescu-s-au-certat-in-vestiar-dar-am-castigat-44902| title=Amintiri după 12 ani! "Hagi și Lucescu s-au certat în vestiar, dar am câștigat"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Memories after 12 years! "Hagi and Lucescu argued in the dressing room, but we won"| date=29 March 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In 2014, [[UEFA]] placed his goal against Monaco in a top 60 all-time best goals scored in European club and national teams competitions, while in 2020, the journalists of ''[[France Football]]'' ranked it in 19th place of most beautiful goals scored in the Champions League.<ref name=sport/><ref name=sport2/><ref>{{cite news |title=Watch and rate 60 of the best goals of all time |url=https://www.uefa.com/60-years/ |access-date=11 February 2025 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715214829/https://www.uefa.com/60-years/ |archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0217-0e8b4e259ebe-5518e64fb5f8-1000--hagi-leads-way-in-vote-for-greatest-goal/| title=Hagi leads way in vote for greatest goal| publisher=[[UEFA]]| language=en| date=11 February 2025| access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/diverse/video-de-colectie-hagi-si-eric-intr-un-top-al-uefa-cu-cele-mai-tari-goluri-din-ultimii-60-de-ani-12774543| title=Hagi și Eric, într-un top al UEFA cu cele mai tari goluri din ultimii 60 de ani| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi and Eric, in a UEFA top with the best goals of the last 60 years| date=18 June 2014| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/liga-campionilor/supergolul-lui-gica-hagi-inclus-de-france-football-in-topul-celor-mai-frumoase-reusite-din-champions-league-597579.html| title=Supergolul lui Gică Hagi, inclus de France Football în topul celor mai frumoase reușite din Champions League!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi's super goal, included by France Football in the top of the most beautiful achievements in the Champions League!| date=2 May 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/golul-din-champions-league-care-il-reprezinta-pe-gica-hagi-si-azi-regele-reusita-recunoscuta-dupa-un-sfert-de-secol.html| title=Golul din Champions League care îl reprezintă pe Gică Hagi și azi! "Regele", reușită recunoscută după un sfert de secol| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The Champions League goal that represents Gică Hagi even today! "The King", recognized success after a quarter of a century| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

On 26 May 2001, Hagi played his last game as a professional footballer, managing to score a brace and provide an assist in Galatasaray's 4–0 win over [[Trabzonspor]] in the Turkish league.<ref name=golazo>{{cite web | url=https://golazo.ro/gheorghe-hagi-aniversare-60-de-ani-galatasaray-turcia-125334| title=Hagi, tatuat în inima Turciei| publisher=Golazo.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, tatooed in the heart of Turkey| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/20-de-ani-de-la-ultimul-meci-oficial-jucat-de-gica-hagi-cu-o-dubla-a-regelui-imagini-spectaculoase-postate-de-galatasaray-1117597| title=20 de ani de la ultimul meci oficial jucat de Gică Hagi, cu o "dublă" a "Regelui". Imagini spectaculoase postate de Galatasaray| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=20 years since the last official match played by Gică Hagi, with a "double" for the "King". Spectacular images posted by Galatasaray| date=26 May 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Hagi drew praise from the Galatasaray supporters for his performances during his time with the club, who adopted the chant "I Love You Hagi" in his honour.<ref name=golazo/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/special/bornele-prin-care-gica-hagi-a-uluit-mapamondul-ca-jucator-775748.html| title="Dumnezeu mi le-a dat pe toate" Bornele prin care Gică Hagi a uluit mapamondul ca jucător| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title="God gave me everything" The milestones through which Gică Hagi stunned the world map as a player| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

==International career==
===Early years and Euro 1984===
Hagi made his debut for [[Romania national football team|Romania]] on 10 August 1983 at the age of 18, under coach [[Mircea Lucescu]] who used him the entire match in a 0–0 friendly draw against [[Norway national football team|Norway]], played at the [[Ullevaal Stadion|Ullevaal stadium]] in [[Oslo]].<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=GSP6>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/gheorghe-hagi-romania-debut-707496.html| title=Astăzi se împlinesc 40 de ani de la debutul lui Gică Hagi la echipa națională a României: "Mă uit în spate cu mândrie"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Today marks 40 years since Gică Hagi's debut in the Romanian national team: "I look back with pride"| date=10 August 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=EU>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=7599|title=Gheorghe Hagi player profile|publisher=European Football|access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=8027|title=Norway 0-0 Romania |publisher=European Football|access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref> After the game, the ''Sportul'' newspaper wrote:"Hagi is the main win of the match with Norway".<ref name=GSP6/>

He was selected by Lucescu to be part of the squad that went to [[UEFA Euro 1984|Euro 1984]], as the team needed a replacement for injured [[Ilie Balaci]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP7>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/euro-1984-povestea-primului-turneu-final-pentru-romania-hagi-debut-742508.html| title=Povestea României la primul Euro, din 1984: am lăsat Italia acasă! Fără niciun stelist, cu cel mai tânăr selecţioner pe bancă şi debutul lui Hagi la un turneu final la doar 19 ani| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Romania's story at the first Euro, from 1984: we left Italy at home! Without any Steaua player, with the youngest coach on the bench and Hagi's debut at a final tournament at only 19 years old| date=6 June 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=adevarul>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/euro-1984-romania-intra-pe-marile-bulevarde-ale-1701873.html| title=EURO 1984: România intră "pe marile bulevarde ale fotbalului". 33 de ani de la golul lui Boloni cu Italia, surprizele lui Lucescu pentru EURO| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=ro |trans-title=EURO 1984: Romania enters "the great boulevards of football". 33 years since Boloni's goal against Italy, Lucescu's surprises for the EURO| date=16 April 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the first game which was a 1–1 draw against [[Spain national football team|Spain]], he came in the 76th minute to replace [[Romulus Gabor]], then in the 2–1 loss to [[West Germany national football team|West Germany]] he was a starter, but replaced at half-time with [[Ion Adrian Zare|Ion Zare]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP7/><ref name=adevarul/> In the 1–0 loss against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] he did not play, as Romania did not get past the group stage.<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP7/><ref name=adevarul/> The 19-year-old Hagi's performance in the final tournament was criticized by Lucescu:"[[Aurel Țicleanu|Țicleanu]] and Hagi failed to make a real contribution after entering. Hagi, especially, isolated himself on the wing, being unable to make up for the great absence of Balaci".<ref name=GSP7/>

He scored his first international goal against [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] in a 3–2 loss during the [[1986 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 3|1986 World Cup qualifiers]].<ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians"/><ref name=GSP6/><ref name=EU/> In the second leg against the Northern Irish he was made captain for the first time, but the game ended with another loss.<ref name="icon"/><ref name=GSP6/><ref name=EU/>

===1990 World Cup===
He played six matches and scored once from a penalty in a 3–0 victory against [[Greece national football team|Greece]] in the [[1990 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 1|1990 World Cup qualifiers]].<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://tikitaka.ro/romania-grecia-3-0-in-preliminariile-pentru-mondialul-din-italia-90-2-noiembrie-1988/| title=România – Grecia 3-0 în preliminariile pentru Mondialul din Italia '90 – 2 noiembrie 1988| publisher=Tikitaka.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Romania - Greece 3-0 in the preliminaries for the World Cup in Italy '90 - November 2, 1988| date= 2 November 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|final tournament]], coach [[Emerich Jenei]] could not use him in the first game, a victory against [[Soviet Union national football team|Soviet Union]], as he was suspended due to a red card in the last qualifier match against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]].<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/notti-magiche-cum-i-am-batut-pe-sovietici-la-9-iunie-1990-in-primul-meci-de-la-mondiale-dupa-20-de-ani-lacatus-a-ajuns-cosmarul-lui-dasaev-iar-gica-popescu-a-refuzat-real-madrid-19675559| title="Notti magiche" Cum i-am bătut pe sovietici, la 9 iunie 1990, în primul meci de la Mondiale, după 20 de ani. Lăcătuș a ajuns coșmarul lui Dasaev, iar Gică Popescu a refuzat Real Madrid| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title="Notti magiche" How we beat the Soviets, on June 9, 1990, in the first World Cup match, after 20 years. Lăcătuș became Dasaev's nightmare, and Gică Popescu refused Real Madrid| date=9 June 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He played in the following two which were a loss to [[Cameroon national football team|Cameroon]] and a draw against [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] as Romania got past the group stage, reaching the round of 16.<ref name=EU/> There, the journey ended in favor of [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]] at the penalty shoot-out following a 0–0 draw, with Hagi netting Romania's first spot kick.<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/italia-90/oleary-and-bonner-the-heroes-as-ireland-make-history-and-qualify-for-world-cup-quarterfinal-31330109.html |title=O'Leary and Bonner the heroes as Ireland make history and qualify for World Cup quarter-final |work=The Irish Independent |last1=Dunne |first1=Noel |date=25 June 2015 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref>

===1994 World Cup===
Hagi scored five goals in the [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 4|1994 World Cup qualifiers]], including a brace in a 5–1 home win over [[Wales National Football Team|Wales]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP8>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/video-25-de-ani-de-la-victoria-care-ducea-romania-la-cm-1994-2-1-cu-tara-galilor-discurs-genial-al-lui-hagi-la-pauza-alte-9-momente-spectaculoase-553284.html | title=25 de ani de la victoria care ducea România la CM 1994, 2-1 cu Țara Galilor. Discurs genial al lui Hagi la pauză + alte 9 momente spectaculoase| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=25 years since the victory that led Romania to the WC 1994, 2-1 with Wales. Hagi's brilliant speech at halftime + 9 other spectacular moments| date=17 November 2018 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the last group game of the qualifiers, which was also against Wales, he opened the score, the first half ending 1–0.<ref name=GSP8/> Then Hagi, feeling that his teammates were too relaxed, asked coach [[Anghel Iordănescu]] to leave the dressing room and let him talk to them, and afterwards he started punching the closet and held a motivational speech.<ref name=GSP8/> The match finished with a 2–1 victory which earned Romania the mathematical qualification to the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|final tournament]], and also this game is considered by Romanian journalists as the birth of Romania's "Golden Generation".<ref name=GSP8/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/extra/qzftvbnt63/when-romania-broke-welsh-hearts | title=When Romania broke Welsh hearts| publisher=Bbc.co.uk| language=en| date= | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

Hagi captained ''The Tricolours'' in the final tournament.<ref name=EU/> In the first match against [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]], he provided the assists for both of [[Florin Răducioiu]]'s goals in the 3–1 win and defeated goalkeeper [[Óscar Córdoba]] with a spectacular 35-meter [[Chip (association football)|lob]] from the side of the field, with the ball not spinning in the air.<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/video-23-de-ani-de-cand-romania-a-rapus-columbia-1791907.html | title=VIDEO 23 de ani de când România a răpus Columbia la Mondialul din SUA. Cum a reușit Iordănescu să mobilizeze echipa în fața vedetelor sud-americane| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=ro|trans-title=Video 23 years since Romania defeated Colombia at the World Cup in the USA. How Iordănescu managed to mobilize the team in front of the South American stars| date=18 June 2017 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> After getting past the group stage, they eliminated [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] with a 3–2 score in which Hagi gave an assist to one of [[Ilie Dumitrescu]]'s goals, then scored himself after Dumitrescu returned the favor.<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/world-cup-best-game-argentina-romania-usa-94-hagi |title=The best ever World Cup match? Romania 3–2 Argentina at USA 94 |work=The Guardian |last1=McCracken |first1=Craig |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref> In the quarter-finals, Romania faced [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]], the score was 2–2 after [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]], reaching the penalty shoot-out where Hagi netted his shot, but two of his teammates missed, while all but one of the Swedes scored, thus the campaign ended.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/ideile-gazetei/romania-suedia-istoria-la-raport-campionatul-mondial-1994-668158.html | title=EPISODUL 7: România - Suedia 2-2, 4-5 la penalty-uri. Mingea a fost a noastră, 45-24 la driblinguri, dar nu ne-a ajutat fizicul: 103-119 la dueluri| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=EPISODE 7: Romania - Sweden 2-2, 4-5 on penalties. The ball was ours, 45-24 on dribbles, but our physicality did not help: 103-119 on duels| date=4 July 2022 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

Hagi was named in the Team of the Tournament for his performances.<ref name="94WCAll-Star1"/> His goal against Colombia was listed in 2010 as one of the ten most beautiful goals scored in the [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] by the ''[[Agence France-Presse]]'' news agency, and in 2014 ''[[Diario AS]]'' placed it in third place and ''[[L'Équipe]]'' in 16th.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://click.ro/actualitate/lobul-lui-hagi-cu-columbia-in-top-10-al-221235.html| title=Lobul lui Hagi cu Columbia, în Top 10 al Mondialelor| publisher=Click.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's lob with Colombia, in the Top 10 of the World Cup| date=27 May 2010 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/golul-lui-hagi-din-meciul-cu-columbia-in-1994-printre-cele-mai-frumoase-din-istoria-cm-galerie-video-6185175| title=Golul lui Hagi din meciul cu Columbia in 1994 printre cele mai frumoase din istoria CM| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's goal in the match with Colombia in 1994 is among the most beautiful in the history of the World Cup| date=27 May 2010| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.romania-actualitati.ro/stiri/sport/top-goluri-istorice-hagi-printre-cei-mai-tehnici-marcatori-id11433.html| title=Top goluri istorice: Hagi, printre cei mai tehnici marcatori| publisher=Romania-actualitati.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Top historical goals: Hagi, among the most technical scorers| date=27 May 2010| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/cm-2014/stiri-cm-2014/golul-lui-hagi-din-meciul-cu-columbia-in-1994-pe-podiumul-celor-mai-frumoase-goluri-din-istorie-1303300| title=Golul lui Hagi din meciul cu Columbia in 1994, pe podiumul celor mai frumoase goluri din istorie| publisher=Ziare.com| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's goal in the match with Colombia in 1994, on the podium of the most beautiful goals in history| date=8 June 2014| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/video-omagiu-pentru-hagi-golul-marcat-columbiei-pe-locul-16-in-topul-celor-mai-frumoase-reusite-de-la-cm-115834| title=Omagiu pentru Hagi. Golul marcat Columbiei, pe locul 16 în topul celor mai frumoase reușite de la CM| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Tribute to Hagi. The goal scored by Colombia, on the 16th place in the list of the most beautiful achievements from the WC| date=11 June 2014| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Euro 1996===
During the successful [[UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying|Euro 1996 qualifiers]] he played six matches and scored two goals in two victories against [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]].<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Romaniansoccer.ro|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/national_team/fixtures/fixtures_euro_1996.shtml|title=National team - Qualification for Euro 1996 - Group 1|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the [[UEFA Euro 1996|final tournament]], Iordănescu used him for the entirety of all three games in the group stage, but Romania lost all of them to [[France national football team|France]], [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]] and [[Spain national football team|Spain]].<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/euro-1996-acuzatii-de-blat-generatia-de-aur-retragere-raducioiu-742514.html| title=România la Euro 1996: am început prost, am încheiat în genunchi. Generația de Aur zdruncinată din temelii, acuze de blat și adio pentru Răducioiu| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Romania at Euro 1996: We started badly, we finished on my knees. The Golden Generation shaken from its foundations, accusations of fraud and farewell to Răducioiu| date=9 June 2024 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.euronews.ro/articole/cel-mai-valoros-lot-al-romaniei-trimis-la-euro-a-fost-cel-din-1996-generatia-de-a| title=Cel mai valoros lot al României trimis la EURO a fost cel din 1996. Generația de Aur nu s-a ridicat la așteptări| publisher=Euronews.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The most valuable squad of Romania sent to the EURO was that of 1996. The Golden Generation did not live up to expectations| date=17 June 2024 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===1998 World Cup===
In the [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8|1998 World Cup qualifiers]] he made six appearances, scoring three goals against [[Iceland national football team|Iceland]], one against [[Liechtenstein national football team|Liechtenstein]], and a spectacular one in [[Dublin]] with a 35-meter free kick shot in a 1–1 draw against the Republic of Ireland.<ref name=sport/><ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/gica-hagi-cel-mai-bun-marcator-din-istoria-nationalei-romaniei-toate-golurile-inscrise-video-21010896| title=Gică Hagi, cel mai bun marcator din istoria naționalei României. Toate golurile înscrise și topul reușitelor. Video| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, the best scorer in the history of the Romanian national team. All the scored goals and the top of the successes. Video| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.playsport.ro/video-top-10-goluri-reusite-gica-hagi-in-cariera-sa-27255| title=Top 10 goluri reușite de Gică Hagi în cariera sa| publisher=Playsport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Top 10 goals scored by Gică Hagi in his career| date=16 April 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Hagi was used as captain by Iordănescu in all four games during the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|final tournament]], as in the group stage they earned victories in the first two rounds over Colombia and [[England national football team|England]], thus mathematically being qualified before the last group match against [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=wc1998>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/prosport-va-prezinta-povestea-adevarata-a-generatiei-de-aur-vopsite-in-galben-6328771| title=ProSport vă prezintă povestea adevărată a "Generației de Aur" vopsite în galben!| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=ProSport presents the true story of the "Golden Generation" painted in yellow!| date=8 June 2010| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/true-story/cu-totii-in-galben-ultima-nationala-care-i-a-scos-in-strada-pe-romani-generalul-si-puii-de-gaina-care.html| title=Cu totii in GALBEN! Ultima nationala care i-a scos in strada pe romani! Generalul si puii de gaina care au dus Romania la ultimul mondial!| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=All in YELLOW! The last national team that brought the Romanians to the streets! The general and the chicklings that took Romania to the last world cup!| date=18 October 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/generatia-cu-parul-de-aur-imagini-in-premiera-cu-momentele-in-care-s-au-vopsit-tricolorii-in-1998-266944| title=Generația (cu părul) de Aur. Imagini în premieră cu momentele în care s-au vopsit tricolorii, în 1998| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The (hairy) Golden Generation. Premiere images of the moments when the tricolors were painted, in 1998| date=9 January 2017| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In order to celebrate, the players dyed their hair blonde and presented themselves like that at the game.<ref name=EU/><ref name=wc1998/> They were defeated with 1–0 by [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] in the round of 16 after a goal scored from a penalty by [[Davor Šuker]].<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/n-au-fost-20-sunt-25-de-ani-profetia-lui-gica-hagi-a-fost-mai-aspra-decat-se-preconize-la-30-iunie-1998-nationala-romaniei-juca-ultimul-ei-meci-la-un-campionat-mondial-special-19689520| title=N-au fost 20, sunt 25 de ani! Profeția lui Gică Hagi a fost mai aspră decât se preconiza. La 30 iunie 1998, naționala României juca ultimul ei meci la un Campionat Mondial| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=It wasn't 20, it's 25 years! Gică Hagi's prophecy was harsher than expected. On June 30, 1998, the Romanian national team played its last match at a World Championship| date=30 June 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-inside-story-of-why-the-entire-romania-98-team-bleached-their-hair/ |title=The Inside Story of Why the Entire Romania '98 Team Bleached Their Hair |publisher=Vice News |last1=Lazăr |first1=Mihnea |date=11 June 2018 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref>

===Euro 2000===
After the World Cup 1998, Hagi retired from the national team.<ref name=GSP9>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/video-remember-cea-mai-emotionanta-noapte-din-istoria-fotbalului-romanesc-394139.html| title=Video remember. Cea mai emoționantă noapte din istoria fotbalului românesc| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Video remember. The most emotional night in the history of Romanian football| date=22 March 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=GSP10>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/gsp-live-video-fiul-lui-adrian-paunescu-dezvaluiri-despre-emisiunea-eveniment-in-urma-careia-gica-hagi-a-revenit-la-nationala-a-fost-o-piesa-de-teatru-5-ore-de-emisie-si-oameni-pe-strazi-la-3-dimineata-580283.html| title=Fiul lui Adrian Păunescu, dezvăluiri despre emisiunea-eveniment în urma căreia Gică Hagi a revenit la națională: "A fost o piesă de teatru" 5 ore de emisie și oameni pe străzi la 3 dimineața| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Adrian Păunescu's son, revelations about the show-event after which Gică Hagi returned to the national team: "It was a play" 5 hours of broadcast and people on the streets at 3 in the morning| date=16 October 2019| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=AS>{{cite web | url=https://as.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/cum-l-au-intors-tutu-condurateanu-si-paunescu-pe-hagi-la-echipa-nationala-pai-cine-sunt-eu-sa-refuz-106783.html| title=Cum l-au întors Țuțu Condurățeanu și Păunescu pe Hagi la echipa națională: "Păi cine sunt eu să refuz?"| publisher=As.ro| language=ro |trans-title=How Țuțu Condurățeanu and Păunescu returned Hagi to the national team: "Well, who am I to refuse?"| date=29 June 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Before a game against [[Hungary–Romania football rivalry|rivals]] [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] in the [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying Group 7|Euro 2000 qualifiers]], Hagi was invited by [[Adrian Păunescu]] to his "Meciul Meciurilor" (The Match of Matches) TV show.<ref name=GSP9/><ref name=GSP10/><ref name=AS/> During the show, Păunescu and all his guests—figures from Romanian football and politics—tried for about five hours to convince Hagi to return to the national team.<ref name=GSP9/><ref name=GSP10/><ref name=AS/> Additionally, over 100 fans spontaneously gathered in front of the TV station's headquarters to cheer him, even though it was past midnight.<ref name=GSP9/><ref name=GSP10/><ref name=AS/> Seeing all of this happening, Hagi recalls saying to himself in those moments:"Who are you, for an entire country to beg for you?!"<ref name=GSP9/> He played in the 2–0 victory against the Hungarians, having a praised evolution by the press even though coach [[Victor Pițurcă]] used him only in the first half because he injured his shoulder.<ref name=GSP9/><ref name=GSP10/><ref name=AS/> At the end of the game he was carried on the arms of his colleagues to tour the stadium, although his shoulder was immobilized in a splint.<ref name=GSP9/><ref name=GSP10/><ref name=AS/> In these qualifiers he would go on to score his last two goals for the national team in a win over Slovakia and a draw against Portugal.<ref name=EU/>

During the [[UEFA Euro 2000 Final|final tournament]], coach Emerich Jenei used him as a starter in the first two group stage matches, receiving a yellow card in each of them leading to his suspension for the decisive game against [[England national football team|England]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP11>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/euro-2000-adio-generatia-de-aur-gica-hagi-eliminat-la-ultimul-meci-742516.html| title="The Last Dance" pentru Generația de Aur. 4 meciuri de foc, singura victorie la un European + Gică Hagi, eliminat în ultimul meci pentru națională| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title="The Last Dance" for the Golden Generation. 4 hot matches, the only victory in a European + Gică Hagi, eliminated in the last match for the national team | date=9 June 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Eventually, his teammates managed to win it without him and qualify to the quarter-finals.<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP11/> There, they lost with 2–0 to eventual runners-up [[Italy national football team|Italy]] in which Hagi received a red card in the 59th minute.<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP11/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/eventi/euro2000/200006/24/3955184b02c4f/|title=Euro 2000: Italia-Romania (2–0)&nbsp;– Azzurri in semifinale|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|date=24 June 2000|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112223504/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/eventi/euro2000/200006/24/3955184b02c4f/|archive-date=12 November 2018|url-status=dead}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://walloffame.infostradasports.com/asp/index.asp?SortId=63|title=Wall of Fame: Gheorghe Hagi|publisher=Infostrada Sports|access-date=13 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201112155/http://walloffame.infostradasports.com/asp/index.asp?SortId=63|archive-date=1 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Retirement===
Hagi retired from professional football in 2001 at the age of 36.<ref name=retirement>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1294532.stm |title=Hagi takes an all-star bow |work=BBC Sport |date=24 April 2001 |access-date=29 July 2018}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/20-de-ani-de-la-meciul-de-retragere-al-lui-gica-hagi-ultimul-bal-de-gala-al-regelui-video-19499139| title=20 de ani de la meciul de retragere al lui Gică Hagi! Ultimul "bal de gală" al "Regelui". Video| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=20 years since Gică Hagi's retirement match! The last "gala ball" of the "King". Video | date=24 April 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.playsport.ro/video-20-de-ani-de-la-gala-hagi-un-eveniment-grandios-cu-regele-in-prim-plan-pentru-ultima-data-sub-tricolor-29474| title=VIDEO. 20 de ani de la "Gala Hagi"! Un eveniment grandios cu "Regele" în prim-plan, pentru ultima dată sub "tricolor"| publisher=Playsport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Video. 20 years since the "Hagi Gala"! A grandiose event with the "King" in the foreground, for the last time under the "tricolor"| date=24 April 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> That year, he was given a send-off in a testimonial game on 24 April, called "Gala Hagi", featuring a team of Romanian All-Stars against a team of international All-Stars.<ref name=retirement/> At the time of his retirement, his 124 caps{{efn|name="ROM"}} for his country were a national record, which has since been surpassed by [[Dorinel Munteanu]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/gica-hagi-isi-poate-lua-revansa-in-fata-lui-dorinel-care-i-a-suflat-recordul-de-selectii-la-echipa-nationala-23004| title=Gică Hagi îşi poate lua revanşa în faţa lui Dorinel, care i-a "suflat" recordul de selecții la echipa națională| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi can get revenge against Dorinel, who "blew" his national team selection record | date=16 November 2012| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He currently still holds the record of most goals scored for Romania, alongside [[Adrian Mutu]], with 35.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-romania-mutu/soccer-former-goal-hero-mutu-returns-to-dinamo-as-general-manager-idINL4N1CI4A3 |title=Soccer-Former goal hero Mutu returns to Dinamo as general manager |work=in.reuters.com |date=12 October 2016 |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801024042/https://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-romania-mutu/soccer-former-goal-hero-mutu-returns-to-dinamo-as-general-manager-idINL4N1CI4A3 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

For representing his country at six final tournaments, Hagi was decorated by [[President of Romania]] [[Traian Băsescu]] on 25 March 2008 with the Ordinul "Meritul Sportiv" – (The Medal "The Sportive Merit") class II.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Monitorul_Oficial_al_Rom%C3%A2niei._Partea_I_2008-03-28%2C_nr._241.pdf |title=DECRET privind conferirea Ordinului și Medaliei Meritul Sportiv |publisher=Monitorul Oficial al României Nr. 241 |date=28 March 2008 |page=3 |access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://old.presidency.ro/index.php?_RID=det&tb=date_arhiva&id=10313&_PRID=arh |title=Decorarea unor personalități ale fotbalului românesc |publisher=Administrația Prezidențială |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=11 February 2025|archive-date=12 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912005010/http://old.presidency.ro/index.php?_RID=det&tb=date_arhiva&id=10313&_PRID=arh |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2022, the [[IFFHS|International Federation of Football History & Statistics]] (IFFHS) included Hagi in its "Romania's all-time dream team" first XI.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://iffhs.com/posts/1837| title=IFFHS men's all time Romania dream team - 164| publisher=IFFHS.com| language=en | date=20 April 2022| access-date=11 November 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/romania-cea-mai-buna-echipa-istorie-iffhs-661492.html| title=Federația Internațională de Istorie și Statistică: "Iată cel mai tare "11" al României din istorie!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=International Federation of History and Statistics: "Here is Romania's strongest "11" in history!"| date=22 April 2022| access-date=11 November 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/federatia-internationala-de-istorie-si-statistica-a-fotbalului-a-anuntat-cel-mai-bun-prim-11-din-istoria-romaniei-1646943| title=Federația Internațională de Istorie și Statistică a Fotbalului a anunțat cel mai bun "prim 11" din istoria României| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The International Federation of Football History and Statistics announced the best "first 11" in Romanian history.| date=23 April 2022| access-date=11 November 2025}}</ref>

==Managerial career==
===Romania===
In 2001, Hagi was named the head coach of [[Romania national football team|Romania]], replacing [[Ladislau Bölöni]], who left the squad to coach [[Sporting Clube de Portugal|Sporting Lisbon]].<ref name=IAM>{{cite web | url=https://iamsport.ro/fotbal/episodul-4-cat-de-bun-antrenor-e-hagi-profet-doar-in-constanta-natala-ghinionist-la-nationala-neinteles-la-bursa-la-galata-si-la-timisoara-umilit-de-finul-gigi-in-ghencea-gica-a-performat-numai-la-carma-echipelor-inventate-de-el-id28496.html| title=Cât de bun antrenor e Hagi? Profet doar în Constanța natală? Ghinionist la națională, neînțeles la Bursa, la Galata și la Timișoara, umilit de finul Gigi în Ghencea, Gică a performat numai la cârma echipelor inventate de el| publisher=Iamsport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=How good a coach is Hagi? Prophet only in his native Constanta? Unlucky in the national team, misunderstood in Bursa, in Galata and in Timișoara, humiliated by the son Gigi in Ghencea, Gică performed only at the helm of the teams invented by him | date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/sandu-ar-fi-preferat-un-roman-la-nationala-boloni-sau-hagi-mai-meritau-o-sansa-236311| title=Sandu ar fi preferat un român la națională: "Boloni sau Hagi mai meritau o șansă"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Sandu would have preferred a Romanian in the national team: "Boloni or Hagi deserved another chance" | date=5 July 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He led the team in the final matches of the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8|2002 World Cup qualifiers]], the first match being a 2–0 away win over [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]], followed by a 1–1 draw against [[Georgia national football team|Georgia]].<ref name=IAM/><ref name=EU2>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_manager.php?id=761|title=Gheorghe Hagi manager profile|publisher=European Football|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Afterwards the team reached a [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA second round|play-off]] where they faced [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]], losing 2–1 in the first leg and drew 1–1 in the second where Hagi, by the end of the game, was using five [[forward (association football)|forwards]].<ref name=IAM/><ref name=EU2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/ideile-gazetei/episodul-9-romania-slovenia-1-1-2001-cu-5-atacanti-in-teren-am-jucat-fotbal-total-673683.html| title=Episodul 9: România - Slovenia 1-1 (2001). Cu 5 atacanți în teren am jucat fotbal total| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Episode 9: Romania - Slovenia 1-1 (2001). With 5 strikers in the field we played total football | date=5 September 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/gica-hagi-n-a-uitat-de-barajul-de-cosmar-cu-slovenia-19130173| title=Gică Hagi n-a uitat barajul de coșmar cu Slovenia: "Am fost ca un student care a terminat școala!"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi has not forgotten the nightmare match against Slovenia: "I was like a student who finished school!" | date=29 October 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Bursaspor===
In July 2003, Hagi took over as coach of Turkish [[Süper Lig]] side [[Bursaspor]], transferring Romanian players [[Ionel Ganea]], [[Bogdan Vintilă]], [[Iulian Miu]] and [[Cornel Frăsineanu]] to the club.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=DIGI2>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-international/prima-echipa-de-club-din-cariera-de-antrenor-a-lui-gica-hagi-se-desfiinteaza-a-fost-campioana-in-2010-2701319 | title=Prima echipă de club din cariera de antrenor a lui Gică Hagi se desființează! A fost campioană în 2010| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The first club team of Gică Hagi's coaching career is disbanded! They were champions in 2010| date=30 November 2023 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gds.ro/Sport/2003-07-05/Ionel-Ganea-a-semnat-pentru-Bursaspor/ | title=Ionel Ganea a semnat pentru Bursaspor| publisher=Gds.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Ionel Ganea signed with Bursaspor| date=5 July 2003 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> However, his spell was unsuccessful, earning just two victories out of 12 games, leaving in November.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=DIGI2/>

===Galatasaray===
Hagi then became manager of [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]] in March 2004, replacing [[Fatih Terim]], having fellow Romanian players [[Florin Bratu]] and [[Ovidiu Petre]] in the squad, finishing the [[2003–04 Süper Lig|season]] in sixth place.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=GSP12>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/hagi-trebuie-lasat-sa-continue-la-galata-in-2004-a-inceput-la-fel-de-prost-dar-a-creat-o-campioana-231145.html | title=Hagi trebuie lăsat să continue la Galata. În 2004 a început la fel de prost, dar a creat o campioană| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi must be allowed to continue at Galata. In 2004 he started just as badly, but created a champion| date=6 March 2011 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=sport3>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/stranieri/hagi-poate-debuta-la-galatasaray-in-super-derbyul-cu-fenerbahce-galata-a-trimis-un-avion-dupa-el.html | title=Oficial! Hagi, un an si jumatate la Galata, pe 1.7 mil euro! Azi la 15:30 prezentarea| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Official! Hagi, a year and a half in Galata, for 1.7 million euros! Today at 15:30 the presentation| date=21 October 2010 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gds.ro/Sport/2004-05-17/Bratu-a-marcat-pentru-Galata/ | title=Bratu a marcat pentru Galata| publisher=Gds.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Bratu scored for Galata| date=17 May 2004 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the [[2004–05 Süper Lig|following season]], the team finished third in the league and won the [[2004–05 Turkish Cup|Turkish Cup]] after a 5–1 victory in the [[2005 Turkish Cup Final|final]] against [[Fenerbahçe–Galatasaray rivalry|fierce rivals]] [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football)|Fenerbahçe]], and he also promoted young [[Arda Turan]] to the first team.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=GSP12/><ref name=sport3/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://hotnews.ro/hagi-a-castigat-cupa-turciei-si-vrea-si-campionatul-846427 | title=Hagi a castigat Cupa Turciei si vrea si campionatul| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi won the Turkish Cup and wants the championship as well| date=13 May 2015 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Afterwards he was replaced with [[Eric Gerets]].<ref name=GSP12/><ref name=sport3/>

===Politehnica Timișoara===
Hagi was hired by [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]] in November 2005, managing to win his first two matches, defeating [[ASC Oțelul Galați|Oțelul Galați]] 2–0 and [[CS Pandurii Târgu Jiu|Pandurii Târgu Jiu]] 1–0.<ref name=wesport>{{cite web | url=https://welovesport.ro/stiri/hagi-la-timisoara-revolutia-care-nu-a-venit-35232 | title=Hagi la Timișoara: Revoluția care (nu) a venit| publisher=Weloveport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi in Timisoara: The revolution that (didn't) come| date=21 October 2010 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> During this spell, he gave the [[Liga I|first league]] debut to [[Gabriel Torje]].<ref name=IAM/><ref name=wesport/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/poveste-de-succes-cu-un-rege-si-un-pitic-cum-a-fost-descoperit-torje-de-hagi-255323.html | title=Poveste de succes cu un Rege şi un pitic! Cum a fost descoperit Torje de Hagi| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Success story with a King and a dwarf! How Torje de Hagi was discovered| date=23 August 2011| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> However, after a string of poor results and disagreements with the management, he left the club in May 2006 after a 2–0 loss to Oțelul.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=wesport/> His decision to coach Politehnica Timișoara did not go well with [[FC Farul Constanța|Farul]]'s fans, who asked for the name to be changed, as [[Constanța]]'s [[Stadionul Farul|main stadium]] used to bear his name since 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gandul.info/sport/constanta-s-lepadat-gheorghe-hagi.html?3941;253988 |title=Constanta s-a lepadat de Gheorghe Hagi |publisher=Gandul.info |language=ro |date=21 November 2005 |access-date=4 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701031855/http://www.gandul.info/sport/constanta-s-lepadat-gheorghe-hagi.html?3941%3B253988 |archive-date=1 July 2007}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://welovesport.ro/stiri/pacaleala-cu-gheorghe-hagi-535 | title=Păcăleala cu "Gheorghe Hagi"| publisher=Weloveport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The prank with "Gheorghe Hagi"| date=1 April 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Steaua București===
From June to September 2007, Hagi coached [[FCSB|Steaua București]], managing to get past [[Zagłębie Lubin]] and [[FC BATE Borisov|BATE Borisov]] in the [[2007–08 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds|Champions League qualifying rounds]], reaching the [[2007–08 UEFA Champions League group stage|group stage]] where they were defeated 2–1 by [[SK Slavia Prague|Slavia Prague]] in the first match.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=GSP13>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/cifrele-lui-hagi-la-steaua-10778.html | title=Cifrele lui Hagi la Steaua| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's numbers at Steaua| date=20 September 2007 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=GSP14>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/hagi-a-stat-doar-3-luni-201988.html | title=Hagi a stat doar 3 luni| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi stayed just 3 months| date=9 August 2010 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> After the defeat against Slavia he resigned due to a long series of conflicts with club owner [[Gigi Becali]], who also happens to be his godson.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=GSP13/><ref name=GSP14/> The main reason for resigning was the owner's policy of imposing players, dictating the team's strategy and threatening him that he would be fired if he didn't comply.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=GSP14/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/hagi-a-demisionat-de-la-steaua-927237 | title=Hagi a demisionat de la Steaua| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi resigned from Steaua| date=20 September 2007 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Return to Galatasaray===
After [[Frank Rijkaard]] was sacked as coach, Hagi signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Galatasaray on 21 October 2010.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=GSP12/><ref name=sport3/> He brought to the team [[Bogdan Stancu]], [[Emmanuel Culio]] and [[Róbinson Zapata]] from the [[Liga I|Romanian league]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/bogdan-stancu/galatasaray/stancu-zapata-si-culio-out-de-la-galatasaray-1083235 | title=Stancu, Zapata si Culio, out de la Galatasaray| publisher=Ziare.com| language=ro |trans-title=Stancu, Zapata and Culio, out from Galatasaray| date=22 March 2011 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Under his guidance, the team's results did not improve, so by the end of March 2011 his contract was terminated after a series of poor results.<ref name=IAM/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/galatasaray-a-reziliat-contractul-cu-hagi-564511 | title=Galatasaray a reziliat contractul cu Hagi| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Galatasaray terminated the contract with Hagi| date=25 March 2011 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Viitorul Constanța===
In 2009, Hagi established a football academy in Constanța, which he named after [[Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy|himself]], and also founded a senior football club, [[FC Viitorul Constanța|Viitorul Constanța]], registering it in the [[Liga III|third league]] and serving as its president.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=orange>{{cite web | url=https://orangesport.ro/lovitura-de-proportii-data-din-nou-de-gheorghe-hagi-regele-negociaza-intens-pentru-cea-mai-mare-afacere-din-istorie-sume-halucinante-pentru-fc-viitorul-19576167 | title=Lovitură de proporții dată din nou de Gheorghe Hagi. "Regele" negociază intens pentru cea mai mare afacere din istorie. Sume halucinante pentru FC Viitorul| publisher=Orangesport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Blow of proportions given again by Gheorghe Hagi. The "King" is negotiating intensely for the biggest deal in history. Hallucinatory sums for FC Viitorul| date=5 November 2020 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://orangesport.ro/gica-hagi-investitii-uriase-la-academie-si-la-viitorul-doar-pe-cheltuieli-avem-10-milioane-de-euro-19829176 | title=Gică Hagi, investiţii uriaşe la Academie şi la Viitorul: "Doar pe cheltuieli avem 10 milioane de euro"| publisher=Orangesport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, huge investments at the Academy and at Viitorul: "We have 10 million euros on expenses alone"| date=26 December 2020 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/player/380-hagi-gheorghe-gica-hagi | title=Gheorghe Gică Hagi| publisher=Fcbarcelona.com| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In a few years the team managed to promote to the [[Liga I|first league]], then in 2014 he installed himself as head coach.<ref name=IAM/><ref name=orange/> On 5 December 2014, he gave the senior debut to his son, [[Ianis Hagi|Ianis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/ultima-etapa-a-turului-viitorul-botosani-1-2-ianis-hagi-a-debutat-in-liga-1-gaz-metan-brasov-2-1-a-fost-ultimul-meci-pentru-szabo-in-locul-sau-va-veni-dusan-uhrin-13704855|title=Ultima etapă a turului. Viitorul – Botoşani 1–2. Ianis Hagi a debutat în Liga 1. Gaz Metan – Braşov 2–1. A fost ultimul meci pentru Szabo, în locul său va veni Dusan Uhrin|trans-title=The last day of the first leg. Viitorul – Botoşani 1–2. Ianis Hagi made his Liga I debut. Gaz Metan – Braşov 2–1. The final match for Szabo, who will be replaced by Dušan Uhrin|publisher=Prosport.ro|language=ro |date=5 December 2014|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He had a good season in the [[2015–16 Liga I|2015–16]] edition, finishing in fifth place and qualifying to the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]], and also was named [[Romania Coach of the Year]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/ce-echipe-din-liga-1-merg-in-cupele-europene-3-dintre-formatiile-de-pe-un-loc-de-europa-nu-au-drept-de-joc-478276.html | title=Ce echipe din Liga 1 merg în cupele europene. 3 dintre formațiile de pe un loc de Europa nu au drept de joc| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Which teams from Liga 1 go to the European cups. 3 of the formations on a place in Europe do not have the right to play| date=18 May 2016 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/anchetele-gazetei/anul-lui-gulliver-surprize-in-ancheta-gazetei-care-sint-cei-cinci-laureati-din-superlativele-gsp-466248.html | title=Anul lui Gulliver! Surprize în Ancheta Gazetei: care sînt cei cinci laureați din Superlativele GSP| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Year of Gulliver! Surprises in the Gazetei Investigation: who are the five laureates of the GSP Superlatives| date=23 December 2015 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In their first [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League|European match]], Viitorul were defeated 5–0 by [[KAA Gent|Gent]] at the [[Planet Group Arena|Ghelamco Arena]], and were eliminated from the [[2016–17 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase|Europa League third qualifying round]] round after a 0–0 draw in the second leg.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/europa-league/foto-gent-viitorul-5-0-umilinta-pentru-echipa-lui-hagi-la-debutul-in-cupele-europene-484605.html | title=Gent - Viitorul 5-0! Umilință pentru echipa lui Hagi, la debutul în cupele europene| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gent - Viitorul 5-0! Humiliation for Hagi's team, at the debut in the European cups| date=28 July 2016 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/europa-league/hagi-crede-ca-viitorul-nu-s-a-facut-de-rusine-noi-propunem-fotbalisti-pentru-echipele-mari-241023 | title=Hagi crede că Viitorul nu s-a făcut de rușine: "Noi propunem fotbaliști pentru echipele mari!"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Hagi believes that Viitorul was not ashamed: "We propose footballers for the big teams!"| date=4 August 2016 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

Viitorul won their first league title in the [[2016–17 Liga I|2016–17]] season after a 1–0 home victory over [[CFR Cluj]] in the last round, finishing on equal points with [[FCSB]] but on a better head-to-head record.<ref name=IAM/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/sport/fotbal/viitorul-campioana-romaniei-locul-1-liga-i-723702| title=FC Viitorul, noua campioană a României la fotbal. Becali a anunțat că merge la TAS| publisher=Digi24.ro| language=ro |trans-title=FC Viitorul, the new Romanian football champion. Becali announced that he was going to TAS| date=13 May 2017 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> As a result, Hagi won his second Romania Coach of the Year award.<ref name=IAM/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/anchetele-gazetei/hagi-e-antrenorul-anului-2017-in-ancheta-gazetei-pentru-ca-ne-inveti-sa-nu-cedam-in-meserie-multumim-gica-iata-si-ceilalti-3-laureati-528553.html| title=Hagi e antrenorul anului 2017 în ancheta Gazetei! Pentru că ne înveți să nu cedăm în meserie, mulțumim, Gică! Iată și ceilalți 3 laureați| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi is the 2017 coach of the year in Gazeta's investigation! For teaching us not to give up in our work, thank you, Gica! Here are the other 3 winners| date=20 December 2017 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Hagi would go on to win two more trophies with Viitorul, first the [[2018–19 Cupa României]] after a 2–1 victory against [[FC Astra Giurgiu|Astra Giurgiu]] in the [[2019 Cupa României final|final]] and shortly afterwards the [[2019 Supercupa României]] when they defeated CFR Cluj with 1–0.<ref name=IAM/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/live-text/video-steaua-pandurii-3-0-ros-albastrii-si-au-adjudecat-cupa-ligii-romaniei-goluri-iancu-chipciu-si-tucudean-295440 | title=Viitorul a câștigat Cupa României, 2-1 cu Astra. Eric, gol în prelungiri. Eroul Ghiță a marcat și a scos de pe linia porții| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Viitorul won the Romanian Cup, 2-1 with Astra. Eric, goal in overtime. The hero Ghiță scored and took it off the goal line| date=25 May 2019| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/cupa-romaniei/cfr-cluj-viitorul-video-supercupa-romaniei-2019-571400.html | title=Viitorul lui Hagi doboară CFR-ul și câștigă Supercupa României, singurul trofeu intern care îi mai lipsea| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's Viitorul defeats CFR and wins the Romanian Supercup, the only domestic trophy he was missing| date=6 July 2019| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Farul Constanța===
At a press conference from 21 June 2021, Hagi, together with club president [[Gheorghe Popescu (footballer, born 1967)|Gheorghe Popescu]] and [[FC Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]]'s owner [[Ciprian Marica]] announced that Viitorul and Farul had merged into one team which would have the name of the latter and Hagi would be head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://liga2.prosport.ro/seria-1/viitorul-si-farul-constanta-conferinta-despre-fuziune-video-19189813|title=Viitorul și Farul Constanța au fuzionat. În Liga 1 va juca Farul, antrenor va fi Gheorghe Hagi, iar acționarii echipei sunt Hagi, Ciprian Marica și Zoltan Iasko|trans-title=Viitorul and Farul Constanța merged. Farul will play in the Liga I, Gheorghe Hagi will be the coach, and the team's shareholders are Hagi, Ciprian Marica and Zoltan Iasko|publisher=Liga2.prosport.ro|language=ro|date=21 June 2021|access-date=11 February 2025|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027111615/https://liga2.prosport.ro/seria-1/viitorul-si-farul-constanta-conferinta-despre-fuziune-video-19189813|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/fuziunea-farul-viitorul-anuntata-oficial-gica-hagi-revine-pe-banca-ce-nume-va-avea-noua-echipa-1152789|title=Fuziunea Farul - Viitorul, anunțată oficial! Gică Hagi revine pe bancă. Ce nume va avea noua echipă|trans-title=The Farul - Viitorul merger, officially announced! Gica Hagi returns to the bench. What name will the new team have|publisher=Digisport.ro|language=ro|date=21 June 2021|access-date=11 February 2025|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621092704/https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/fuziunea-farul-viitorul-anuntata-oficial-gica-hagi-revine-pe-banca-ce-nume-va-avea-noua-echipa-1152789|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/viitorul-farul-fuziune-hagi-marica-conferinta-634869.html|title=Viitorul și Farul Constanța au fuzionat: Gică Hagi va fi antrenor » Cum arată conducerea, primele transferuri + promisiune pentru un nou stadion|trans-title=Viitorul and Farul Constanța merged: Gică Hagi will be the coach »What the management looks like, the first transfers + promise for a new stadium|publisher=Gsp.ro|language=ro|date=21 June 2021|access-date=11 February 2025|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202736/https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/viitorul-farul-fuziune-hagi-marica-conferinta-634869.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Led by Hagi, Farul won their first league title in the [[2022–23 Liga I|2022–23]] season, earning the points that mathematically made them champions with one round before the end of the season, after a 3–2 win against [[FCSB]], coming back from 0–2.<ref name=IAM/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chirileasa |first=Andrei |date=21 May 2023 |title=Gheorghe Hagi's Farul comes back from two behind against FCSB to win him second Superliga title |publisher=Romania-insider.com |url=https://www.romania-insider.com/gheorghe-hagi-farul-constanta-superliga-title |access-date=11 February 2025 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521203401/https://www.romania-insider.com/gheorghe-hagi-farul-constanta-superliga-title |url-status=live }}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/sport/farul-constanta-a-castigat-titlul-de-campioana-a-romaniei-2356801 | title=Farul Constanța a câștigat titlul de campioană. A revenit spectaculos, după ce a fost condusă de FCSB cu două goluri| publisher=Digi24.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Farul Constanța won the title of champion. They made a spectacular comeback, after being led by FCSB with two goals| date=21 May 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

==Style of play==
A talented left-footed [[attacking midfielder]], Hagi's playing style was frequently [[New Maradona|compared]] with [[Diego Maradona]]'s throughout his career, due to his technical ability as well as his temperamental character and leadership;<ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians">{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2283023/gheorghe-hagi-maradona-of-the-carpathians|title=Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians|publisher=ESPN FC|date=21 May 2010|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="treccani">{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/gheorghe-hagi_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/|title=HAGI, Gheorghe|publisher=Treccani: Enciclopedia dello Sport (2002)|language=it|author1=Marino Bortoletti|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="zonacesarini">{{cite web|url=http://zonacesarini.net/2015/01/24/hagi-la-storia-del-maradona-dei-carpazi/|title=Gheorghe Hagi: Storia in Tre Atti del Maradona dei Carpazi|publisher=ZonaCesarini.net|language=it|author1=Alessandro Bezzi|date=24 January 2015|access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01ea-0f86020d6b70-b7bf9698c3cc-1000--hagi-and-tugay-take-galatasaray-helm/|title=Hagi and Tugay take Galatasaray helm|publisher=[[UEFA]]|date=21 October 2010|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Sport|first1=Sky|url=http://sport.sky.it/calcio/mondiali/fotogallery/2014/05/31/verso_mondiale_countdown_grandi_numeri_10.html#7|title=Mondiali, −10: Pelè, Maradona e i grandi Dieci della storia|publisher=Sky.it|language=it|access-date=27 March 2017|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807021322/https://sport.sky.it/calcio/mondiali/fotogallery/2014/05/31/verso_mondiale_countdown_grandi_numeri_10.html#7|url-status=dead}}</ref> as a youth, he was mainly inspired by compatriots [[Anghel Iordănescu]] and [[Ion Dumitru]].<ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians"/> A quick, agile, creative, and mobile [[advanced playmaker]], Hagi was also tactically versatile, and capable of playing in several [[Midfielder|midfield]] and [[Forward (association football)|offensive]] positions on either [[Winger (association football)|wing]] or through the [[Central midfielder|middle]], due to his ability with both feet, despite being naturally left-footed, although he had a preference for using his stronger foot; his preferred position was in a free role as a [[Squad number (association football)|classic number 10]], but he was also used as a [[second striker]] on occasion.<ref name="planetworldcup.com"/><ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="zonacesarini"/><ref name="legacy">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsoccer.com/blogs/gheorghe-hagi-creating-a-new-legacy-for-romanian-football-360444|title=Gheorghe Hagi creating a new legacy for Romanian football|publisher=World Soccer|author=Jeff Prevost|date=22 March 2015|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/babb/11680631/Double-trouble-why-arent-there-more-two-footed-footballers.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/babb/11680631/Double-trouble-why-arent-there-more-two-footed-footballers.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Double trouble: why aren't there more two-footed footballers?|newspaper=The Telegraph|author1=Adam Hurrey|date=20 June 2015|access-date=27 March 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="rare No. 10">{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/club/arsenal/359/blog/post/2760447/ozil-rare-no-10-playing-for-team-not-individual-honours|title=Mesut Ozil is the rare No. 10 playing for his teammates, not individual honours|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Michael Cox|date=17 December 2015|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/0225-0e91d7e3d96c-aa3a2a9936ae-1000--uefa-com-s-weekly-wonderkid-ianis-hagi/|title=UEFA.com's weekly wonderkid: Ianis Hagi|publisher=[[UEFA]]|author1=Paul-Daniel Zaharia|date=26 September 2015|access-date=11 May 2017}}</ref> Hagi was renowned in particular for his first touch and speed on the ball, as well as his timing, interpretation of space, bursts of acceleration and [[Dribbling (association football)|dribbling]] skills, which enabled him to get past defenders; he was also highly regarded for his vision and precise passing,<ref name="planetworldcup.com"/><ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="zonacesarini"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/soccer/longterm/worldcup98/results/articles/romania_england.htm|title=Romania Stuns England in Final Minutes, 2–1|newspaper=The Washington Post|author1=Steven Goff|date=23 June 1998|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref> although he was capable of both scoring and assisting goals, and was also an accurate finisher and [[Direct free kick|set-piece]] taker, who had a penchant for scoring goals from powerful, [[Curl (football)|bending]] long range strikes.<ref name="planetworldcup.com"/><ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians"/><ref name="zonacesarini"/><ref name="legacy"/><ref name="virtuoso">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/27/sports/27iht-rob_12.html|title=Barcelona Adds a 3d Virtuoso|newspaper=The New York Times|author1=Rob Hughes|date=27 July 1994|access-date=6 December 2017}}</ref> Despite his small stature and slender build, Hagi possessed significant upper body strength, which, along with his control, aided him in protecting the ball from opponents, and allowed him to create space for himself or his teammates.<ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians"/><ref name="icon"/><ref name="LATimes-1994FWC"/><ref name="legacy"/> Despite his skill and his reputation as one of the greatest number 10s of his generation, his career was marked by inconsistency at times, and he was also considered to be a controversial player, due to his rebellious and arrogant attitude, as well as his low work-rate, aggression, unsportsmanlike behaviour, and lack of discipline, which led him to have several disagreements and confrontations with his managers, opponents, and officials.<ref name="Gheorghe Hagi: The Maradona of the Carpathians"/><ref name="icon"/><ref name="LATimes-1994FWC"/><ref name="thesefootballtimes">{{cite web|url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/04/02/gheorghe-hagi-at-brescia/|title=How Gheorghe Hagi rebuilt his career in Serie B with Brescia|work=These Football Times|author1=Emmet Gates|date=2 April 2018|access-date=10 September 2018}}</ref><ref name="rare No. 10"/><ref name="Hagi's step too far">{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1217699.stm|title=Hagi's step too far|publisher=BBC|date=13 March 2001|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="Perfect 10">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/my-perfect-10-gheorghe-hagi|title=My Perfect 10: Gheorghe Hagi|magazine=FourFourTwo|author1=Sefa Atay|date=3 September 2010|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/zizou-laudrup-baggio-bergkamp-best-playmakers-90s/ |title=10 of the best playmakers of the 90s: Zizou, Laudrup, Baggio, Bergkamp... |publisher=Planet Football |last1=Storey |first1=Daniel |date=5 February 2020 |access-date=29 June 2020 }}</ref>

==Publications==
On 5 February 2025, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, Hagi published his autobiography:<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/diverse/in-ziua-in-care-a-implinit-60-de-ani-gica-hagi-a-lansat-cartea-autobiografica-drumul-meu-unicul-meu-obiectiv-era-sa-joc-fotbal-sa-incerc-sa-fiu-cel-mai-bun-foto-20088756| title=În ziua în care a împlinit 60 de ani, Gică Hagi a lansat cartea autobiografică "Drumul meu": "Unicul meu obiectiv era să joc fotbal. Să încerc să fiu cel mai bun".| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=On the day he turned 60, Gică Hagi released the autobiographical book "Drumul meu": "My only goal was to play football. To try to be the best". | date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/in-ziua-in-care-a-implinit-60-de-ani-gica-hagi-a-anuntat-ca-isi-lanseaza-cartea-autobiografica-3413255| title=În ziua în care a împlinit 60 de ani, Gică Hagi a anunțat că își lansează cartea autobiografică| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=On the day he turned 60, Gică Hagi announced that he is launching his autobiographical book | date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>
* {{lang|ro|Hagi - Drumul meu}} ''(Hagi - My road)''

Several books about Hagi were written by various authors:<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/hagi-carti-cartianu-gica-nu-e-ion-creanga-ce-l-suparat-pe-rege-la-volumul-dedicat-intregii-sale-activitati-1387043| title=Hagi, în cărți. "Gică nu e Ion Creangă". Ce l-a supărat pe "Rege" la volumul dedicat întregii sale activități| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, in the books. "Gica is not Ion Creangă". What upset the "King" about the volume dedicated to his entire activity | date=5 February 2015| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>
* {{lang|ro|Samba lui Romario și perinița lui Hagi}} ''(Romario's Samba and Hagi's Perinița)'' - written by George Mihalache (1994)
* {{lang|ro|Cu Hagi&Co de la Roma la New York (via Cardiff)}} ''(With Hagi&Co from Rome to New York (via Cardiff))'' - written by Gheorghe Nicolaescu (1994)
* {{lang|ro|Hagi, magicianul}} ''(Hagi, the magician)'' - written by George Șeitan (1995)
* {{lang|ro|Hagi, stăpânul miracolelor}} ''(Hagi, the master of miracles)'' - written by Gheorghe Nicolaescu (1998)
* {{lang|ro|Hagi}} - written by Grigore Cartianu (2000 - first edition; 2000 - second edition; 2001 - third edition; 2014 - fourth edition)
* {{lang|ro|Hagi, unic într-un secol}} ''(Hagi, unique in a century)'' - written by Gheorghe Nicolaescu (2000 - first edition; 2001 - second edition)
* {{lang|ro|La răscruce de Hagi}} ''(At the crossroads of Hagi)'' - written by Mircea M. Ionescu (2005)
* {{lang|ro|Cei doi Hagi}} ''(The two Hagi)'' - written by Adrian Rachieru (2007)

==Personal life==
Hagi is married to Marilena Hagi and has two children with her.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.viva.ro/galerie-foto/cum-a-inceput-povestea-de-dragoste-dintre-gica-hagi-si-sotia-sa-cu-care-e-casatorit-de-24-de-ani-eram-studenta-in-anul-ii-si-venea-sa-ma-ia-de-la-facultate-2475947|title=Cum a început povestea de dragoste dintre Gică Hagi și soția sa, cu care e căsătorit de 24 de ani: "Eram studentă în anul II și venea să mă ia de la facultate"|newspaper=VIVA|date=11 July 2019|language=ro}}</ref> His son, [[Ianis Hagi]], is also a footballer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digisport.ro/Sport/FOTBAL/Competitii/Liga+1/Tata+si+fiu+antrenor+si+jucator+Gheorghe+si+Ianis+Hagi+ultimii+i|title=Tatăl-antrenor, fiul-jucător. Gică și Ianis Hagi, lângă Cruyff, Zidane și Maldini|trans-title=Father-coach, son-player. Gică and Ianis Hagi, then Cruyff, Zidane and Maldini|publisher=[[DigiSport]]|language=ro|date=6 December 2014|access-date=3 September 2015}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.click.ro/sport/fotbal/ianis-fiul-lui-hagi-dezvaluire-emotionanta-tata|title=Ianis, fiul lui Hagi, dezvăluire emoționantă: "Tata ..."|trans-title=Ianis, son of Hagi, moving revelation: "Father ..."|publisher=Click|language=ro|date=6 February 2015|access-date=3 September 2015}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/story/2965474/ianis-hagi-sets-sights-on-fiorentina-debut-after-adapting-to-beautiful-club|title=Ianis Hagi sets sights on Fiorentina debut after adapting to 'beautiful' club|publisher=[[ESPN FC]]|last1=Gladwell|first1=Ben|date=4 October 2016|access-date=8 May 2017}}</ref> His daughter, Kira Hagi, is an actress.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/kira-hagi-los-angeles-film-awards|title=Romanian actress receives distinctions at Los Angeles festival|newspaper=Romania Insider|date=11 January 2018}}</ref> He is the brother-in-law of fellow [[Romania national football team|Romanian international]] [[Gheorghe Popescu]], who married Hagi's wife's sister.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://orangesport.ro/gica-popescu-si-a-amintit-cum-si-a-cunoscut-sotia-cumnatul-gica-hagi-n-a-vrut-sa-mi-dea-numarul-ei-de-telefon-cum-se-inteleg-familiile-celor-doi-exclusiv-21525117| title=Gică Popescu și-a amintit cum și-a cunoscut soția! "Cumnatul, Gică Hagi, n-a vrut să-mi dea numărul ei de telefon". Cum se înțeleg familiile celor doi| publisher=Orangepsort.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Popescu remembered how he met his wife! "My brother-in-law, Gică Hagi, didn't want to give me her phone number". How do the families of the two get along?| date=15 March 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.romaniatv.net/cum-au-devenit-cumnati-gica-hagi-si-gica-popescu-n-ai-avut-incredere-in-mine-nu_7479916.html| title=Cum au devenit cumnați Gică Hagi și Gică Popescu. "N-ai avut încredere în mine, nu?"| publisher=Romaniatv.ro| language=ro |trans-title=How Gică Hagi and Gică Popescu became brothers-in-law. "You didn't trust me, did you?"| date=19 May 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

In 1994, Hagi received the Honorary Citizen of [[Bucharest]] title.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pmb.ro/orasul/utile/5|title=Cetățeni de onoare|publisher=Pmb.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Honorary Citizens |access-date=4 December 2025}}</ref> In 2013 he was [[Decorations of the Romanian Royal House|Decorated at the Romanian Royal House]] with the "Nihil Sine Deo" medal by [[Margareta of Romania]], Hagi saying at the event:"It's an important moment for me, I'm happy, I'm glad because all the sacrifices I've made in life were worth it, and right now I feel even more honored and responsible and I have more ambition to keep going, to keep working and giving my best for football, for children".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://casamajestatiisale.ro/familia-regala/ordine-decoraii/decoratia-regala-nihil-sine-deo/| title=Decorația regală "Nihil Sine Deo"| publisher=Casamajestatiisale.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The "Nihil Sine Deo" royal decoration| access-date=12 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/eveniment-emotionant-la-castelul-peles-radu-beligan-gica-hagi-margareta-paslaru-si-marina-voica-decorati-de-casa-regala-879190| title=Eveniment Emoționant la Castelul Peleș. Radu Beligan, Gică Hagi, Margareta Pâslaru și Marina Voica, decorați de Casa Regală| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Emotional Event at Peleș Castle. Radu Beligan, Gică Hagi, Margareta Pâslaru and Marina Voica, decorated by the Royal House| date=12 May 2013| access-date=12 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.antena3.ro/externe/margareta-paslaru-marina-voica-radu-beligan-si-gheorghe-hagi-decorati-de-casa-regala-213876.html| title=Margareta Pâslaru, Marina Voica, Radu Beligan şi Gheorghe Hagi, decoraţi de Casa Regală| publisher=Antena3.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Margareta Pâslaru, Marina Voica, Radu Beligan and Gheorghe Hagi, decorated by the Royal House| date=12 May 2013| access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref> On 12 March 2025, Hagi was decorated by President [[Ilie Bolojan]] with the [[Order of the Star of Romania]] in the rank of Knight, the highest distinction of the Romanian state.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/gica-hagi-decorat-steaua-romaniei-ilie-bolojan-785164.html| title=Gică Hagi, decorat cu Ordinul Național "Steaua României". "Regele", gâtuit de emoție, cu lacrimi în ochi! Nume mari au participat la ceremonie| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, decorated with the National Order "Star of Romania". The "King", choked with emotion, with tears in his eyes! Big names attended the ceremony| date=12 March 2025| access-date=12 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/gica-hagi-a-inceput-sa-planga-cand-a-primit-steaua-romaniei-50-de-ani-de-munca-20116042| title=Gică Hagi a început să plângă când a primit Steaua României: "50 de ani de muncă"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi started crying when he received the Romanian Star: "50 years of work"| date=12 March 2025| access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref>

Hagi was chosen to dub in Romanian the character Dagda in the animated movie ''[[Epic (2013 film)|Epic]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=20 de ani de magie de la primul film Disney dublat în limba română - CineMagia.ro|url=https://m.cinemagia.ro/stiri/20-de-ani-de-magie-de-la-primul-film-disney-dublat-n-limba-romn-45661/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=m.cinemagia.ro}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref name=RS/><ref name=labtof/><ref>{{WorldFootball.net|gheorghe-hagi}}<br>{{NFT|14039|name=Gheorghe Hagi|access-date=15 February 2013}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.lfp.es/Estadisticas/Plantillas.aspx |title=Spanish La Liga & Segunda stats |publisher=[[Liga de Fútbol Profesional|LFP]] |access-date=15 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425045707/http://www.lfp.es/Estadisticas/Plantillas.aspx |archive-date=25 April 2013}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=526&kisiId=27581|title=Gheorghe Hagi Turkey stats|access-date=17 July 2012|publisher=[[Turkish Football Federation|TFF]]}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/players/hagi-in-ec.html|title=Gheorghe Hagi – Matches in European Cups|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=17 July 2012}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Cupa României]], [[Copa del Rey]], [[Coppa Italia]], [[Turkish Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals
|-
|[[SSC Farul Constanța|FC Constanța]]
|[[1982–83 Divizia A|1982–83]]
|[[Liga I|Divizia A]]
|18||7||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||18||7
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[FC Sportul Studențesc București|Sportul Studențesc]]
|[[1983–84 Divizia A|1983–84]]
|Divizia A
|31||2||4||0||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF">Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]</ref>||0||colspan="2"|—||33||2
|-
|[[1984–85 Divizia A|1984–85]]
|Divizia A
|30||20||2||1||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||0||colspan="2"|—||32||20
|-
|[[1985–86 Divizia A|1985–86]]
|Divizia A
|31||31||0||0||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||3||colspan="2"|—||33||34
|-
|[[1986–87 Divizia A|1986–87]]
|Divizia A
|16||5||1||0||4<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||1||colspan="2"|—||20||6
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!108||58||7||1||10||4||colspan="2"|—||125||63
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[FCSB|Steaua București]]
|[[1986–87 Divizia A|1986–87]]
|Divizia A
|14||10||4||1||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="ESC">Appearance in [[UEFA Super Cup|European Super Cup]]</ref>||1||colspan="2"|—||15||11
|-
|[[1987–88 Divizia A|1987–88]]
|Divizia A
|31||25||4||2||8<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL">Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]</ref>||4||colspan="2"|—||39||29
|-
|[[1988–89 Divizia A|1988–89]]
|Divizia A
|30||31||3||1||9<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||6||colspan="2"|—||39||37
|-
|[[1989–90 Divizia A|1989–90]]
|Divizia A
|22||10||0||0||3<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||1||colspan="2"|—||25||11
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!97||76||11||4||21||12||colspan="2"|—||129||92
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
|[[1990–91 Real Madrid CF season|1990–91]]
|[[La Liga]]
|29||4||0||0||4<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||0||1{{efn|name="sc"|Appearance(s) in [[Supercopa de España|Supercopa]]}}||0||34||4
|-
|[[1991–92 Real Madrid CF season|1991–92]]
|La Liga
|35||12||5||1||10<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||3||colspan="2"|—||50||16
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!64||16||5||1||14||3||1||0||84||20
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Brescia Calcio|Brescia]]
|[[1992–93 Serie A|1992–93]]
|[[Serie A]]
|31||5||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||6
|-
|[[1993–94 Serie B|1993–94]]
|[[Serie B]]
|30||9||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||32||10
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!61||14||4||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||65||16
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]
|[[1994–95 FC Barcelona season|1994–95]]
|La Liga
|17||4||2||1||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||0||2{{efn|name="sc"}}||0||23||5
|-
|[[1995–96 FC Barcelona season|1995–96]]
|La Liga
|19||3||4||0||5<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||3||colspan="2"|—||28||6
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!36||7||6||1||7||3||2||0||51||11
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
|[[1996–97 Galatasaray S.K. season|1996–97]]
|[[Süper Lig|1.Lig]]
|30||14||1||0||3<ref group=lower-alpha name="UCW">Appearances in the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]]</ref>||1||2{{efn|Appearances in [[Turkish Super Cup|Presidential Cup]]}}||0||36||17
|-
|[[1997–98 Galatasaray S.K. season|1997–98]]
|1.Lig
|30||8||6||0||6<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||1||0||0||42||8
|-
|[[1998–99 Galatasaray S.K. season|1998–99]]
|1.Lig
|28||14||4||1||8<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||3||colspan="2"|—||40||18
|-
|[[1999–2000 Galatasaray S.K. season|1999–2000]]
|1.Lig
|19||12||3||1||15<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHLUEF">Seven appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, eight appearances with two goals in UEFA Cup</ref>||4||colspan="2"|—||37||17
|-
|[[2000–01 Galatasaray S.K. season|2000–01]]
|1.Lig
|25||11||1||0||11<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHLUSC">Ten appearances and two goals in the UEFA Champions League, one appearance in the [[UEFA Super Cup]]</ref>||2||colspan="2"|—||37||13
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!132!!59!!15!!2!!43!!10!!2!!0!!192!!73
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!516!!237!!48!!11!!95!!33!!5!!0!!664!!281
|}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="RSSSF-International">[https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/hagi-intl.html "Gheorghe Hagi – Century of International Appearances"]. [[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|RSSSF]]. Retrieved 17 July 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.frf.ro/echipa-nationala/player/3116 Gheorghe HAGI] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520032124/http://www.frf.ro/echipa-nationala/player/3116 |date=20 May 2012 }}. [[Romanian Football Federation|FRF]]. Retrieved 17 July 2012.</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="18"|[[Romania national football team|Romania]]
|1983||5||0
|-
|1984||9||1
|-
|1985||10||4
|-
|1986||8||3
|-
|1987||8||2
|-
|1988||4||2
|-
|1989||8||0
|-
|1990||11||2
|-
|1991||6||2
|-
|1992||5||4
|-
|1993||5||1
|-
|1994||11||5
|-
|1995||3||1
|-
|1996||8||1
|-
|1997||6||4
|-
|1998||7||1
|-
|1999||4||2
|-
|2000||6||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total||124{{efn|name="ROM"}}||35
|}

:''Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Hagi goal''.<ref name=EU/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Gheorghe Hagi
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
|align="center"|1 || 12 September 1984 || [[Windsor Park]], [[Belfast]], Northern Ireland || {{fb|NIR}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|2–3 || [[1986 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 3|1986 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|align="center"|2 || 30 January 1985 || [[Estádio José Alvalade (1956)|Estádio José Alvalade]], [[Lisbon]], Portugal || {{fb|POR}} || align="center"|3–2 || align="center"|3–2 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|align="center"|3 || 3 April 1985 || [[Stadionul Ion Oblemenco|Stadionul Central]], [[Craiova]], Romania || {{fb|TUR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|align="center"|4 || 6 June 1985 || [[Helsinki Olympic Stadium]], [[Helsinki]], Finland || {{fb|FIN}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|align="center"|5 || 28 August 1985 || [[Stadionul Dan Păltinișanu|Stadionul 1 Mai]], [[Timișoara]], Romania || {{fb|FIN}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–0 || 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|align="center"|6 || 23 April 1986 || Stadionul 1 Mai, Timișoara, Romania || {{fb|USSR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–1 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|7 || 20 August 1986 || [[Ullevaal Stadion]], [[Oslo]], Norway || {{fb|NOR}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–2 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|8 || 10 September 1986 || [[Stadionul Steaua (1974)|Stadionul Steaua]], [[Bucharest]], Romania || {{fb|AUT}} || align="center"|4–0 || align="center"|4–1 || [[UEFA Euro 1988 qualifying#Group 1|UEFA Euro 1988 qualifying]]
|-
|align="center"|9 || 11 March 1987 || [[Karaiskakis Stadium]], [[Piraeus]], Greece || {{fb|GRE}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|10 || 25 March 1987 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|ALB}} || align="center"|3–1 || align="center"|5–1 || UEFA Euro 1988 qualifying
|-
|align="center"|11 || 20 September 1988 || [[Stadionul Portul|Stadionul 1 Mai]], [[Constanța]], Romania || {{fb|ALB}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|3–0 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|12 || 2 November 1988 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|GRE}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[1990 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 1|1990 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|align="center"|13 || 3 August 1990 || [[Stadion Allmend]], [[Lucerne]], Switzerland || {{fb|SUI}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–2 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|14 || 25 April 1990 || [[Kiryat Eliezer Stadium]], [[Haifa]], Israel || {{fb|ISR}} || align="center"|2–0|| align="center"|4–1 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|15 || 27 March 1991 || [[Stadio Olimpico (San Marino)|Stadio Olimpico]], [[Serravalle, San Marino|Serravalle]], San Marino || {{fb|SMR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–1 || [[UEFA Euro 1992 qualifying Group 2|UEFA Euro 1992 qualifying]]
|-
|align="center"|16 || 16 October 1991 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|SCO}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || UEFA Euro 1992 qualifying
|-
|align="center"|17 || 6 May 1992 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|FRO}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|7–0 || [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 4|FIFA World Cup 1994 qualification]]
|-
|align="center"|18 || rowspan=2|20 May 1992 || rowspan=2|Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || rowspan=2|{{fb|WAL}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center" rowspan=2|5–1 || rowspan=2|FIFA World Cup 1994 qualification
|-
|align="center"|19 || align="center"|5–1
|-
|align="center"|20 || 29 November 1992 || [[Neo GSZ Stadium]], [[Larnaca]], Cyprus || {{fb|CYP|1960}} || align="center"|3–1 || align="center"|4–1 || FIFA World Cup 1994 qualification
|-
|align="center"|21 || 17 November 1993 || [[Cardiff Arms Park]], [[Cardiff]], Wales || {{fb|WAL}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–1 || FIFA World Cup 1994 qualification
|-
|align="center"|22 || 14 June 1994 || [[Trabuco Hills High School|Trabuco Hills Stadium]], [[Mission Viejo, California|Mission Viejo]], United States || {{fb|SWE}} || align="center"|1–1|| align="center"|1–1 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|23 || 18 June 1994 || [[Rose Bowl (stadium)|Rose Bowl]], [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]], United States || {{fb|COL}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|3–1 || [[1994 FIFA World Cup Group A|1994 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
|align="center"|24 || 22 June 1994 || [[Pontiac Silverdome]], [[Pontiac, Michigan|Pontiac]], United States || {{fb|SUI}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–4 || 1994 FIFA World Cup
|-
|align="center"|25 || 3 July 1994 || Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States || {{fb|ARG}} || align="center"|3–1 || align="center"|3–2 || [[1994 FIFA World Cup#Round of 16|1994 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
|align="center"|26 || 12 November 1994 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|SVK}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|3–2 || [[UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying#Group 1|UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying]]
|-
|align="center"|27 || 15 October 1995 || [[Všešportový areál]], [[Košice]], Slovakia || {{fb|SVK}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–0 || UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying
|-
|align="center"|28 || 9 October 1996 || [[Laugardalsvöllur]], [[Reykjavík]], Iceland || {{fb|ISL}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|4–0 || [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 8|1998 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|align="center"|29 || 29 March 1997 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|LIE}} || align="center"|4–0 || align="center"|8–0 || 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|align="center"|30 || rowspan=2|10 September 1997 || rowspan=2|Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || rowspan=2|{{fb|ISL}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center" rowspan=2|4–0 || rowspan=2|1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|align="center"|31 || align="center"|4–0
|-
|align="center"|32 || 11 October 1997 || [[Lansdowne Road]], [[Dublin]], Ireland || {{fb|IRL}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|align="center"|33 || 3 June 1998 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|PAR}} || align="center"|3–2 || align="center"|3–2 || Friendly
|-
|align="center"|34 || 4 September 1999 || [[Tehelné pole]], [[Bratislava]], Slovakia || {{fb|SVK}} || align="center"|2–1 || align="center"|5–1 || [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying#Group 7|UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying]]
|-
|align="center"|35 || 8 September 1999 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|POR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
|}

===Managerial statistics===
{{updated|16 May 2025}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|From
!rowspan="2"|To
!colspan="5"|Record
|-
!G!!W!!D!!L!!Win %
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Romania}} [[Romania national football team|Romania]]
|align=left|1 September 2001
|align=left|27 November 2001
{{WDL|4|1|2|1}}
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Bursaspor]]
|align=left|1 July 2003
|align=left|15 November 2003
{{WDL|12|2|4|6}}
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
|align=left|22 March 2004
|align=left|28 May 2005
{{WDL|48|34|5|9}}
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Romania}} [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]]
|align=left|7 November 2005
|align=left|21 May 2006
{{WDL|17|5|4|8}}
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Romania}} [[FCSB|Steaua București]]
|align=left|1 July 2007
|align=left|20 September 2007
{{WDL|11|6|3|2}}
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
|align=left|21 October 2010
|align=left|24 March 2011
{{WDL|24|8|6|10}}
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Romania}} [[FC Viitorul Constanța|Viitorul Constanța]]
|align=left|15 September 2014
|align=left|1 August 2020
{{WDL|306|153|63|90}}
|-
|align=left|{{flagicon|Romania}} [[FC Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]]
|align=left|21 June 2021
|align=left|2 June 2025 
{{WDL|183|77|49|57}}
|-
! colspan="3" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;"|Total
{{WDLtot|605|286|136|183}}
|}

==Honours==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Player===
'''Steaua București'''
*[[Liga I|Divizia A]]: [[1986–87 Divizia A|1986–87]], [[1987–88 Divizia A|1987–88]], [[1988–89 Divizia A|1988–89]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[Cupa României]]: [[1986–87 Cupa României|1986–87]], [[1988–89 Cupa României|1988–89]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[UEFA Super Cup|European Super Cup]]: [[1986 European Super Cup|1986]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[European Cup]] runners-up: [[1988–89 European Cup|1988–89]]<ref name=GSP3/>

'''Real Madrid'''
*[[Copa del Rey]] runner-up: [[1991–92 Copa del Rey|1991–92]]<ref name=GSP5/>
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[1990 Supercopa de España|1990]]<ref name=GSP5/>

'''Brescia'''
*[[Anglo-Italian Cup]]: [[1993–94 Anglo-Italian Cup|1993–94]]<ref name="via Serie B"/>

'''Barcelona'''
*[[Copa del Rey]] runner-up: [[1995–96 Copa del Rey|1995–96]]<ref name=fanatik/>
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[1994 Supercopa de España|1994]]<ref name=WF2/>

'''Galatasaray'''
*[[Süper Lig|1.Lig]]: [[1996–97 1.Lig|1996–97]], [[1997–98 1.Lig|1997–98]], [[1998–99 1.Lig|1998–99]], [[1999–2000 1.Lig|1999–2000]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[Turkish Cup]]: [[1998–99 Turkish Cup|1998–99]], [[1999–2000 Turkish Cup|1999–2000]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[Turkish Super Cup]]: 1996, 1997<ref name=RS/>
*[[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]: [[1999–2000 UEFA Cup|1999–2000]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2000 UEFA Super Cup|2000]]<ref name=RS/>

===Individual===
*[[Liga I|Divizia A]] top scorer: [[1984–85 Divizia A#Top goalscorers|1984–85]], [[1985–86 Divizia A#Top goalscorers|1985–86]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesr/roemtops.html|title=Romania – List of Topscorers|author1=Romeo Ionescu|author2=Razvan Toma|author3=Simon Preston|author4=Roberto Di Maggio|date=25 June 2015|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Champions League|European Cup]] top scorer: [[1987–88 European Cup#Top scorers|1987–88]]<ref name="Champions Cup/Champions League Topscorers"/>
*''[[Gazeta Sporturilor]]'' [[Romanian Footballer of the Year (Gazeta Sporturilor)|Romanian Footballer of the Year]]: 1985, 1987, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000<ref>{{cite web|author1=Razvan Toma|title=Romania – Player of the Year Awards|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/roempoy.html|access-date=9 February 2016|website=[[RSSSF]]|date=6 January 2016}}</ref>
*[[Allgemeiner Deutscher Nachrichtendienst|ADN Eastern European Footballer of the Season]]: 1989<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ukrfootball.ua/news/albert-dzhayich-blohin-stoyichkov-levandovski-shcho-spilnogo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200112/http://ukrfootball.ua/news/albert-dzhayich-blohin-stoyichkov-levandovski-shcho-spilnogo |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-03-04 |website=WebArchive |title=Eastern European Footballer of the season|access-date=5 July 2024 }}</ref>
*[[1994 FIFA World Cup#All-star team|FIFA World Cup All-Star Team]]: [[1994 FIFA World Cup#All-star team|1994]]<ref name="94WCAll-Star1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/16/sports/world-cup-94-romario-and-baggio-among-first-all-star-cast.html|title=WORLD CUP '94; Romario and Baggio Among First All-Star Cast|newspaper=The New York Times|date=16 July 1994|access-date=27 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="94WCAll-Star2">{{cite web|url=http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html |title=FIFA World Cup All-Star Team – Football world Cup All Star Team |publisher=Football.sporting99.com |access-date=28 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630203237/http://football.sporting99.com/fifa-world-cup-all-star-team.html |archive-date=30 June 2016}}</ref>
*[[Ballon d'Or]]: 4th place [[1994 Ballon d'Or|1994]]<ref name=RSSF6/>
*[[FIFA|FIFA XI]]: 1998<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html |title=FIFA XI's Matches – Full Info |access-date=9 February 2016 |url-status=live |website=[[RSSSF]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033752/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref>
*[[Milliyet Sports Awards|Turkish Footballer of the Year]]: 1996, 1999, 2000,
*[[World Soccer Magazine#The Greatest Players of the 20th century|''World Soccer Magazine''{{'}}s 100 Greatest Players of the 20th century]]: 1999 (#25)<ref name=soccer/>
*[[UEFA Jubilee Awards]] – Greatest Romanian Footballer of the last 50 Years: 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=rou/news/newsid=228135.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114190642/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=rou/news/newsid=228135.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2012|title=Hagi at the heart of golden era|publisher=[[UEFA]]|author1=Paul-Daniel Zaharia|date=19 January 2011|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref>
*[[FIFA 100]]: 2004<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2374252/Pele-open-to-ridicule-over-top-hundred.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/2374252/Pele-open-to-ridicule-over-top-hundred.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Pele open to ridicule over top hundred|newspaper=The Telegraph|author1=Christopher Davies|date=5 March 2004|access-date=9 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*[[Golden Foot#Award legends|Golden Foot Legends Award]]: 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goldenfoot.com/legends.php?l=en |title=Legends |publisher=Golden Foot |access-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925120930/http://www.goldenfoot.com/legends.php?l=en |archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
{{col-2}}

===Manager===
'''Galatasaray'''
*[[Turkish Cup]]: [[2005 Turkish Cup Final|2004–05]]<ref name=GSP12/>

'''Viitorul Constanța'''
*[[Liga I]]: [[2016–17 Liga I|2016–17]]<ref name=IAM/>
*[[Cupa României]]: [[2018–19 Cupa României|2018–19]]<ref name=IAM/>
*[[Supercupa României]]: [[2019 Supercupa României|2019]]<ref name=IAM/>

'''Farul Constanta'''
*[[Liga I]]: [[2022–23 Liga I|2022–23]]<ref name=IAM/>
*[[Supercupa României]] runner-up: [[2023 Supercupa României|2023]]

===Individual===
*[[Romania Coach of the Year]]: 2015, 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/anchetele-gazetei/hagi-e-antrenorul-anului-2017-in-ancheta-gazetei-pentru-ca-ne-inveti-sa-nu-cedam-in-meserie-multumim-gica-iata-si-ceilalti-3-laureati-528553.html|title=Hagi e antrenorul anului 2017 în ancheta Gazetei! Pentru că ne înveți să nu cedăm în meserie, mulțumim, Gică! » Iată și ceilalți 3 laureați|newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor|language=ro|date=20 December 2017|access-date=20 December 2017}}</ref>
*[[Liga I]] Manager of the Season: [[2022–23 Liga I|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.farulconstanta.com/stiri/noutati/dominam-si-11-le-ideal-al-sezonului-2022-2023|title=Gheorghe Hagi, antrenorul sezonului ! Aioani, Alibec, Borza, Băluță și Larie în echipa ideală !|newspaper=Farul Constanța|language=ro|date=9 June 2023|access-date=19 July 2023}}</ref>

{{col-end}}

==See also==
*[[List of top international men's football goal scorers by country|List of top international men's football goalscorers by country]]
*[[World Soccer Magazine#The Greatest Players of the 20th century|The 100 Greatest Players of the 20th Century]]
*[[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|List of footballers with 100 or more caps]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429100140/http://www.hagi.ro/ |title=Gheorghe Hagi's official website |date=dmy}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906043445/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=2354/index.html |title=Gheorghe Hagi – FIFA competition record |date=dmy}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20121126122853/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=215/profile/index.html |title=Gheorghe Hagi – UEFA competition record |date=dmy}}
* {{IMDb name|1967289|Gheorghe Hagi}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| bordercolor = navy
| list1 = 
{{1994 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{UEFA Champions League top scorers}}
{{Liga I top scorers}}
{{Romanian Footballer of the Year}}
{{Turkish Football Talent of the Year}}
{{Romania Coach of the Year}}
{{FIFA 100}}
{{UEFA Jubilee Awards}}
{{Golden Foot Legends Award}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Romania squads
| bg = #FCD116
| fg = #002B7F
| bordercolor = #CE1126
| list1 = 
{{Romania Squad 1984 UEFA Euro}}
{{Romania Squad 1990 World Cup}}
{{Romania Squad 1994 World Cup}}
{{Romania Squad 1996 UEFA Euro}}
{{Romania Squad 1998 World Cup}}
{{Romania Squad 2000 UEFA Euro}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Managerial positions
| list1 = 
{{Romania national football team managers}}
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{{Galatasaray SK managers}}
{{FC Farul Constanța managers}}
{{FC Politehnica Timișoara managers}}
{{FC Steaua București managers}}
{{FC Viitorul Constanţa managers}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hagi, Gheorghe}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
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[[Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League top scorers]]
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[[Category:Romanian sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:20th-century Romanian sportsmen]]
[[Category:Romanian writers]]
[[Category:Romanian male writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Romanian writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Romanian male writers]]