View source for Gheorghe Popescu

{{Short description|Romanian footballer (born 1967)}}
{{For|the early 20th century Romanian footballer|Gheorghe Popescu (footballer, born 1919) {{!}} Gheorghe Popescu}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Gheorghe Popescu
| image = Generația de Aur vs Barcelona Legends (0-2) 2018 Sports Festival - meciul amintirilor. (52809831697).jpg
| caption = Popescu in 2018
| fullname = <!-- if different -->
| height = 1.88 m
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1967|10|9}}
| birth_place = [[Calafat]], Romania
| position = [[Sweeper (association football)|Sweeper]], [[centre back]], [[midfielder]]
| currentclub = [[FC Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]] (chairman)
| youthyears1 = 1975–1982
| youthclubs1 = Dunărea Calafat
| years1 = 1982–1984
| clubs1 = Dunărea Calafat
| caps1 = 
| goals1 = 
| years2 = 1985–1990
| clubs2 = [[CS Universitatea Craiova|Universitatea Craiova]]
| caps2 = 124
| goals2 = 18
| years3 = 1988
| clubs3 = → [[CSA Steaua București (football)|Steaua București]] (loan)
| caps3 = 13
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 1990–1994
| clubs4 = [[PSV Eindhoven]]
| caps4 = 108
| goals4 = 23
| years5 = 1994–1995
| clubs5 = [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
| caps5 = 23
| goals5 = 3
| years6 = 1995–1997
| clubs6 = [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]
| caps6 = 66
| goals6 = 9
| years7 = 1997–2001
| clubs7 = [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray]]
| caps7 = 111
| goals7 = 6
| years8 = 2001–2002
| clubs8 = [[US Lecce|Lecce]]
| caps8 = 28
| goals8 = 3
| years9 = 2002
| clubs9 = [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]]
| caps9 = 8
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2002–2003
| clubs10 = [[Hannover 96]]
| caps10 = 14
| goals10 = 1
| totalcaps = 495
| totalgoals = 64
| nationalyears1 = 1988–2003
| nationalteam1 = [[Romania national football team|Romania]]
| nationalcaps1 = 115
| nationalgoals1 = 16
}}

'''Gheorghe''' "'''Gică'''" '''Popescu''' ({{IPA|ro|ˈɡe̯orɡe ˈdʒikə poˈpesku}}; born 9 October 1967) is a Romanian former professional [[Association football|football]] player who played as a [[defender (association football)|defender]].

He notably played in [[La Liga]], where he was a former [[Captain (association football)|captain]] of [[FC Barcelona]]. He played for a string of European clubs in that period, including a four-year stint at [[PSV Eindhoven]] and winning the [[UEFA Cup]] with [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray]]. He also played in the [[Premier League]] with [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], in [[Serie A]] with [[US Lecce|Lecce]] and in the [[Bundesliga]] with [[Hannover 96]]. In his native country he played for [[CS Universitatea Craiova|Universitatea Craiova]], [[CSA Steaua București (football)|Steaua București]] and [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]]. In addition to his defensive skills, he was also capable of starting attacks deep from his own half. For 13 years, Popescu consistently ranked within the top four of the [[Romanian Footballer of the Year]] award between 1989 and 2001, winning it six times.<ref name=RSSSF>{{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|publisher=[[RSSSF]]|date=6 January 2016}}</ref>

His tactical knowledge as a defender made him a valuable team member in top European competitions until he reached his late thirties. He was a key part of the [[Romania national football team|Romania national team]] in the 1990s and earned 115 caps, scoring 16 goals. He was present at the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 World Cup]], the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]], [[UEFA Euro 1996|Euro 1996]], the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998 World Cup]] and [[UEFA Euro 2000|Euro 2000]]. He is the brother-in-law of fellow [[Romania national football team|Romanian international]] [[Gheorghe Hagi]].

==Club career==
===Dunărea Calafat===
Popescu, nicknamed ''Baciul'' (The [[Shepherd]]) due to his leadership skills, was born on 9 October 1967 in [[Calafat]], Romania and began playing junior-level football in 1975 at local club Dunărea.<ref name=RS>{{RomanianSoccer|1623/gheorghe-popescu-ii}}</ref><ref name=DIGI>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/gica-popescu-la-49-de-ani-6-imagini-de-referinta-ale-celui-mai-bun-numar-6-din-istoria-nationalei-251117| title=Gică Popescu, la 49 de ani. 6 imagini de referință ale celui mai bun număr 6 din istoria naționalei| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gica Popescu, at 49 years old. 6 reference images of the best number 6 in the history of the national team | date=9 October 2016| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=prosport>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/diverse/arena-pe-care-gica-popescu-a-facut-primii-pasi-in-fotbal-este-demolata-ce-se-va-construi-in-locul-vechiului-stadion-19818988| title=Arena pe care Gică Popescu a făcut primii pași în fotbal este demolată. Ce se va construi în locul vechiului stadion| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The arena where Gică Popescu took his first steps in football is being demolished. What will be built in place of the old stadium | date=31 January 2024| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=orange>{{cite web | url=https://orangesport.ro/gica-popescu-49-de-ani-reperele-si-povestea-carierei-fostului-mare-international-in-imagini-unice-17784599| title=Gică Popescu, 49 de ani. Reperele şi povestea carierei fostului mare internaţional, în imagini unice| publisher=Orangesport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gica Popescu, 49 years old. The highlights and the story of the former great international's career, in unique images | date=9 October 2016| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=barcelona>{{cite web|publisher=FCBarcelona.com|url=https://players.fcbarcelona.com/en/player/696-popescu-gheorghe-gica-popescu|title=Gheorghe Gică Popescu|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> During his childhood years, his father would take him to [[CS Universitatea Craiova|Universitatea Craiova]]'s matches during their "Craiova Maxima" era, and at one point Popescu told him:"Father, the day will come when I will be in [[Costică Ștefănescu|Ștefănescu]]'s place. And the people will love me more than him!"<ref name=orange/> He started to play in the Romanian lower leagues for Dunărea's senior squad in 1982.<ref name=prosport/><ref name=orange/> His first coach, Valentin Ghiță, noted Popescu's ambition and passion, citing an instance in the winter of 1983 when Popescu sought him out for training.<ref name=GSP>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/diverse/a-murit-antrenorul-care-l-a-descoperit-pe-gica-popescu-poveste-memorabila-era-un-ger-cumplit-a-pus-vinul-la-fiert-dar-eu-am-iesit-la-antrenament-590398.html| title=A murit antrenorul care l-a descoperit pe Gică Popescu! Poveste memorabilă: "Era un ger cumplit, a pus vinul la fiert, dar eu am ieșit la antrenament"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The coach who discovered Gică Popescu has died! Memorable story: "It was terribly cold, he boiled the wine, but I went out to train"| date=16 February 2020| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=DIGI2>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/a-incetat-din-viata-antrenorul-care-l-a-descoperit-pe-gica-popescu-797293| title=A încetat din viață antrenorul care l-a descoperit pe Gică Popescu| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The coach who discovered Gică Popescu has passed away| date=16 February 2020| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> Ghiță agreed, training Popescu despite severe winter conditions.<ref name=DIGI2/><ref name=GSP2/>

===Universitatea Craiova and Steaua București===
In 1985, his talent was noticed by [[Nicolae Zamfir]] who brought him to play for [[CS Universitatea Craiova|Universitatea Craiova]].<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=prosport/><ref name=GSP2>{{cite web | url=https://premium.gsp.ro/gsp-special/poveste/special-gsp-timeline-al-celor-mai-importante-momente-petrecute-de-gica-popescu-in-fotbalul-romanesc-si-cel-european-povesti-si-dezvaluiri-senzationale-522691.html| title=SPECIAL GSP. Timeline al celor mai importante momente petrecute de Gică Popescu în fotbalul românesc și cel european! Povești și dezvăluiri senzaționale| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=GSP SPECIAL. Timeline of the most important moments spent by Gică Popescu in Romanian and European football! Sensational stories and revelations | date=31 January 2024| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> He made his [[Liga I|Divizia A]] debut on 9 June 1985, when coach [[Florin Halagian]] sent him in the second half to replace [[Marian Bâcu]] in a 1–0 home victory against [[FC Brașov (1936)|FCM Brașov]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/><ref name=GSP2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/diverse/galerie-foto-cariera-unuia-dintre-cei-mai-mari-fotbalisti-in-imagini-si-10-repere-memorabile-pentru-imparatul-gica-522689.html| title=Cariera unuia dintre cei mai mari fotbaliști în imagini și 10 repere memorabile pentru "Împăratul Gică"!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The career of one of the greatest footballers in pictures and 10 memorable milestones for "Emperor Gică"!| date=9 October 2017| access-date=28 September 2025}}</ref> He scored his first goal in the competition almost one year later in a 7–0 win over [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]].<ref name=GSP2/>

In the middle of the [[1987–88 Divizia A|1987–88]] season, Popescu joined [[CSA Steaua București (football)|Steaua București]], winning the title under coach [[Anghel Iordănescu]], also reaching the [[European Cup 1987–88|European Cup]] semi-finals where he played in both legs of the 2–0 aggregate loss to [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/champions.shtml|title=Romania National Champions |publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://tikitaka.ro/meciuri-memorabile-steaua-benfica-1988/| title=Meciuri memorabile: Steaua – Benfica, semifinalele Cupei Campionilor, 1987/88| date=18 July 2017| publisher=Tikitaka.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Memorable matches: Steaua - Benfica, semi-finals of the Champions Cup, 1987/88 | access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Champions League 1987/1988|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

He returned in 1988 at "U" Craiova where in the following two seasons he developed an appetite for goal, netting 15 goals, scoring a personal record of eight goals in the [[1988–89 Divizia A|1988–89]] season.<ref name=RS/>

===PSV Eindhoven===
In the summer of 1990, Popescu was transferred from Craiova to [[PSV Eindhoven]], playing under [[Bobby Robson]] for two of his four seasons there.<ref name=prosport2>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/gica-popescu-amintire-superba-cu-legendarul-bobby-robson-hagi-mi-a-spus-ca-i-au-dat-lacrimile-19021458| title=Gică Popescu, amintire superbă cu legendarul Bobby Robson. "Hagi mi-a spus că i-au dat lacrimile"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gică Popescu, superb memory with the legendary Bobby Robson. "Hagi told me that they gave him tears" | date=2 May 2020| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> He made his [[Eredivisie]] debut on 28 August 1990 in a 5–0 home win over [[FC Utrecht]].<ref name=WF>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Eredivisie 1990/1991|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma2100472/lineup/|title=PSV Eindhoven - FC Utrecht 5:0|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> He scored his first goal on 8 September 1990, sealing the win in a 3–0 victory over [[MVV Maastricht]].<ref name=WF/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma2100485/lineup/|title=PSV Eindhoven - MVV 3:0|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> In his first two seasons, Popescu won two league titles under Robson.<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/><ref name=prosport2/> He then won the [[1992 Dutch Supercup]], being used the entire match by coach [[Hans Westerhof]] in the 1–0 victory against [[Feyenoord]].<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma8418977/lineup/|title=PSV Eindhoven - Feyenoord 1:0|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> In his years at PSV, Popescu was a regular starter for the club, also developing a close friendship with Brazilians [[Romário]] and [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=GSP3>{{cite web | url=https://premium.gsp.ro/premium/interviu/exclusiv-interviu-eveniment-gica-popescu-la-50-de-ani-cine-nu-m-a-prins-a-ratat-fotbal-adevarat-cred-ca-ma-apuc-de-antrenorat-522686.html| title=EXCLUSIV. INTERVIU EVENIMENT Gică Popescu la 50 de ani: "Cine nu m-a prins a ratat fotbal adevărat! Cred că mă apuc de antrenorat"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=EXCLUSIVE. INTERVIEW EVENT Gică Popescu at 50 years old: "Whoever didn't catch me missed real football! I think I'm going to start coaching" | date=9 October 2017| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/gica-i-a-fost-ca-un-tata-povesti-superbe-cu-ronaldo-si-popescu-pariurile-pierdute-in-fata-lui-il-fenomeno-338062| title="Gică i-a fost ca un tată"! Povești superbe cu Ronaldo și Popescu. Pariurile pierdute în faţa lui "Il Fenomeno"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="Gica was like a father to him"! Great stories with Ronaldo and Popescu. Bets lost in front of "Il Fenomeno"| date=12 September 2017 | access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://as.ro/fotbal/olteanul-si-brazilienii-gica-popescu-povesti-fabuloase-cu-romario-si-ronaldo-cand-a-venit-in-vestiar-la-barcelona-mi-a-sarit-direct-in-brate-105239.html| title=Olteanul și brazilienii! Gică Popescu, povești fabuloase cu Romario și Ronaldo: "Când a venit în vestiar, la Barcelona, mi-a sărit direct în brațe!"| publisher=As.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The Oltean and the Brazilians! Gică Popescu, fabulous stories with Romario and Ronaldo:"When he came to the dressing room, at Barcelona, he jumped straight into my arms!"| date=24 June 2021 | access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

===Tottenham Hotspur===
He was transferred to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in the [[Premier League]] on 9 September 1994 for a fee of [[Pound sterling|£]]2.9 million, being teammates with fellow Romanian [[Ilie Dumitrescu]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-spurs-sign-popescu-sugar-takes-outlay-to-75m-pounds-1447977.html | work=The Independent | date=10 September 1994 | title = Football: Spurs sign Popescu: Sugar takes outlay to 7.5m pounds}}</ref><ref name=fanatik>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/amintirile-englezilor-din-perioada-cand-ilie-dumitrescu-si-gica-popescu-jucau-la-tottenham-ne-spunea-sa-bem-sampanie-nu-bere-era-incredibil-ce-facea-pe-teren-19177472| title=Amintirile englezilor din perioada când Ilie Dumitrescu și Gică Popescu jucau la Tottenham. "Ne spunea să bem șampanie, nu bere". "Era incredibil ce făcea pe teren"| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The memories of the English from the time when Ilie Dumitrescu and Gică Popescu played at Tottenham. "He told us to drink champagne, not beer." "It was incredible what he did on the field"| date=7 April 2020| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/secret-dezvaluit-dupa-un-sfert-de-secol-cum-l-a-adus-ilie-dumitrescu-pe-gica-popescu-la-tottenham-826811| title=Secret dezvăluit după un sfert de secol. Cum l-a adus Ilie Dumitrescu pe Gică Popescu la Tottenham| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Secret revealed after a quarter of a century. How Ilie Dumitrescu brought Gică Popescu to Tottenham| date=18 April 2020 | access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> He made his league debut on 24 September 1994, as coach [[Osvaldo Ardiles]] used him the entire match in a 4–1 away loss to [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]].<ref name=WF2>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Premier League 1994/1995|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma568157/lineup/|title=Tottenham Hotspur - Nottingham Forest 1:4|access-date=28 September 2025}}</ref> He made 23 league appearances and scored three goals, including one in a home win against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], when he beat goalkeeper [[David Seaman]] after a counter-attack.<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=fanatik/><ref name=WF2/> Spurs (who changed managers from Ardiles to [[Gerry Francis]] a few weeks after Popescu arrived) finished seventh with his help – their highest league finish in five years.<ref name=RS/><ref name=fanatik/> He also helped them reach the [[FA Cup]] semi-finals, where they lost 4–1 to eventual cup winners [[Everton F.C.|Everton]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/tottenham-hotspur-fc/gheorghe-popescu-6829/biography-1994-95_a17442/ |title= Gheorghe POPESCU | publisher = Sporting-heroes.net |access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. FA Cup 1994/1995|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

===Barcelona===
However, after less than a year in England, he left Tottenham to sign for Spanish club [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] for [[Pound sterling|£]]3 million, succeeding [[Ronald Koeman]] in the team.<ref name=GSP3/><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/clubbyclub-guide-the-prospects-the-players-to-watch-the-arrivals-and-departures-1596119.html | work=The Independent | first=Ian | last=Ridley | date=13 August 1995 | title = Club-by-club guide: The prospects, the players to watch, the arrivals and departures }}</ref> Popescu made his [[La Liga]] debut on 2 September 1995, opening the scoring in a 2–0 away win against [[Real Valladolid]].<ref name=barcelona/><ref name=WF3>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Primera División 1995/1996|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma1868035/lineup/|title=Real Valladolid - FC Barcelona 0:2|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> In his first season, he played alongside compatriot [[Gheorghe Hagi]] and was coached by [[Johan Cruyff]].<ref name=DIGI/> He scored a total of five goals in his first season with the Catalans, including a brace in a 4–1 victory over [[UD Salamanca]].<ref name=barcelona/><ref name=WF3/> Popescu also scored once in a 3–1 win over [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] in the round of 16 of the [[1995–96 UEFA Cup]], as ''Barça'' reached the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual winners [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]].<ref name=barcelona/><ref name=GSP2/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. UEFA Cup 1995/1996|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

In his second season, his former coach from PSV, [[Bobby Robson]] became Barcelona's manager, and made Popescu the club's captain ahead of veterans [[Pep Guardiola]] and [[Albert Ferrer]], and superstars [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]], [[Luis Figo]], and [[Luis Enrique]].<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=orange/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name=prosport2/> In that season, Popescu helped Barcelona win a cup [[Treble (association football)|treble]], starting with the [[1996 Supercopa de España]] after a 6–5 aggregate win over [[Atlético Madrid]].<ref name=orange/><ref name=barcelona/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Supercopa 1996|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> The [[1996–97 Copa del Rey|Copa del Rey]] was won after a 3–2 win over [[Real Betis]] in the [[1997 Copa del Rey final|final]].<ref name=orange/><ref name=barcelona/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma441402/lineup/|title=FC Barcelona - Real Betis 3:2|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> Then, in the [[1996–97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|Cup Winners' Cup]] he scored one goal against [[AIK Fotboll|AIK Stockholm]] in the quarter-finals and played the first half of the 1–0 win in the [[1997 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final|final]] against [[Paris Saint-Germain FC|Paris Saint-Germain]].<ref name=barcelona/><ref name=DIGI/><ref name=orange/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Cup Winners Cup 1996/1997|access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma1931916/lineup/|title=FC Barcelona - Paris Saint-Germain 1:0|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

===Galatasaray===
After leaving Barcelona in the summer of 1997, Popescu was transferred to [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray]] in Turkey, where he reunited with [[Gheorghe Hagi|Hagi]], and with Romanians [[Adrian Ilie]] and [[Iulian Filipescu]] also at the club.<ref name=GSP3/><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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}<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=Romanian |trans-title=Three Romanian footballers were starters at Galatasaray | date=1 December 2003| access-date=25 September 2024}}<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=Romanian |trans-title=Hagi, Adi Ilie and who else? 13 Romanians played at Galatasaray | date=12 February 2020| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> He made his [[Süper Lig|Turkish league]] debut on 31 July 1997 under coach [[Fatih Terim]] in a 0–0 draw against [[MKE Ankaragücü|Ankaragücü]], scoring his first goal in the competition on 26 September 1997 in a 4–1 home win over [[Turanspor|Şekerspor]].<ref name=prosport2/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. SüperLig 1997/1998|access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma2292145/lineup/|title=Galatasaray - Ankara Şekerspor 4:1|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> In his first three seasons, he won three league titles, two [[Turkish Cup]]s and the [[1999–2000 UEFA Cup]] in May 2000 – where Galatasaray defeated [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in the [[2000 UEFA Cup final|final]] on penalties after a goalless draw in open play.<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=orange/><ref name=GSP2/> He scored the final penalty, defeating [[David Seaman]] in the [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|shoot-out]], and securing the victory.<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=GSP2/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. UEFA Cup 1999/2000|access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma609846/lineup/|title=Galatasaray - Arsenal FC 4:1|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

In June 2000, [[Mircea Lucescu]] replaced Fatih Terim as coach, and the club clinched the [[2000 UEFA Super Cup]] after a 2–1 victory against [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]].<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=orange/><ref name=GSP3/><ref name=DIGI3>{{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=Romanian |trans-title=Deja-vu: Galata, with Hagi and Popescu, defeated Real twice| date=15 March 2013| access-date=25 September 2024}}</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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}</ref> They also reached the quarter-finals of the [[UEFA Champions League]] during the [[2000–01 UEFA Champions League|2000–01 season]], where after a 3–2 victory in the first leg, they lost 3–0 in the second leg against Real Madrid.<ref name=DIGI3/><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=Romanian |trans-title=Memories after 12 years! "Hagi and Lucescu argued in the dressing room, but we won"| date=29 March 2013| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

===Lecce===
In 2001, Popescu moved to [[Serie A]] club [[U.S. Lecce|Lecce]], stating in an interview with ''[[la Repubblica]]'': "I think of Lecce as something romantic. It is the only team in Italy that comes from the south of the country. I am fascinated by the battle with the troops of the North. I would like to complete my two-year contract".<ref name=GSP2/> He made his league debut on 26 August 2001 in the 1–1 draw against [[Parma F.C.|Parma]].<ref name=WF4>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Serie A 2001/2002|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma1838496/lineup/|title=US Lecce - Parma AC 1:1|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> He wore the number 10 shirt, scoring a brace in a 4–3 loss to [[Bologna FC 1909|Bologna]] and one goal in his last appearance for ''I Lupi'', a 1–1 draw against [[Torino FC|Torino]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=WF4/>

===Dinamo București===
After 12 years, Popescu returned to his native Romania in 2002, signing with [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]], and wearing the captain's armband from his first game, a 5–0 win over [[CSM Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț|Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț]] on 17 August 2002.<ref name=GSP2/> The following matches were less successful, as Popescu's performances and the club's results were disappointing in the eyes of the fans.<ref name=GSP2/> In a derby against rivals [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]], he committed a handball, leading to a penalty, which resulted in losing the match.<ref name=GSP2/> In his last game for the club, a 2–0 loss to [[ASC Oțelul Galați|Oțelul Galați]], he struggled to contain [[Mihai Guriță]], who scored both goals.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP4>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/ovidiu-burca-dinamo-gica-popescu-nationala-695189.html| title=Explicația unui episod controversat cu Gică Popescu la Dinamo: "Iordănescu i-a spus: "Dacă în weekendul ăsta nu intri, nu mai joci la echipa națională!""| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The explanation of a controversial episode with Gică Popescu at Dinamo: "Iordănescu told him: «If you don't come in this weekend, you won't play for the national team anymore!»" | date=22 April 2023| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> After the match, fans chanted for Popescu to leave and told [[Giani Kiriță]], the club's captain before Popescu's arrival, to tell him to leave.<ref name=GSP4/> Kiriță applauded the supporters, a gesture that did not sit well with Popescu, who remarked: "In his place, I would have done it differently".<ref name=GSP4/> The next day, Popescu terminated his contract with the club, stating: "I had to come to see for myself what is in Romanian football".<ref name=GSP4/> He would later describe his transfer to Dinamo as "The mistake of my life".<ref name=GSP2/>

===Hannover 96===
His last club was the German side [[Hannover 96]], where he made his [[Bundesliga]] debut on 8 February 2003, when coach [[Ralf Rangnick]] sent him at half-time to replace [[Kostas Konstantinidis]] in a 4–2 victory against [[1. FC Nürnberg|FC Nürnberg]].<ref name=WF5>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Bundesliga 2002/2003|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma176203/lineup/|title=Hannover 96 - 1. FC Nürnberg 4:2|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> He scored his only league goal when he opened the scoring in a 2–1 loss to [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]].<ref name=WF5/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/match-report/ma176227/lineup/|title=Hannover 96 - Bayer Leverkusen 1:2|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> The final game of his career took place on 17 May 2003, ending in a 2–2 draw against [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]], a result that earned Hannover the point that mathematically saved them from relegation.<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=WF5/> Popescu announced his retirement afterward, stating: "I feel tired, there is no point in taking money without working for it until 2004".<ref name=GSP2/>

==International career==
Popescu played 115 matches and scored 16 goals for [[Romania national football team|Romania]], making his debut on 20 September 1988 at age 20 under coach [[Emerich Jenei]] in a 3–0 friendly win over [[Albania national football team|Albania]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=8862|title=Romania 3-0 Albania|publisher=European Football|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=Century>{{cite web | url = https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/popescu-intl.html | title = Gheorghe Popescu – Century of International Appearances | date = 5 April 2003 | access-date = 28 December 2012 | first = Roberto | publisher = [[RSSSF]] | last = Mamrud}}</ref>

===1990 World Cup===
He played six matches and scored once with a header in a 1–0 victory over [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]] during the [[1990 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 1|1990 World Cup qualifiers]].<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/70462/remember-17-mai-1989-romania--bulgaria-1-0.htm| title=Remember: 17 mai 1989, România - Bulgaria 1-0| publisher=Romaniansoccer.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Remember: 17 May 1989, România - Bulgaria 1-0| date=17 May 2024 | access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> In the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|final tournament]], where coach Jenei used him in all four matches, Romania was eliminated by [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Ireland]] on penalties in the round of 16.<ref name=EU/> In the first game of the group stage, Popescu delivered a highly praised performance in the 2–0 win over the [[Soviet Union national football team|Soviet Union]].<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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}</ref> The following day, his agent, [[Mircea Petescu]], presented him with a contract offer from [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]], which he ultimately declined in favor of [[PSV Eindhoven]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/campionate/gica-popescu-dezvaluie-cum-a-refuzat-o-pe-real-madrid-si-ce-i-a-spus-sandoi-la-mondialul-din-1990-601245.html| title=Gică Popescu a dezvăluit cum a refuzat oferta de la Real Madrid: "Îți iau mâna și semnez"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gică Popescu revealed how he refused the offer from Real Madrid: "I'll take your hand and sign"| date=10 June 2020| access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/farul-constanta-gica-popescu-si-povestea-unui-transfer-stelar-imi-lua-mana-si-mi-spunea-semneaza-unde-vrei-sa-te-duci-pe-luna-801941.html| title=Gică Popescu și povestea unui transfer stelar. "Îmi lua mâna și-mi spunea - "Semnează, unde vrei să te duci, pe lună?""| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gică Popescu and the story of a stellar transfer. "He took my hand and said - «Sign, where do you want to go, on the moon?»"| date=17 December 2022| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> [[AC Milan]] captain [[Franco Baresi]] stated that he considered Popescu the best [[Sweeper (association football)|sweeper]] of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://iamsport.ro/fotbal/special/apogeul-cum-l-a-numit-legendarul-franco-baresi-pe-gica-popescu-wow-wow-cel-mai-frumos-compliment-primit-in-cariera-id20668.html| title=Apogeul! Cum l-a numit legendarul Franco Baresi pe Gică Popescu: "Wow, wow! Cel mai frumos compliment primit în carieră"| publisher=Iamsport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The climax! How the legendary Franco Baresi called Gică Popescu: "Wow, wow! The most beautiful compliment received in my career"| date=22 August 2024| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

===1994 World Cup===
He made seven appearances and scored one goal in a 4–1 victory over [[Cyprus national football team|Cyprus]] during the [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 4|1994 World Cup qualifiers]].<ref name=EU/> In the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|final tournament]] group stage, Romania's "Golden Generation" earned victories over [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] and the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]], then defeated [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] 3–2 in the round of 16.<ref name=EU/><ref name=DIGI4>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/ei-sunt-jucatorii-din-generatia-de-aur-care-nu-driblau-dezvaluirea-facuta-de-ilie-dumitrescu-758775| title="Ei sunt jucătorii din Generația de Aur care nu driblau". Dezvăluirea făcută de Ilie Dumitrescu| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="They are the players of the Golden Generation who did not dribble." The disclosure made by Ilie Dumitrescu| date=23 November 2019 | access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> Subsequently, they were eliminated by [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]] after the [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] in the quarter-finals.<ref name=EU/><ref name=DIGI4/> Popescu played the full 90 minutes in all five games under coach [[Anghel Iordănescu]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=DIGI4/>

===Euro 1996===
Popescu played seven games, scoring the opening goal in the 3–2 win over [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] during the [[UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying Group 1|Euro 1996 qualifiers]].<ref name=EU/> He was used by Iordănescu in all three matches in the [[UEFA Euro 1996|final tournament]], which was unsuccessful as they lost to [[France national football team|France]], 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=Romanian |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=30 January 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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}</ref>

===1998 World Cup===
During the [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8|1998 World Cup qualifiers]], he made eight appearances, scoring one goal against [[Iceland national football team|Iceland]], a hat-trick against [[North Macedonia national football team|Macedonia]] and four goals against [[Liechtenstein national football team|Liechtenstein]], making him his side's top-scorer.<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/98qual.html| title=World Cup 1998 qualifications| publisher=Rsssf.org| language=English | access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> Popescu was used as a starter by Iordănescu in all four games in the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|final tournament]].<ref name=EU/> In the group stage, Romania earned victories in the first two rounds against Colombia and [[England national football team|England]], thus securing mathematical qualification 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=Romanian |trans-title=ProSport presents the true story of the "Golden Generation" painted in yellow!| date=8 June 2010| access-date=30 January 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=Romanian |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=30 January 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=Romanian |trans-title=The (hairy) Golden Generation. Premiere images of the moments when the tricolors were painted, in 1998| date=9 January 2017| access-date=30 January 2025}}</ref> To celebrate, the team dyed their hair blonde and showed up on the pitch with their new look.<ref name=wc1998/> However, they were defeated 1–0 by [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] in the round of 16 after [[Davor Šuker]] scored a penalty, which was awarded following a duel between [[Aljoša Asanović]] and [[Gabriel Popescu (footballer)|Gabriel Popescu]].<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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}</ref>

===Euro 2000===
Popescu played nine games and scored one goal in the 7–0 win over Liechtenstein in the [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying Group 7|Euro 2000 qualifiers]].<ref name=EU/> Jenei used him as a starter in all three group-stage matches during the final tournament.<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP5>{{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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}</ref> In the last one, against England, he was made captain as [[Gheorghe Hagi|Hagi]] was suspended, but he got injured after the first 30 minutes and was replaced by [[Miodrag Belodedici]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP5/> ''The Tricolours'' defeated [[England national football team|England]] 3–2 and qualified for the [[UEFA Euro 2000#Quarter-finals|quarter-finals]], where they lost 2–0 to [[Italy national football team|Italy]], with Popescu not playing.<ref name=EU/><ref name=GSP5/>

===Final years===
In his final years with the national team, Popescu played four games and netted once in a 1–1 draw against [[Georgia national football team|Georgia]] during the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8|2002 World Cup qualifiers]], playing in both legs of the play-off against [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]], which was lost 3–2 on aggregate.<ref name=EU/> He played four matches in the [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying Group 2|Euro 2004 qualifiers]], with the last one, a 5–2 home loss against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] on 29 March 2003, being his final appearance for Romania.<ref name=EU/>

For representing his country at five final tournaments, Popescu was decorated by then [[President of Romania]], [[Traian Băsescu]] on 25 March 2008, with the Ordinul "Meritul Sportiv" – (The Medal of "Sportive Merit") Class III.<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=25 September 2024}}<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=25 September 2024|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 Popescu 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>

==After retirement==
In 2000, he opened the "Gheorghe Popescu Football School" in [[Craiova]], which developed players such as [[Ionuț Rada (footballer, born 1982)|Ionuț Rada]], [[Adrian Stoian]], [[Sabrin Sburlea]], [[Constantin Grecu]] and [[Ovidiu Burcă]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stirilekanald.ro/gica-popescu-vrea-sa-reinvesteasca-in-scoala-lui-de-fotbal-16579097| title=Gica Popescu vrea sa reinvesteasca in scoala lui de fotbal| publisher=Stirilekanald.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gica Popescu wants to reinvest in his football school| date=15 November 2016| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/altele/juniori/scoala-de-fotbal-gica-popescu-fost-exclusa-din-campionatele-nationale-de-juniori-182772.html| title=Școala de Fotbal "Gică Popescu" fost exclusă din campionatele naționale de juniori| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="Gică Popescu" Football School was excluded from the national junior championships| date=24 March 2010| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://cronicaromana.net/2014/12/05/veste-teribila-primita-de-gica-popescu-inchisoare/| title=Veste teribilă primită de Gică Popescu în închisoare| publisher=Cronicaromana.net| language=Romanian |trans-title=Terrible news received by Gică Popescu in prison| date=5 December 2014| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> For a while, he also worked as a [[sports agent]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://hotnews.ro/gica-popescu-s-a-retras-din-impresariat-855893| title=Gica Popescu s-a retras din impresariat| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gica Popescu retired from being a sports agent| date=22 September 2005| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

In 2003, journalist Daniel Nanu released a book about him titled ''Gheorghe Popescu - viața mea'' ''(Gheorghe Popescu - my life)''.<ref name=orange/><ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gds.ro/Sport/2003-04-11/Viata-mea-se-lanseaza-si-in-Banie-chiar-la-scoala-lui-Gica-Popescu/| title="Viata mea" se lanseaza si in Banie, chiar la scoala lui Gica Popescu| publisher=Gds.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="My Life" is also launched in Banie, right at Gica Popescu's school| date=11 April 2003| access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

In 2010, Popescu was one of the founding members of [[AFC Chindia Târgoviște|Chindia Târgoviște]] through one of his companies, leaving the club in 2013.<ref name=fanatik2>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/gica-popescu-actualul-presedinte-al-viitorului-fost-actionar-la-chindia-de-ce-a-parasit-clubul-din-targoviste-19518090| title=Gică Popescu, actualul președinte al Viitorului, fost acționar la Chindia! De ce a părăsit clubul din Târgoviște| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gică Popescu, current president of Viitorul, former shareholder of Chindia! Why did he leave the club from Târgoviște?| date=14 May 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/gica-popescu-se-retrage-de-la-chindia-targoviste-si-are-un-alt-obiectiv-56515| title=Gică Popescu se retrage de la Chindia Târgoviște și are un alt obiectiv| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gică Popescu retires from Chindia Târgoviște and has another goal| date=8 June 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://liga2.prosport.ro/liga-3/gica-popescu-a-anuntat-telefonic-ca-paraseste-chindia-targoviste-11686375| title=Gică Popescu a anunțat telefonic că părăsește Chindia Târgoviște| publisher=Liga2.prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gică Popescu announced by phone that he is leaving Chindia Târgoviște| date=15 November 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://theplaymaker.ro/fotbalul-din-turnul-chindiei-de-la-berile-cu-dobrin-pana-la-fcsb-vs-steaua-in-varianta-damboviteana/3812/| title=Fotbalul din Turnul Chindiei, de la berile cu Dobrin până la "FCSB vs. Steaua" în variantă dâmbovițeană| publisher=Theplaymaker.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Football from the Chindia Tower, from beers with Dobrin to "FCSB vs. Steaua" in Dâmbovița version| date=8 October 2018| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In 2019, he was appointed by [[Gheorghe Hagi]] as president at [[FC Viitorul Constanța|Viitorul Constanța]], then when the club merged with [[FC Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]], he continued to work as president for the new club.<ref name=fanatik2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/gica-popescu-este-noul-presedinte-al-celor-de-la-viitorul-marea-lovitura-gandita-de-gica-hagi-667593| title=Gică Popescu este noul președinte al celor de la Viitorul! Marea lovitură gândită de Gică Hagi| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gică Popescu is the new president of Viitorul! The great blow thought by Gică Hagi| date=31 May 2019| access-date=25 September 2024}}<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>

==Personal life==
He is the brother-in-law of fellow [[Romania national football team|Romanian international]] [[Gheorghe Hagi]], as he married Hagi's wife's sister.<ref name=GSP2/><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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}<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=Romanian |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=25 September 2024}}</ref> His son [[Nicolas Popescu|Nicolas]] is also a footballer,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/nicolas-popescu-prima-zi-la-echipa-nationala-fotbalistul-fost-convocat-azi-la-lotul-15-1969833|title=Nicolas, prima zi la echipa națională a României. Adus cu o mașină de lux, fiul lui Gică Popescu a îmbrăcat tricoul "Baciului" și a jucat un biliard|publisher=Libertatea.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Nicolas, the first day at the Romanian national team. Brought with a luxury car, Gică Popescu's son wore the "Baciul's" t-shirt and played billiards|date= 17 September 2017|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> as is his nephew [[Ianis Hagi]] – both of the younger men were born in Istanbul while their fathers were playing for Galatasaray.

In 1994, Popescu was named Honorary Citizen of [[Bucharest]].<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 2003, he received the Honorary Citizen of [[Craiova]] title.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.primariacraiova.ro/ro/cetateni-de-onoare-ai-craiovei| title=Cetățeni de onoare ai Craiovei| publisher=Primariacraiova.ro| language=Romanian| trans-title=Honorary citizens of Craiova| access-date=5 November 2025| archive-date=11 August 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811093106/https://primariacraiova.ro/ro/cetateni-de-onoare-ai-craiovei| url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Tax evasion and imprisonment===
On 4 March 2014, Popescu and seven others, among them [[Mihai Stoica]], were convicted by a Romanian appeals court of [[money laundering]] and [[tax evasion]] in connection with the transfer of football players from Romania to other countries. Popescu was sentenced to a jail term of three years and one month.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ex-aanvoerder Barcelona moet drie jaar de cel in|date=4 March 2014 |url=http://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20140304_01008778|access-date=5 March 2014|publisher=[[De Standaard]]|language=Dutch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 March 2014|title=Gică Popescu, condamnat cu EXECUTARE cu o zi înaintea alegerilor de la FRF |trans-title=Gică Popescu, sentenced to EXECUTION one day before the FRF elections|url=http://www.romaniatv.net/gica-popescu-condamnat-cu-executare-cu-o-zi-inaintea-alegerilor-de-la-frf_130304.html|access-date=5 March 2014|publisher=Romaniatv.net|language=Romanian}}</ref> He was released for [[Good conduct time|good conduct]] on 4 November 2015, after serving half of his sentence. The books he wrote and published during his imprisonment also contributed to the reduction of his sentence, as is customary under [[Romanian law]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gheorghe Popescu, la ieșirea din închisoare: A fost cea mai grea perioadă din viața mea|trans-title=Gheorghe Popescu, upon release from prison: It was the hardest period of my life|url=http://www.agerpres.ro/justitie/2015/11/04/gheorghe-popescu-la-iesirea-din-inchisoare-a-fost-cea-mai-grea-perioada-din-viata-mea-18-36-15|date=4 November 2015|access-date=25 June 2021|publisher=Agerpres.ro|language=Romanian|archive-date=2 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002161727/https://www.agerpres.ro/justitie/2015/11/04/gheorghe-popescu-la-iesirea-din-inchisoare-a-fost-cea-mai-grea-perioada-din-viata-mea-18-36-15|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref name=RS/><ref name=barcelona/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42258/gheorghe-popescu/club-matches/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Career |access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=Tribuna.com|url=https://tribuna.com/en/persons/gheorghe-popescu/career/|title=Gheorghe Popescu. Career |access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=Labtof.ro|url=https://www.labtof.ro/profil/gheorghe-popescu-12461/|title=Gheorghe Popescu profile |access-date=28 September 2025}}<br />{{NFT player|14040}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National Cup
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="7"|[[CS Universitatea Craiova|Universitatea Craiova]]
|[[1984–85 Divizia A|1984–85]]
|rowspan="6"|[[Liga I|Divizia A]]
|2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||0||0||2||0
|-
|[[1985–86 Divizia A|1985–86]]
|18||1||3||0||colspan="2"|–||3<ref group=lower-alpha name="UCW">Appearances in the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]]</ref>||0||24||1
|-
|[[1986–87 Divizia A|1986–87]]
|31||1||2||1||colspan="2"|–||4<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF">Appearances in the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]</ref>||0||37||2
|-
|[[1987–88 Divizia A|1987–88]]
|14||1||0||0||colspan="2"|–||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||0||16||1
|-
|[[1988–89 Divizia A|1988–89]]
|33||8||0||0||colspan="2"|–||0||0||33||8
|-
|[[1989–90 Divizia A|1989–90]]
|26||7||3||1||colspan="2"|–||0||0||29||8
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!124!!18!!8!!2!!colspan="2"|–!!9!!0!!141!!20
|-
|[[FC Steaua București|Steaua București]] (loan)
|[[1987–88 Divizia A|1987–88]]
|Divizia A
|13||1||4||2||colspan="2"|–||3<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL">Appearances in the [[UEFA Champions League]]</ref>||0||20||3
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[PSV Eindhoven]]
|[[1990–91 Eredivisie|1990–91]]
|rowspan="5"|[[Eredivisie]]
|30||5||3||1||colspan="2"|–||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="UCW"/>||0||32||6
|-
|[[1991–92 PSV Eindhoven season|1991–92]]
|29||7||1||0||colspan="2"|–|||3<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||0||32||7
|-
|[[1992–93 Eredivisie|1992–93]]
|24||6||2||0||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="JCS">Appearance in the [[Johan Cruijff Shield]]</ref>||0||6<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||0||30||6
|-
|[[1993–94 Eredivisie|1993–94]]
|23||5||3||0||colspan="2"|–||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||1||24||6
|-
|[[1994–95 PSV Eindhoven season|1994–95]]
|2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||0||0||2||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!108!!23!!9!!1!!1!!0!!12!!1!!130!!25
|-
|[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
|[[1994–95 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|1994–95]]
|[[Premier League]]
|23||3||3||0||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="EFL">Appearances in the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]]</ref>||0||colspan="2"|–||28||3
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]
|[[1995–96 FC Barcelona season|1995–96]]
|rowspan="2"|[[La Liga]]
|37||5||5||2||colspan="2"|–||8<ref group=lower-alpha name="UEF"/>||1||50||8
|-
|[[1996–97 FC Barcelona season|1996–97]]
|29||4||5||0||2<ref group=lower-alpha name="SUP">Appearances in the [[Supercopa de España]]</ref>||0||8<ref group=lower-alpha name="UCW"/>||1||44||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!66!!9!!10!!2!!2!!0!!16!!2!!94!!13
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]]
|[[1997–98 Galatasaray S.K. season|1997–98]]
|rowspan="5"|[[Süper Lig|1.Lig]]
|32||2||8||2||colspan="2"|–||8<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||0||48||4
|-
|[[1998–99 Galatasaray S.K. season|1998–99]]
|29||2||5||1||colspan="2"|–||8<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||0||42||3
|-
|[[1999–2000 Galatasaray S.K. season|1999–2000]]
|25||2||3||0||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="SUPT">Appearance in the [[Turkish Super Cup]]</ref>||0||14<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHLUEF">Eight appearances in the [[UEFA Champions League]] and six appearances in the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]</ref>||0||43||2
|-
|[[2000–01 Galatasaray S.K. season|2000–01]]
|24||0||3||0||colspan="2"|–||15<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHLUES">14 appearances in the [[UEFA Champions League]] and one appearances in the [[UEFA Super Cup]]</ref>||0||42||0
|-
|[[2001–02 Galatasaray S.K. season|2001–02]]
|1||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||3<ref group=lower-alpha name="CHL"/>||0||4||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!111!!6!!19!!3!!1!!0!!48!!0!!179!!9
|-
|[[U.S. Lecce|Lecce]]
|[[2001–02 Serie A|2001–02]]
|[[Serie A]]
|28||3||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||28||3
|-
|[[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]]
|[[2002–03 FC Dinamo București season|2002–03]]
|Divizia A
|8||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||0||0||8||0
|-
|[[Hannover 96|Hannover]]
|[[2002–03 Bundesliga|2002–03]]
|[[Bundesliga]]
|14||1||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||14||1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!495!!64!!53!!10!!6!!0!!88!!3!!642!!77
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name=EU>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=16886|title=Gheorghe Popescu profile|publisher=European Football|access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=Century />
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="16"|[[Romania national football team|Romania]]
|1988||4||0
|-
|1989||8||1
|-
|1990||14||0
|-
|1991||6||0
|-
|1992||4||1
|-
|1993||4||0
|-
|1994||15||1
|-
|1995||5||0
|-
|1996||8||6
|-
|1997||7||4
|-
|1998||12||2
|-
|1999||8||0
|-
|2000||6||0
|-
|2001||5||1
|-
|2002||8||0
|-
|2003||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!115!!16
|}

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

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Gheorghe Popescu
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 17 May 1989 || [[Stadionul Steaua (1974)|Stadionul Ghencea]], [[Bucharest]], Romania || {{Fb|BUL|1971}} || align="center"|'''1'''–0 || align="center"|1–0 || [[1990 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 1|FIFA World Cup 1990 Qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|2 || 29 November 1992 || [[Neo GSZ Stadium]], [[Larnaca]], Cyprus || {{Fb|CYP|1960}} || align="center"|'''1'''–0 || align="center"|4–1 || [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 4|FIFA World Cup 1994 Qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|3 || 12 November 1994 || Stadionul Ghencea, Bucharest, Romania || {{Fb|SVK}} || align="center"|'''1'''–0 || align="center"|3–2 || [[UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying#Group 1|UEFA Euro 1996 Qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|4 || rowspan="2"| 1 June 1996 || rowspan="2"| Stadionul Ghencea, Bucharest, Romania || rowspan="2"| {{Fb|MDA}} || align="center"|'''2'''–0 || rowspan="2" align="center"|3–1 || rowspan="2"| [[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
|-
| align="center"|5 || align="center"|'''3'''–0
|-
| align="center"|6 || 9 October 1996 || [[Laugardalsvöllur]], [[Reykjavík]], Iceland || {{Fb|ISL}} || align="center"|'''3'''–0 || align="center"|4–0 || [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 8|World Cup 1998 Qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|7 || rowspan="3"| 14 December 1996 || rowspan="3"| [[Philip II of Macedon National Stadium|Gradski Stadium]], [[Skopje]], [[Republic of Macedonia]] || rowspan="3"| {{Fb|MKD|name=Macedonia}} || align="center"|'''1'''–0 || rowspan="3" align="center"|3–0 || rowspan="3"| World Cup 1998 Qualifying
|-
| align="center"|8 || align="center"|'''2'''–0 
|-
| align="center"|9 || align="center"|'''3'''–0 
|-
| align="center"|10 || rowspan="4"| 29 March 1997 || rowspan="4"| Stadionul Ghencea, Bucharest, Romania || rowspan="4"| {{Fb|LIE}} || align="center"|'''2'''–0 || rowspan="4" align="center"|8–0 || rowspan="4"| World Cup 1998 Qualifying
|-
| align="center"|11 || align="center"|'''3'''–0 
|-
| align="center"|12 || align="center"|'''6'''–0 
|-
| align="center"|13 || align="center"|'''8'''–0 
|-
| align="center"|14 || 6 June 1998 || [[Stadionul Ilie Oană]], [[Ploiești]], Romania || {{Fb|MDA}} || align="center"|'''1'''–0 || align="center"|5–1 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|15 || 2 September 1998 || Stadionul Ghencea, Bucharest, Romania || {{Fb|LIE}} || align="center"|'''1'''–0 || align="center"|7–0 || [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying#Group 7|UEFA Euro 2000 Qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|16 || 6 October 2001 || Stadionul Ghencea, Bucharest, Romania || {{Fb|GEO|1990}} || align="center"|'''1'''–1 || align="center"|1–1 || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 8|World Cup 2002 Qualifying]]
|}

==Honours==
'''Steaua București'''
*[[Liga I|Divizia A]]: [[1987–88 Divizia A|1987–88]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
*[[Cupa României]]: [[1987–88 Cupa României|1987–88]]<ref name=RS/>
'''PSV Eindhoven'''
*[[Eredivisie]]: [[1990–91 Eredivisie|1990–91]], [[1991–92 Eredivisie|1991–92]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
*[[Johan Cruijff Shield]]: [[1992 Dutch Supercup|1992]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
'''Barcelona'''
*[[Copa del Rey]]: [[1996–97 Copa del Rey|1996–97]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[1996 Supercopa de España|1996]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
*[[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]]: [[1996–97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|1996–97]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
'''Galatasaray'''
*[[Süper Lig|1.Lig]]: [[1997–98 1.Lig|1997–98]], [[1998–99 1.Lig|1998–99]], [[1999–2000 1.Lig|1999–00]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
*[[Turkish Cup]]: [[1998–99 Turkish Cup|1998–99]], [[1999–2000 Turkish Cup|1999–00]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
*[[UEFA Cup]]: [[1999–2000 UEFA Cup|1999–00]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
*[[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2000 UEFA Super Cup|2000]]<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>
'''Individual'''
*[[Romanian Footballer of the Year]]: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996<ref name=orange/><ref name=RSSSF/>

==See also==
*[[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|last=Nanu|first=Daniel|title=Gică Popescu: Viața mea|year=2003|publisher=Edigold|language=ro|isbn=978-9-7300-2985-7}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{WorldFootball|gheorghe-popescu}}
*{{NFT player|14040}}
*{{BDFutbol|960}}
*{{Fussballdaten|gheorghe-popescu}}
*[https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/popescu-intl.html Gheorghe Popescu's International caps] at [[RSSSF]]

{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = Gold
| fg = Black
| bordercolor = Black
| list1 = 
{{Romanian Footballer of the Year}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Romania squads
| bg = #FFE60D
| fg = #0045E6
| bordercolor = #CE1126
| list1 = 
{{Romania squad 1990 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Romania squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Romania squad UEFA Euro 1996}}
{{Romania squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Romania squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Popescu, Gheorghe}}
[[Category:1967 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Romanian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Romania men's international footballers]]
[[Category:1990 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1998 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Germany]]
[[Category:Bundesliga players]]
[[Category:Galatasaray S.K. footballers]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:Liga I players]]
[[Category:People from Calafat]]
[[Category:Men's association football sweepers]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:CS Universitatea Craiova players]]
[[Category:FCSB players]]
[[Category:FC Dinamo București players]]
[[Category:PSV Eindhoven players]]
[[Category:Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players]]
[[Category:FC Barcelona players]]
[[Category:US Lecce players]]
[[Category:Hannover 96 players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1996 players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Association football agents]]
[[Category:Romanian white-collar criminals]]
[[Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players]]
[[Category:Romanian sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Footballers from Dolj County]]
[[Category:20th-century Romanian sportsmen]]