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{{Short description|Romanian footballer and manager}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ionel Ganea
| image = Generația de Aur vs Barcelona Legends (0-2) 2018 Sports Festival - meciul amintirilor. (52809833732).jpg
| caption = Ganea in June 2018
| image_size = 280px
| fullname = Ioan Viorel Ganea
| height = {{height|m=1.79}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1973|8|10}}
| birth_place = [[Făgăraș]], Romania
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–1992
| youthclubs1 = [[CSM Făgăraș (football)|Nitramonia Făgăraș]]
| years1 = 1992–1994
| clubs1 = ICIM Brașov
| caps1 = 
| goals1 = 
| years2 = 1994–1995
| clubs2 = [[FC Brașov (1936)|FC Brașov]]
| caps2 = 50
| goals2 = 4
| years3 = 1996–1998
| clubs3 = [[FC U Craiova 1948|Universitatea Craiova]]
| caps3 = 56
| goals3 = 22
| years4 = 1998
| clubs4 = [[ACF Gloria Bistrița|Gloria Bistrița]]
| caps4 = 16
| goals4 = 17
| years5 = 1999
| clubs5 = [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]]
| caps5 = 16
| goals5 = 11
| years6 = 1999–2003
| clubs6 = [[VfB Stuttgart]]
| caps6 = 107
| goals6 = 34
| years7 = 2003
| clubs7 = [[Bursaspor]]
| caps7 = 15
| goals7 = 5
| years8 = 2004–2006
| clubs8 = [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]]
| caps8 = 32
| goals8 = 7
| years9 = 2006
| clubs9 = [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]]
| caps9 = 18
| goals9 = 14
| years10 = 2007
| clubs10 = [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]]
| caps10 = 9
| goals10 = 2
| years11 = 2007–2008
| clubs11 = [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]]
| caps11 = 18
| goals11 = 3
| years12 = 2011
| clubs12 = [[CS Sănătatea Servicii Publice Cluj|Sănătatea Cluj]]
| caps12 = 
| goals12 = 
| totalcaps = 337
| totalgoals = 119
| nationalyears1 = 1999–2006<ref>{{Cite news|title= <nowiki>Ioan Viorel Ganea – Goals in International Matches</nowiki> |publisher=[[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|RSSSF]]|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/ganea-intlg.html| date = 10 June 2011 | first = Karel | last= Stokkermans | access-date = 3 March 2013}}</ref>
| nationalteam1 = [[Romania national football team|Romania]]
| nationalcaps1 = 45
| nationalgoals1 = 19
| manageryears1 = 2009–2010
| managerclubs1 = [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]] (assistant)
| manageryears2 = 2010–2011
| managerclubs2 = [[FC Dinamo II București|Dinamo II București]]
| manageryears3 = 2011
| managerclubs3 = [[CS Sănătatea Servicii Publice Cluj|Sănătatea Cluj]] (player/coach)
| manageryears4 = 2012
| managerclubs4 = [[CSCA–Rapid Chișinău|Rapid Ghidighici]]
| manageryears5 = 2013
| managerclubs5 = [[FC Universitatea Cluj|Universitatea Cluj]]
| manageryears6 = 2014
| managerclubs6 = [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]]
| manageryears7 = 2015–2016
| managerclubs7 = [[FC Dunărea Călărași|Dunărea Călărași]]
| manageryears8 = 2016
| managerclubs8 = [[FC Voluntari|Voluntari]]
| manageryears9 = 2017
| managerclubs9 = [[ASA 2013 Târgu Mureș|ASA Târgu Mureș]]
| manageryears10 = 2018
| managerclubs10 = [[ACS Poli Timișoara]]
| manageryears11 = 2020–2021
| managerclubs11 = [[FC Dunărea Călărași|Dunărea Călărași]] (technical director)
}}

'''Ioan Viorel''' "'''Ionel'''" '''Ganea''' (born 10 August 1973) is a Romanian professional [[association football|football]] coach and former player who played as a [[Forward (association football)|striker]].

==Club career==
===Early career===
Ionel Ganea was born on 10 August 1973 in [[Făgăraș]], Romania, starting to play senior level football in 1992 at [[Liga II|Divizia B]] side, 
ICIM Brașov.<ref name=RS>{{RomanianSoccer|756/ioan-viorel-ganea|Ionel Ganea}}</ref><ref name=monitorul>{{cite web | url=https://www.monitorulexpres.ro/2021/12/22/reactia-lui-ionel-ganea-dupa-ce-gabi-stan-a-povestit-incidentul-din-vestiarul-de-la-fc-brasov/ | title=Reacția lui Ionel Ganea, după ce Gabi Stan a povestit incidentul din vestiarul de la FC Brașov| publisher=Monitorulexpres.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The reaction of Ionel Ganea, after Gabi Stan narrated the incident in the locker room at FC Brașov| date=22 December 2021 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> Two years later, coach [[Ioan Nagy]] brought him to [[FC Brașov (1936)|FC Brașov]], giving him his [[Liga I|Divizia A]] debut on 20 August 1994 in a 3–1 away loss in front of [[CSM Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț|Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=monitorul/> In the middle of the [[1995–96 Divizia A|1995–96]] season he was transferred to [[FC U Craiova 1948|Universitatea Craiova]] with whom he reached the [[1998 Cupa României final]], being used by coach [[José Ramón Alexanko]] in all the minutes of the 1–0 loss in front of [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=RSCR>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1997_1998.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1997–1998|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He started the [[1997–98 Divizia A|1997–98]] season by scoring 17 goals in just 16 appearances for [[ACF Gloria Bistrița|Gloria Bistrița]], transferring in the middle of it to Rapid where he scored 11 more, helping them win the title and also being the top-goalscorer of the season.<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=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=RSG>{{cite web |url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/topscorers.shtml |title=Top Scorers |publisher=Romaniansoccer.ro |access-date=13 May 2021 |language=Romanian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/nu-l-bate-nimeni-la-viteza-in-romania-cine-l-a-surprins-pe-ionel-ganea-in-superliga.html | title="Nu-l bate nimeni la viteză în România!" Cine l-a surprins pe Ionel Ganea în Superliga | publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="Nobody beats him in speed in Romania!" Who surprised Ionel Ganea in the Superliga| date=26 August 2024 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

===VfB Stuttgart===
Ganea was transferred in the summer of 1999 to [[VfB Stuttgart]] who paid 1.75 million€ to Rapid.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-international/ionel-ganea-legendar-la-stuttgart-a-aruncat-cu-inghetata-dupa-magath-nu-credeam-ca-am-sa-l-mai-vad-vreodata-1546849 | title=Ionel Ganea, legendar la Stuttgart. "A aruncat cu înghețata după Magath! Nu credeam că am să-l mai văd vreodată!"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea, legendary in Stuttgart. "He threw the ice cream at Magath! I never thought I'd see him again!"| date=28 February 2022 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://orangesport.ro/fost-jucator-la-stuttgart-ionel-ganea-i-a-dat-un-sfat-lui-maxim-la-nemti-nu-merge-cu-vrajeala-17757227 | title=Fost jucător la Stuttgart, Ionel Ganea i-a dat un sfat lui Maxim: "La nemţi nu merge cu vrăjeala"| publisher=Orangesport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Former player at Stuttgart, Ionel Ganea gave a piece of advice to Maxim: "The Germans don't work by magic"| date=9 February 2016 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He made his [[Bundesliga]] debut on 14 August when coach [[Ralf Rangnick]] used him as a starter in a 0–0 with [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/bundesliga-1999-2000-vfb-stuttgart-werder-bremen/|title=VfB Stuttgart - Werder Bremen 0:0|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He scored his first two goals for the club on 18 September in a 4–2 home win over [[MSV Duisburg]], managing another brace on 14 December in a 3–1 win with [[FC Hansa Rostock|Hansa Rostock]].<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/bundesliga-1999-2000/vfb-stuttgart/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. Bundesliga 1999/2000|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> The team started the [[2000–01 Bundesliga|following season]] by winning the [[2000 UEFA Intertoto Cup|2000 Intertoto Cup]], a campaign in which he made two appearances, the team playing afterwards in the [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], Ganea scoring a brace in a 3–1 victory with [[FC Tirol Innsbruck|Tirol Innsbruck]], then closing the score in a 2–2 with [[Feyenoord]], helping his side reach the eight-finals of the competition where the campaign ended in front of [[Celta de Vigo|Celta Vigo]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=europa>{{cite web | url=https://www.europafm.ro/ionel-ganea-la-tribuna-0-audio/ | title=Ionel Ganea la Tribuna 0| publisher=Europafm.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea at Tribuna 0| date=1 March 2016 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/ui-cup-2000-2001/vfb-stuttgart/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. Intertoto Cup 2000/2001|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/uefa-cup-2000-2001/vfb-stuttgart/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. UEFA Cup 2000/2001|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> Also in the same season, Ganea scored a hat-trick and provided three assists for [[Adhemar (footballer, born 1972)|Adhemar]]'s hat-trick in a 6–1 over [[1. FC Kaiserslautern|Kaiserslautern]] in the league.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/campionate/statistica-halucinanta-in-bundesliga-recordul-astronomic-al-lui-ionel-ganea-egalat-dupa-18-ani-meciul-nebun-din-aceasta-etapa-581822.html | title=Statistică halucinantă în Bundesliga! Recordul astronomic al lui Ionel Ganea egalat DUPĂ 18 ani! Meciul nebun din această etapă| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Hallucinatory statistics in the Bundesliga! Ionel Ganea's astronomical record equaled AFTER 18 years! Crazy match at this stage| date=3 November 2019 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/bundesliga-2000-2001-vfb-stuttgart-1-fc-kaiserslautern/|title=VfB Stuttgart - 1. FC Kaiserslautern 6:1|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> Early in the [[2001–02 Bundesliga|2001–02]] season, Ganea scored both of his side's goals in a 2–2 with [[1. FC Nürnberg|Nürnberg]], totalizing 10 goals at the end of the season, a personal Bundesliga record for him.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/bundesliga-2001-2002/vfb-stuttgart/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. Bundesliga 2001/2002|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He started his [[2002–03 Bundesliga|last season]] at Stuttgart by helping the side win another [[2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup|Intertoto Cup]], scoring a goal in each of the legs from the third round with [[AC Perugia Calcio|Perugia]], also playing in both legs of the 2–1 victory on aggregate from the final with [[Lille OSC|Lille]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=europa/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/ui-cup-2002-2003/vfb-stuttgart/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. Intertoto Cup 2002/2003|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He scored a brace in a win with [[TSV 1860 Munich|1860 Munich]] and a hat-trick in another victory against [[VfL Bochum]], contributing with a total of nine goals as the team finished on the second place in Bundesliga.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/bundesliga-2002-2003/vfb-stuttgart/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. Bundesliga 2002/2003|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

With 136 games played in which he scored 47 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions for Stuttgart, Ganea was known during this period for his ability of scoring after coming in the game as a substitute.<ref name=RS/><ref name=sport>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/exclusiv-legendari-ei-doi-mi-au-facut-viata-un-calvar-marturisirea-lui-ionel-ganea-la-48-de-ani.html | title="Legendari! Ei doi mi-au făcut viața un calvar!" Mărturisirea lui Ionel Ganea, la 48 de ani | publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="Legendary! The two of them made my life an ordeal!" The confession of Ionel Ganea, at 48 years old| date=10 August 2021 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/surpriza-pe-care-a-avut-o-ionel-ganea-in-croatia-legenda-in-bundesliga-un-prieten-drag-e-neschimbat.html | title=Surpriza pe care a avut-o Ionel Ganea în Croația. "Legendă în Bundesliga, un prieten drag. E neschimbat"| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The surprise that Ionel Ganea had in Croatia. "Legend in the Bundesliga, a dear friend. He's unchanged"| date=7 July 2022 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=WF>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/2/|title=Ionel Ganea. Club matches|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> Ganea claimed that his toughest opponents during his years spent in Germany were [[Lothar Matthäus]] and [[Jürgen Kohler]], also he cherished a shirt he received from [[Oliver Kahn]].<ref name=sport/>

===Bursaspor===
In the summer of 2003, being free of contract he signed with [[Süper Lig|Turkish top flight]] club [[Bursaspor]] which was coached by fellow Romanian [[Gheorghe Hagi]], being teammate with compatriots [[Bogdan Vintilă]], [[Iulian Miu]] and [[Cornel Frăsineanu]].<ref name=RS/><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=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea signed with Bursaspor| date=5 July 2003 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He scored his first goal on 27 September in a 2–1 win over [[Konyaspor]], a game in which he also received a red card.<ref name=WF2>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/tur-sueper-lig-2003-2004/bursaspor/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. SüperLig 2003/2004|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He also scored a hat-trick on 2 November in a 6–0 over [[Adanaspor]] and three weeks later he scored his last goal for Bursa in a 1–1 with [[Akçaabat Sebatspor]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/ve-bursa-patladi-6-0-5143058 | title=Ve Bursa patladı: 6-0| publisher=Milliyet.com.tr| language=Turkish |trans-title=And Bursa has exploded: 6-0| date=2 November 2003 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

===Wolverhampton Wanderers===
The striker joined [[Premier League]] club [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] in December 2003 after his contract in Turkey was cancelled by mutual consent.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/ganea-va-juca-la-wolverhampton-1273493.html | title=Ganea va juca la Wolverhampton| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea will play at Wolverhampton| date=27 December 2003 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> In 14 Premier League appearances he scored three goals during the [[2003–04 in English football#FA Premier League|2003–04 season]] – against eventual champions [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds]] and [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle]] – but could not prevent relegation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/radu-dragusin-al-16-lea-roman-in-premier-league-cum-s-au-descurcat-ceilalti-in-cel-mai-tare-campionat-unul-singur-a-devenit-campion-20579105 | title=Radu Drăguşin, al 16-lea român în Premier League! Dan Petrescu a deschis drumul, unul singur a devenit campion| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Radu Drăguşin, the 16th Romanian in the Premier League! Dan Petrescu opened the way, only one became champion| date=15 January 2024 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

He remained with the club for two seasons in the second tier, mostly under the managership of [[Glenn Hoddle]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange>{{cite web | url=https://orangesport.ro/o-poveste-fabuloasa-cu-ionel-ganea-in-anglia-ruptura-totala-cu-glenn-hoddle-la-primul-meci-jucat-dupa-18-luni-ce-a-facut-18077196 | title=O poveste FABULOASĂ cu Ionel Ganea în Anglia! Ruptură totală cu Glenn Hoddle la primul meci jucat după 18 luni. Ce a făcut| publisher=Orangepsort.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=A FABULOUS story with Ionel Ganea in England! Total break with Glenn Hoddle in first game played in 18 months. what did he do| date=22 April 2018 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> The first of these years was written off after suffering cruciate knee ligament injury on a pre-season tour of Norway.<ref name=orange/> He recovered for the [[2005–06 in English football|2005–06 season]] but never held down a regular starting place, and was released as his contract expired at the end of the campaign.<ref name=RS/><ref name=orange/>

===Return to Romania===
In June 2006 he moved back to Romania, signing with [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]] on an initial one-year deal, claiming one of the reasons he choose Dinamo is that he was a good friend with its coach, [[Mircea Rednic]].<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://hotnews.ro/ganea-a-semnat-cu-dinamo-pentru-un-sezon-873137 | title=Ganea a semnat cu Dinamo pentru un sezon| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea signed with Dinamo for one season| date=29 June 2006 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> Ganea had to compete to earn a place in the team's offence with [[Ionel Dănciulescu]] and [[Claudiu Niculescu]], scoring his first goal on 20 August in a 3–1 home victory with [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]], one week later managing to score all the goals in a 4–0 over [[FC U Craiova 1948|Universitatea Craiova]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF3>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/rom-liga-1-2006-2007/dinamo-bucuresti/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. Liga 1 2006/2007|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/cupa-romaniei/ganea-baga-frica-in-stelisti-top-5-intimplari-socante-cu-fostul-dinamovist-264777.html | title=Ganea bagă frica în stelişti. Top 5 întîmplări şocante cu fostul dinamovist!| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea puts fear into Steaua players. Top 5 shocking events with the former Dinamo player!| date=22 September 2011 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://hotnews.ro/bataie-intre-suporterii-dinamovisti-si-polisti-876029 | title=Bataie intre suporterii dinamovisti si polisti| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Fight between Dinamo and Poli supporters| date=20 August 2006 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://hotnews.ro/u-craiova-dinamo-0-4-876393| title=U Craiova-Dinamo 0-4| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian | date=27 August 2006 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He scored a total of 14 goals in the first half of the season, also providing an assist for Niculescu's decisive goal in the 2–1 victory against [[Bayer 04 Leverkusen|Bayer Leverkusen]] from the [[2006–07 UEFA Cup]] group stage which helped ''[[FC Dinamo București|The Red Dogs]]'' reach the sixteenths-finals.<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF3/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/dinamo-bayer-leverkusen-2-1-claudiu-niculescu-648202.html| title=15 ani de la o mare victorie europeană a lui Dinamo. Eroul meciului, nostalgic: "Și acum ne mândrim cu acea performanță!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=15 years since Dinamo's great European victory. The hero of the match, nostalgic: "Even now we are proud of that performance!"| date=29 November 2021 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> However, in December, after just six months, Ganea broke his contract with Dinamo who managed to win the league without him.<ref name=RS/><ref name=RSC/><ref name=eurosport>{{cite web | url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/international-news/2006-2007/rapid-switch-for-ganea_sto1041901/story.shtml | title=Rapid switch for Ganea| publisher=Eurosport.com| language=English | date=27 December 2006 | access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> 

He rejoined Rapid București on a record 350.000€ salary per year.<ref name=RS/><ref name=eurosport/> He scored his first goal for Rapid on 1 April 2007 in a loss in front of [[Derbiul Bucureștiului|rivals]] [[FCSB|Steaua București]], then another one in a victory with [[CSM Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț|Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț]], having a total of 16 goals scored in the [[2006–07 Liga I|season]], being the league's second top-goalscorer with two goals behind former teammate Claudiu Niculescu.<ref name=RSG/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ionel-ganea/rom-liga-1-2006-2007/dinamo-bucuresti/3/|title=Ionel Ganea. Liga 1 2006/2007|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> The team also won the [[2006–07 Cupa României|Cupa României]] but coach [[Răzvan Lucescu]] did not use him in the 2–1 win over Politehnica Timișoara from the [[2007 Cupa României final|final]].<ref name=RSCR2>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/2006_2007.shtml|title=Romanian Cup - Season 2006 - 2007|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ziare.com/rapid/stiri-rapid/finala-cupei-romaniei-rapid-isi-pastreaza-trofeul-92080 |title=Finala Cupei Romaniei: Rapid isi pastreaza trofeul |publisher=Ziare.com |language=Romanian |trans-title=Final of the Romanian Cup: Rapid keeps the trophy |date=26 May 2007 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

In June 2007, Ganea signed for Politehnica Timișoara where on 7 May 2008 he made his last Liga I appearance in a 4–1 home win over [[FCV Farul Constanța|Farul Constanța]] in which he scored once, having a total of 183 matches with 73 goals scored in the competition, also playing a total of 33 games with seven goals scored in European competitions, including 13 games with three goals in the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup|Intertoto Cup]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ziare.com/sporturi/box/poli-timisoara-si-a-prezentat-achizitiile-105638 |title=Poli Timișoara și-a prezentat achizițiile |publisher=Ziare.com |language=Romanian |trans-title=Poli Timisoara presented its purchases |date=13 July 2007 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/cititi-aici-comentariul-poli-timisoara-farul-4-1-2620037 |title=Citiți aici comentariul Poli Timișoara – Farul 4-1 |publisher=Prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Read the Poli Timișoara – Farul 4-1 commentary here |date=13 July 2007 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

He returned briefly on the pitch as a professional player only for one game on 22 September 2011 in a [[2011–12 Cupa României#Round of 32|Cupa României]] match against [[FCSB|Steaua București]] which ended with a 4–0 loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prosport.ro/cupa-romaniei/foto-dovada-ca-ionel-ganea-a-fost-legitimat-la-sanatatea-cluj-8777639 |title=Dovada că Ionel Ganea a fost legitimat la Sănătatea Cluj |publisher=Prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Proof that Ionel Ganea was registered at Sănătatea Cluj|date=20 September 2011 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.b1tv.ro/sport/cupa-romaniei-steaua-sanatatea-cluj-4-0-ionel-ganea-a-fost-schimbat-la-pauza-11855.html/amp |title=Cupa României: Steaua – Sănătatea Cluj, 4-0. Ionel Ganea a fost schimbat la pauză |publisher=B1tv.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Romanian Cup: Steaua - Sănătatea Cluj, 4-0. Ionel Ganea was replaced at halftime|date=22 September 2011 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

==International career==
Ionel Ganea played 45 games and scored 19 goals for [[Romania national football team|Romania]], making his debut under coach [[Victor Pițurcă]] on 3 March 1999 against [[Estonia national football team|Estonia]], scoring both goals in a 2–0 win.<ref name=EU>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=6510|title=Ionel Ganea|publisher=European Football|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=11439|title=Romania 2-0 Estonia|publisher=European Football|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He played five games at the successful [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying Group 7|Euro 2000 qualifiers]] in which he scored once in a 4–0 over [[Azerbaijan national football team|Azerbaijan]] and a brace in a 3–0 with [[Liechtenstein national football team|Liechtenstein]].<ref name=EU/> He was used by coach [[Emerich Jenei]] in three games at the [[UEFA Euro 2000|Euro 2000 final tournament]], in all of them being sent on the field as a substitute, in the one with [[England national football team|England]] he scored in the last minutes of the game from a penalty the decisive goal of the 3–2 victory which helped Romania pass the group stage and reach the quarter-finals where he entered the field in the 54th minute to replace [[Viorel Moldovan]] in the eventual 2–0 loss in front of [[Italy national football team|Italy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=25178|title=England 3-2 Romania|publisher=European Football|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=25189|title=Italy 2-0 Romania|publisher=European Football|access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport.ro/nationala/ionel-ganea-omul-decisiv-in-romania-anglia-3-2-la-euro-2000-e-acid-erau-pe-prietenii-la-nationala-nici.html |title=Ionel Ganea, omul decisiv în România - Anglia 3-2 la EURO 2000, e acid: "Erau pe prietenii la națională, nici nu știu cum de m-a băgat atunci în teren!"|publisher=Sport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea, the decisive man in Romania - England 3-2 at EURO 2000, is sour: "They were friends at the national team, I don't even know how he put me on the field then!"|date=4 June 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> In July 2024, British [[Tabloid journalism|tabloid]] newspaper, ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'' listed Ganea's penalty goal in England's top 18 disappointments suffered after the winning of the [[1966 FIFA World Cup|1966 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/euro-2024/un-meci-cu-romania-inclus-de-presa-engleza-intre-noptile-de-uitat-anglia-ionel-ganea-749768.html |title=Meciul cu România, inclus de englezi între "nopțile de uitat" din istoria de la Europene și Mondiale a naționalei|publisher=Gsp.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=The match with Romania, included by the English among the "unforgettable nights" in the history of the European and World Cups of the national team |date=15 July 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

He played seven games and netted once in a 1–0 over [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]] at the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8|2002 World Cup qualifiers]], afterwards making eight appearances at the [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying Group 2|Euro 2004 qualifiers]] where he scored a goal in both victories with [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], once in a 1–1 with [[Norway national football team|Norway]] and his last goal for ''The Tricolours'' in a 4–0 victory over [[Luxembourg national football team|Luxembourg]].<ref name=EU/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/nasul-bosniei-cere-un-succes-la-zenica-ganea-traditia-ne-obliga-sa-batem-8096011 |title="Nașul" Bosniei cere un succes la Zenica! Ganea:"Tradiția ne obligă să batem"|publisher=Prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=The "Godfather" of Bosnia demands a success in Zenica! Ganea:"Tradition forces us to beat"|date=25 March 2011 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> Ganea last appearance for the national team took part on 6 September 2006 when coach Pițurcă sent him on the field in the 78th minute to replace [[Ciprian Marica]] in a 2–0 away win over [[Albania national football team|Albania]] at the [[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying Group G|Euro 2008 qualifiers]].<ref name=EU/>

For representing his country at the [[UEFA Euro 2000|Euro 2000 final tournament]], Ganea was decorated by [[President of Romania]] [[Traian Băsescu]] on 25 March 2008 with the Ordinul "Meritul Sportiv" – (The Medal "The 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=4 September 2024}}</ref>

===International stats===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name=EU/>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="8"|[[Romania national football team|Romania]]
|1999||9||6
|-
|2000||10||3
|-
|2001||6||2
|-
|2002||8||4
|-
|2003||7||4
|-
|2004||4||0
|-
|2005||0||0
|-
|2006||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!45!!19
|}

:''Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ganea goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Ionel Ganea<ref name=EU/>
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| style="text-align:center"|1 || rowspan="2"|3 March 1999 || rowspan="2"|[[Stadionul Național (1953)|Stadionul Național]], [[Bucharest]], Romania || rowspan="2"|{{fb|EST}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–0 || rowspan="2"|[[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
|- 
| style="text-align:center"|2 || style="text-align:center"|'''2'''–0
|-
| style="text-align:center"|3 || 28 April 1999 || [[Stadionul Steaua (1974)|Stadionul Steaua]], Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|BEL}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|4 || 9 June 1999 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|AZE}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying#Group 7|UEFA Euro 2000 qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|5 || rowspan="2"|19 September 1999 || rowspan="2"|[[Rheinpark Stadion]], [[Vaduz]], Liechtenstein || rowspan="2"|{{fb|LIE}} || style="text-align:center"|'''2'''–0 || rowspan=2 style="text-align:center"|3–0 || rowspan="2"|UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
|- 
| style="text-align:center"|6 || style="text-align:center"|'''3'''–0
|-
| style="text-align:center"|7 || 26 April 2000 || [[Stadionul Farul|Stadionul Gheorghe Hagi]], [[Constanța]], Romania || {{fb|CYP}} || style="text-align:center"|'''2'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|8 || 20 June 2000 || [[Stade du Pays de Charleroi]], [[Charleroi]], Belgium || {{fb|ENG}} || style="text-align:center"|'''3'''–2 || style="text-align:center"|3–2 || [[Euro 2000#Group A|UEFA EURO 2000 Group A]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|9 || 3 September 2000 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|LTU}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 8|World Cup 2002 qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|10 || rowspan="2"|28 February 2001 || rowspan="2"|[[GSP Stadium]], [[Nicosia]], Cyprus || rowspan="2"|{{fb|LTU}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0 || rowspan="2"|Friendly
|- 
| style="text-align:center"|11 || style="text-align:center"|'''2'''–0
|-
| style="text-align:center"|12 || 13 February 2002 || [[Stade de France]], [[Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis|Saint-Denis]], France || {{fb|FRA}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–2 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|13 || 27 March 2002 || Stadionul Gheorghe Hagi, Constanța, Romania || {{fb|UKR}} || style="text-align:center"|'''4'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|14 || 17 April 2002 || [[Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak Stadium]], [[Bydgoszcz]], Poland || {{fb|POL}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|15 || 7 September 2002 || [[Koševo City Stadium]], [[Sarajevo]], Bosnia and Herzegovina || {{fb|BIH}} || style="text-align:center"|'''3'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || [[Euro 2004 qualifying#Group 2|UEFA Euro 2004 qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|16 || 12 February 2003 || [[GSZ Stadium]], [[Larnaca]], Cyprus || {{fb|SVK}} || style="text-align:center"|'''2'''–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|17 || 7 June 2003 || [[Ion Oblemenco Stadium|Stadionul Ion Oblemenco]], [[Craiova]], Romania || {{fb|BIH}} || style="text-align:center"|'''2'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|18 || 11 June 2003 || [[Ullevaal Stadion]], [[Oslo]], Norway || {{fb|NOR}} || style="text-align:center"|'''1'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|19 || 6 September 2003 || [[Astra Stadium|Stadionul Astra]], [[Ploiești]], Romania || {{fb|LUX}} || style="text-align:center"|'''3'''–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
|}

==Managerial career==
Ionel Ganea had his first coaching experience in 2009 when he was the assistant of [[Cornel Țălnar]] at [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/ganea-antrenor-secund-5087808 |title=Ganea, antrenor secund|publisher=Prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea, assistant coach|date=7 November 2009 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> In 2010 he became the head coach of the club's [[FC Dinamo București II|satellite]] in the [[Liga III|third league]].<ref name=DIGI>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/ionel-ganea-va-fi-prezentat-vineri-ca-noul-antrenor-al-universitatii-cluj-34454 |title=Ionel Ganea va fi prezentat vineri ca noul antrenor al Universității Cluj!|publisher=Digisport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea will be presented on friday as the new coach of Universitatea Cluj!|date=30 January 2013 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref name=orange2>{{cite web |url=https://orangesport.ro/exclusiv-ionel-ganea-este-noul-antrenor-al-rapidului-17713187 |title=Ionel Ganea este noul antrenor al Rapidului|publisher=Orangesport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea is the new coach of Rapid|date=24 July 2014 |access-date=5 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/ionel-ganea-a-ajuns-antrenor-la-divizia-c.html |title=Ionel Ganea a ajuns antrenor la Divizia C!|publisher=Sport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea became a coach in Divizia C!|date=22 July 2010 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/ganea-dom-profesor-din-liga-a-iii-a-1164551.html |title=Ganea, dom' profesor din Liga a III-a|publisher=Adevarul.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea, professor from the Liga III|date=8 August 2010 |access-date=5 September 2024}}</ref> After a short spell at [[CS Sănătatea Servicii Publice Cluj|Sănătatea Cluj]], he had his only experience coaching abroad when in March 2012 he signed with Moldovan side [[CSCA–Rapid Chișinău|Rapid Ghidighici]] where he coached compatriots Mădălin Militaru and [[Alexandru Bălțoi]].<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=orange2/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/ionel-ganea-va-antrena-in-moldova-la-rapid-ghidighici-318778.html |title=Ionel Ganea va antrena în Moldova la Rapid Ghidighici|publisher=Gsp.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea will train in Moldova at Rapid Ghidighici|date=26 March 2012 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

In January 2013, Ganea had his first experience coaching in the Romanian top-league, [[Liga I]] when he came in charge of [[FC Universitatea Cluj|Universitatea Cluj]] which he managed to help avoid relegation.<ref name=DIGI/><ref name=orange2/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/ionel-ganea-e-noul-antrenor-al-celor-de-la-u-cluj-obiectivul-principal-salvarea-de-la-retrogradare.html |title=Ionel Ganea e noul antrenor al celor de la U Cluj! Obiectivul principal: Salvarea de la retrogradare!|publisher=Sport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea is the new coach of U Cluj! Main objective: Save from relegation!|date=31 January 2013 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/u-cluj-revine-in-orasul-unde-a-scapat-de-retrogradare-otelul-e-fosta-campioana-63497 |title="U" Cluj revine în orașul unde a scăpat de retrogradare. "Oțelul e fostă campioană" |publisher=Digisport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title="U" Cluj returns to the city where it escaped relegation. "Oțelul is a former champion"|date=26 July 2013 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> However, [[2013–14 Liga I|next season]] in September he was dismissed by the club's officials.<ref name=orange2/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/ganea-dat-afara-de-la-u-cluj-prima-fabuloasa-pentru-despartire-dupa-ce-a-castigat-2-puncte-cine-ii-ia.html |title=Ganea, DAT AFARA de la U Cluj! Prima FABULOASA pentru despartire dupa ce a castigat 2 PUNCTE! Cine ii ia locul|publisher=Sport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea, OUT from U Cluj! FABULOUS bonus for the split after winning 2 POINTS! Who takes his place|date=27 September 2013 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/ganea-contraataca-antrenorul-a-actionat-u-cluj-in-judecata-si-cere-despagubiri-11513897 |title=Ganea contraatacă! Antrenorul a acționat "U" Cluj în judecată și cere despăgubiri |publisher=Prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea counterattacks! The coach sued "U" Cluj and is demanding compensation|date=15 October 2013 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

At the beginning of the [[2014–15 Liga I|2014–15]] season he was appointed head coach at [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]] with the objective of saving the club from relegation.<ref name=orange2/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/video-ganea-noul-antrenor-al-rapidului-obiectivul-e-mentinerea-in-liga-1-are-deja-o-lista-de-achizitii-122050 |title=Ganea, noul antrenor al Rapidului: "Obiectivul e menținerea în Liga 1". Are deja o listă de achiziții |publisher=Digisport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea, the new coach of Rapid: "The goal is to stay in Liga 1". He already has a shopping list|date=25 July 2014 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> In September 2014 after a 3–0 loss in front of Dinamo București and the team being on a relegation position, the club owner Valerii Moraru replaced him with [[Marian Rada]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/oficial-ganea-a-fost-dat-afara-de-la-rapid-cine-a-fost-numit-interimar-in-giulesti.html |title=Ganea, dat afara de la Rapid, Moraru socheaza: "N-avem nicio problema, cu lotul asta ramanem in Liga I" Rada e interimar |publisher=Sport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea, kicked out from Rapid, Moraru shocks: "We have no problem, with this team we stay in Liga I" Rada is interim|date=29 September 2014 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

With five rounds before the end of the [[2014–15 Liga III]] season, [[FC Dunărea Călărași|Dunărea Călărași]] appointed him as head coach, Ganea managing to win all the games and gain promotion to [[Liga II]].<ref name=calarasi>{{cite web |url=https://liga2.prosport.ro/seria-1/oficial-ionel-ganea-a-revenit-la-dunarea-calarasi-acum-ca-director-tehnic-reactia-fostului-international-dupa-ce-a-semnat-contractul-19148323 |title=Ionel Ganea a revenit la Dunărea Călărași, acum ca director tehnic. Reacția fostului internațional după ce a semnat contractul |publisher=Liga2.prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea returned to Dunărea Călărași, now as technical director. The former international's reaction after signing the contract|date=16 September 2020 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://liga2.prosport.ro/liga-3/stiri/interviu-ionel-ganea-a-promovat-cu-dunarea-calarasi-vreau-in-liga-1-14372022 |title=Ionel Ganea a promovat cu Dunărea Călărași: "Vreau în Liga 1" |publisher=Liga2.prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea promoted with Dunărea Călărași: "I want to be in Liga 1"|date=31 May 2015 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> In the first half of the [[2015–16 Liga II|following season]] he led Dunărea to the first position, leaving afterwards to coach Liga I club, [[FC Voluntari]] where he led the team 11 rounds, being dismissed after a 2–0 loss with [[CS Universitatea Craiova]].<ref name=calarasi/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/dunarea-lui-ionel-ganea-e-number-one-valahii-din-calarasi-sunt-pe-primul-loc-liga-2-peste-rapid-chiar-daca-abia-au-promovat-1341819 |title=Dunărea lui Ionel Ganea e number one! "Valahii" din Călărași sunt pe primul loc în Liga 2|publisher=Libertatea.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea's Dunărea is number one! "Wallachians" from Călărași are in first place in Liga 2|date=5 December 2015 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://liga2.prosport.ro/seria-1/nu-se-vrea-promovarea-ionel-ganea-arunca-bomba-inainte-de-barajul-dunarea-uta-fostul-antrenor-al-calarasiului-arata-cu-degetul-catre-doi-oameni-care-fac-rau-interviu-15401335 |title="Nu se vrea promovarea". Ionel Ganea aruncă bomba înainte de barajul Dunărea – UTA. Fostul antrenor al Călărașiului arată cu degetul către "doi oameni care fac rău"|publisher=Liga2.prosport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title="The promotion is not wanted". Ionel Ganea drops the bomb before the play-off Dunărea - UTA. The former coach of Călărași points the finger at "two people who do harm"|date=31 May 2016 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.antena3.ro/sport/fotbal-intern/ionel-ganea-dat-afara-de-la-fc-voluntari-353412.html |title=Ionel Ganea, dat afară de la FC Voluntari|publisher=Antena3.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea, fired from FC Voluntari|date=25 April 2016 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ziare.com/ionel-ganea/stiri-ionel-ganea/ganea-dezvaluie-cum-a-fost-dat-afara-de-la-voluntari-de-diavolul-becali-1423799 |title=Ganea dezvaluie cum a fost dat afara de la Voluntari de "diavolul Becali" |publisher=Ziare.com |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea reveals how he was fired from Voluntari by the "Becali devil"|date=31 May 2016 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> After one year and a half without an appointment, in April 2017, Ganea took charge of [[ASA 2013 Târgu Mureș|ASA Târgu Mureș]] but the spell was unsuccessful as the team relegated to the second division.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/asa-tg-mures-si-a-gasit-antrenor-dupa-ce-l-a-dat-1778791.html |title=ASA Tg. Mureș și-a găsit antrenor după ce l-a dat afară pe Ionuț Chirilă|publisher=Adevarul.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=ASA Tg. Mureș found a coach after firing Ionuț Chirilă|date=13 April 2017 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/asa-targu-mures-si-a-gasit-antrenor-lovitura-de-imagine-pentru-ardeleni-311440 |title=ASA Târgu Mureș și-a găsit antrenor! Lovitură de imagine pentru ardeleni|publisher=Digisport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=ASA Târgu Mureș has found a coach! Image shot for Transylvanians|date=15 April 2017 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/ganea-dupa-retrogradarea-matematica-a-lui-asa-deja-ne-am-resemnat-ca-vom-juca-in-liga-a-doua-317827 |title=Ganea, după retrogradarea matematică a lui ASA: "Deja ne-am resemnat că vom juca în liga a doua"|publisher=Digisport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea, after the mathematical relegation of ASA: "We have already resigned ourselves to playing in the second league"|date=19 May 2017 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref> He then coached [[ACS Poli Timișoara]] in the second division but left after three games, being unsatisfied with the training conditions provided by the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-2/asta-e-situatia-din-cauza-unor-nemernici-ganea-a-demisionat-de-la-acs-poli-timisoara-490785 |title="Asta e situația, din cauza unor nemernici!" Ganea a demisionat de la ACS Poli Timișoara|publisher=Digisport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title="That's the situation, because of some bastards!" Ganea resigned from ACS Poli Timisoara|date=27 July 2018 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-2/ganea-a-demisionat-a-doua-oara-iar-acs-poli-e-tot-mai-aproape-de-faliment-505742 |title=Ganea a demisionat a doua oară, iar clubul e tot mai aproape de faliment!|publisher=Digisport.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea resigned for the second time, and the club is getting closer to bankruptcy!|date=20 August 2018 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

In September 2020 he made a comeback at Dunărea Călărași, this time working as a technical director, head coach being [[Cristian Pustai]] but he left the club in the summer of the following year as the team had financial problems and did not pay him for several months.<ref name=calarasi/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fanatik.ro/ionel-ganea-despre-seful-cu-care-a-muncit-la-dunarea-calarasi-la-11-dimineata-desfacea-prima-butelie-de-vin-un-nenorocit-19734485 |title=Ionel Ganea, despre șeful cu care a muncit la Dunărea Călărași: "La 11 dimineața desfăcea prima butelie de vin. Un nenorocit!". Exclusiv|publisher=Fanatik.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea, about the boss with whom he worked at Dunărea Călărași: "At 11 in the morning he opened the first bottle of wine. A bastard!". Exclusive|date=25 May 2021 |access-date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

==Controversies==
At the beginning of his career, while playing at [[FC Brașov (1936)|FC Brașov]], Ganea beat up the team captain Dorel Purdea.<ref name=gsp1>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/diverse/ganea-socheaza-din-nou-era-sa-bata-un-preot-la-un-priveghi-o-293982.html | title=Ganea şochează din nou – Era să bată un preot la un priveghi| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea shocks again "He was about to beat a priest at a vigil| date=3 January 2012 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=libertatea1>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/ionel-ganea-a-sarit-din-nou-la-bataie-a-vrut-sa-altoiasca-un-preot-686305 | title=Ionel Ganea a sărit din nou la bătaie! A vrut să altoiască un preot| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea tried to fight again! He wanted to beat up a priest| date=3 January 2012 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=libertatea2>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/ganezu-din-scandal-in-scandal-208814 | title='Ganezu" din scandal in scandal| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title='Ganezu" from scandal in scandal| date=27 August 2007 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=evz1>{{cite web | url=https://evz.ro/recidivistul-huliganea-457670.html | title=Recidivistul HuliGanea| publisher=Evz.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The recidivist HuliGanea| date=28 August 2007 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=evz2>{{cite web | url=https://evz.ro/ionel-ganea-omul-care-a-bagat-spaima-in-fotbal.html | title=Ionel Ganea, omul care a băgat spaima în fotbal| publisher=Evz.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea, the man who put the fear in football| date=15 August 2015 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=prosport>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/gest-mizerabil-la-iasi-ganea-a-amenintat-o-cu-bataia-pe-reportera-look-tv-hai-fa-nu-ma-bagi-odata-in-direct-daca-ti-trag-una-te-lipesc-de-perete-dupa-ce-s-a-calmat-a-vrut-sa-o-pupe-si-sa-si-ceara-scuz-15119931 | title=Gest MIZERABIL la Iași! Ganea a amenințat-o cu bătaia pe reportera Look TV: "Hai, fă, nu mă bagi odată în direct? Dacă-ți trag una, te lipesc de perete!" După ce s-a calmat, a vrut să o pupe și să-și ceară scuze. Amenințarea jurnalistei: "S-ar putea să nu te întorci viu la București! Îți promit asta!"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=MISERABLE gesture in Iasi! Ganea threatened to beat the Look TV reporter: "Come on, aren't going to put me on live? If I hit you once, you'll get stuck in the wall! "After he calmed down, he wanted to kiss her and apologize. The journalist threatened him: "You may not return alive to Bucharest! I promise you this!"| date=19 March 2016 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

During his stay at [[FC U Craiova 1948|Universitatea Craiova]], Ganea was involved in several controversies. Ganea kicked his teammate [[Cornel Frăsineanu]] in the mouth, which left him without a few teeth and for a while he had to eat using a straw.<ref name=libertatea1/><ref name=libertatea2/><ref name=evz1/><ref name=gsp2>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/cupa-romaniei/ganea-baga-frica-in-stelisti-top-5-intimplari-socante-cu-fostul-dinamovist-264777.html | title=Ganea bagă frica în stelişti. Top 5 întîmplări şocante cu fostul dinamovist!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea puts fear into Steaua's players. Top 5 shocking events with the former Dinamo player!| date=22 September 2011 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=gsp3>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/citeste-un-superinterviu-cu-ionel-ganea-nu-faceti-ca-mine-7702.html | title=Citeste un superinterviu cu Ionel Ganea: "Nu faceti ca mine!" | publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Read a super interview with Ionel Ganea: "Don't do what I did!"| date=28 August 2007 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=adevarul>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/news/sport/video-mancat-paiul-timp-luna-fost-batut-crunt-ionel-ganea-ajuns-modesta-atletic-bradu-1_50ae7c017c42d5a6639d2410/index.html | title=VIDEO A mâncat cu paiul timp de o lună, după ce a fost bătut CRUNT de Ionel Ganea. Acum a ajuns la modesta Atletic Bradu| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=VIDEO He ate with straw for a month, after being beaten badly by Ionel Ganea. Now he has reached to play for the modest Atletico Bradu| date=15 April 2012 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=ziare1>{{cite web | url=http://www.ziare.com/fotbal/stiri-fotbal/lutu-ganea-si-cartu-l-au-lasat-lat-pe-frasineanu-1024951 | title=Lutu: Ganea si Cartu l-au lasat lat pe Frasineanu!| publisher=Ziare.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Lutu: Ganea and Cartu left Frasineanu KO!| date=29 June 2010 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> [[Eugen Trică]] tried to calm him down but Ganea threatened to beat him too so Trică backed off.<ref name=gsp2/><ref name=adevarul/><ref name=ziare1/> He also had a fight with [[Silvian Cristescu]] who threw a massage table at his head.<ref name=libertatea1/><ref name=libertatea2/><ref name=evz2/> On 2 May 1998 [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]] needed to win the match against Universitatea Craiova in order to be sure that they win the [[Liga I|Divizia A]] title so they agreed with George Ilinca who was "U" Craiova's owner to let them win the game. Some players, including Ganea did not agree to take part in the arrangement, the game ended 2–2 with both of Craiova's goals being scored by Ganea, and the title was won by [[FCSB|Steaua București]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/fanii-rapidului-nu-l-iarta-pe-ganea-pentru-episodul-din-1998-1420859 | title=Fanii Rapidului nu-l iartă pe Ganea pentru episodul din 1998| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Rapid fans do not forgive Ganea for the 1998 episode| date=26 July 2014 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/valiza-care-a-daramat-rapidul-steaua-si-a-pus-dolarii-in-vestiarul-craiovei-care-sunt-oltenii-care-au.html | title=Valiza care a daramat Rapidul! Cine sunt oltenii care au castigat titlul 20 pentru Steaua si impotriva lui Lucescu| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The suitcase that collapsed Rapid! Who are the Oltenians who won the title 20 for Steaua and against Lucescu| date=22 February 2010 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/3-situatii-paranormale-craiova-enigma-ligii-1-cum-a-servit-titluri-lui-dinamo-si-steaua-si-cum-l-a-ajutat-pe-hagi-sa-devina-golgheter-csu-cum-se-va-descurca-509788.html | title=3 situații "paranormale" – Craiova, enigma Ligii 1! Cum a servit titluri lui Dinamo și Steaua și cum l-a ajutat pe Hagi să devină golgheter. CSU cum se va descurca?| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=3 "paranormal" situations "Craiova, the riddle of League 1! How did they serve titles to Dinamo and Steaua and how did they help Hagi become the top goalscorer. How will CSU handle it?| date=5 May 2017 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

At [[VfB Stuttgart]] he had a fight with teammate [[Jochen Seitz]], for which he was punished by the club with a 10.000 [[Deutsche Mark|marks]] fine.<ref name=libertatea2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/viorel-ganea-10-000-mark-geldstrafe-nach-faustschlag-gegen-seitz-a-106048.html | title=10.000 Mark Geldstrafe nach Faustschlag gegen Seitz| publisher=Spiegel.de| language=German |trans-title=10,000 marks fine after punching Seitz| date=3 December 2000 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> One day Ganea was eating an ice cream and coach [[Felix Magath]] saw him and told him that he shouldn't be eating food that contains too many calories because he has weight issues, Ganea got mad and threw the ice cream at him.<ref name=libertatea1/><ref name=libertatea2/><ref name=evz1/><ref name=gsp3/>

In a match at [[UEFA Euro 2000|Euro 2000]] against [[England national football team|England]], Ganea was tackled hard by [[Sol Campbell]] but the referee did not take any measure against him, so he waited for Campbell to get close to him and when none of the referees were watching he hit him and cussed him: "Motherfucker! Bitch!".<ref name=gsp4>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/fara-frica-in-fata-superstarurilor-sfaturi-pentru-tineri-de-la-ionel-ganea-m-am-intors-spre-sol-campbell-si-i-am-spus-motherfucker-bitch-579789.html | title=Fără frică în fața superstarurilor! Sfaturi pentru tineri de la Ionel Ganea: "M-am întors spre Sol Campbell și i-am spus "Motherfucker! Bitch""| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=No fear in front of superstars! Tips for young people from Ionel Ganea: "I turned back to Sol Campbell and said 'Motherfucker! Bitch'"| date=11 October 2019 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=telekom>{{cite web | url=https://www.telekomsport.ro/sa-radem-cu-ionel-ganea-trei-povesti-inedite-cu-trei-fotbalisti-uriasi-cum-l-a-pus-la-respect-pe-gerrard-a-venit-la-mine-si-jap-i-am-dat-una-19138868 | title=Să râdem cu Ionel Ganea. Trei poveşti inedite cu trei fotbalişti uriaşi. Cum l-a pus la respect pe Gerrard: "A venit la mine şi.. JAP! I-am dat una"| publisher=Telekom.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Let's laugh with Ionel Ganea. Three unique stories with three huge footballers. How he put Gerrard in his place: "He came to me and .. JAP! I gave him one"| date=11 October 2019 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> In 2001, he had a fight with the goalkeeper [[Bogdan Stelea|Stelea]] in a training session that took part before a [[Romania national football team|Romania]] – [[Italy national football team|Italy]] game.<ref name=evz1/><ref name=gsp3/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/stelea-si-dan-petrescu-s-au-luat-la-pumni-237458 | title=Stelea si Dan Petrescu s-au luat la pumni!| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Stelea and Dan Petrescu punched each other!| date=20 February 2008 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> During the match with the Italians, the striker was one step away from hitting his coach [[László Bölöni]], because he was mad that the coach left him on the bench.<ref name=libertatea1/><ref name=libertatea2/><ref name=evz1/><ref name=evz2/><ref name=gsp3/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/ganea-a-sarit-sa-l-bata-pe-boloni-in-2001-dar-nu-am-realizat-pe-moment-gravitatea-incidentului-96430.html | title=Ganea a sărit să-l bată pe Boloni în 2001, dar nu am realizat pe moment gravitatea incidentului| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="Ganea jumped to beat Boloni in 2001, but I didn't realize the gravity of the incident at the moment"| date=5 September 2008 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> During Romania's cantonment for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2002 World Cup qualification]] play-off against [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]], Ganea played [[rummy]] on money with [[Daniel Chiriță]] and feeling that Chiriță was cheating, he punched him in the eye, afterwards jumping on him to beat him, before the other teammates intervened to stop him.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/ionel-ganea-bataie-baraj-slovenia-pumn-ochi-invinetit-hagi-677424.html | title=Episod neștiut cu violentul Ionel Ganea: bătaie în seara barajului pierdut cu Slovenia. "Mi-a dat un pumn și a sărit pe mine. Mi-a învinețit ochiul. Mi-au pus o șapcă să nu vadă Hagi"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Unknown episode with the violent Ionel Ganea: fight in the evening of the lost tie with Slovenia. "He punched me and jumped on me. He bruised my eye. They put a cap on me so Hagi couldn't see"| date=17 October 2022 | access-date=17 October 2022}}</ref> While playing for Romania against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] in April 2004, he tackled [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] defender [[John Kennedy (Scottish footballer)|John Kennedy]] resulting in a knee injury that left Kennedy unable to play for three years. Kennedy has since been forced to retire from professional football as a result of this and subsequent injuries.<ref name=gsp1/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2534873.0.celtic_defender_john_kennedy_forced_to_retire_from_football.php |title=Celtic Defender John Kennedy Forced to Retire from Football |work=Evening Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116192740/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2534873.0.celtic_defender_john_kennedy_forced_to_retire_from_football.php |archive-date=16 November 2009}}</ref>

[[Steven Gerrard]]'s autobiography contains an episode about an incident between him and Ionel Ganea in a [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton]] – [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] game played in January 2004: "He tore my leg from the knee to the ankle. Under the puttee, my leg was cut deep, a nasty wound". After finding out what Gerrard wrote about him in his autobiography Ganea told the press:"I inform Gerrard that when I write my autobiography, I will not mention him. I will not have room for little girls".<ref name=evz2/><ref name=gsp4/><ref name=telekom/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/sport-life/special/gerrard-ganea-e-nebun-2595787 | title=Gerrard: "Ganea e nebun"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Gerrard: "Ganea is insane"| date=29 April 2008 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/durii-din-fotbalul-romanesc_13438.html#view | title=Durii din fotbalul românesc: Fiare, tauri la cozoroc şi templieri bătrâni| publisher=Stiri.tvr.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Rough guys from Romanian football: Beasts, bullfights and old Templars| date=18 August 2012 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>
In April 2006 he was involved in more controversy when he criticised the [[Wolverhampton Wanderers]] manager at that time, [[Glenn Hoddle]], claiming "he is the most difficult manager I have worked with in my career".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s115/st94241.htm | title = Ganea fires angry broadside at Hoddle | publisher = Thefootballnetwork.net | access-date = 24 April 2011 | date = 8 April 2006 | first = Scott | last = Cooper}}</ref> Hoddle also fined him with a one-week salary for fighting at a training session with a teammate.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/news/sport/ganea-s-a-batut-antrenament-1_50b9ff6e7c42d5a663aed33c/index.html | title=Ganea s-a bătut la un antrenament| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea got into a fight at a training session| date=10 April 2006 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.telekomsport.ro/o-poveste-fabuloasa-cu-ionel-ganea-in-anglia-ruptura-totala-cu-glenn-hoddle-la-primul-meci-jucat-dupa-18-luni-ce-a-facut-18077196 | title=O poveste FABULOASĂ cu Ionel Ganea în Anglia! Ruptură totală cu Glenn Hoddle la primul meci jucat după 18 luni. Ce a făcut| publisher=Telekom.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=A fabulous story with Ionel Ganea in England! Total break with Glenn Hoddle in the first match played after 18 months. What did he do| date=22 April 2018 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

While playing for Rapid București in a match against Universitatea Craiova he hit opponent's [[Michael Baird (soccer)|Michael Baird]]'s mouth with his head during half-time.<ref name=libertatea1/><ref name=libertatea2/><ref name=evz2/><ref name=gsp3/>

In August 2007 after a [[FC Unirea Urziceni|Unirea Urziceni]] – [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]] game, the striker had a conflict with the president of [[FC Unirea Urziceni|Unirea Urziceni]] [[Mihai Stoica]], with Ganea grabbing him by the neck until the [[Gendarmery]] officers separated them.<ref name=libertatea1/><ref name=gsp3/> One week later, Ganea was banned for 22 matches, which were later reduced to 16, after attacking one of the assistant referees after being sent off during a match between his club Politehnica Timișoara and Rapid București.<ref name=gsp3/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKB66528720070831 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120716093026/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKB66528720070831 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 16 July 2012 | title = Soccer-Ganea banned for 22 matches for attacking linesman | publisher = Reuters | access-date = 24 April 2011 | date = 31 August 2007}}</ref><ref name=9am>{{cite web | url=https://www.9am.ro/stiri-revista-presei/2007-12-18/trica-si-ganea-la-un-pas-de-bataie.html | title=Trica si Ganea, la un pas de bataie| publisher=9am.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Trica and Ganea, one step away from starting a fight| date=18 December 2007 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> In his first match played against [[CFR Cluj]] after executing the 16 match suspension, he had a verbal conflict with former Universitatea Craiova teammate Eugen Trică before the beginning of the match, being close to start a fight after the end of the match.<ref name=9am/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/shot-ganea-revine-gata-sa-sara-din-nou-la-bataie-dupa-meciul-poli-cfr.html | title=Shot-Ganea revine: gata sa sara din nou la bataie dupa meciul Poli – CFR| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Shot-Ganea returns: ready to jump into a fight after the Poli – CFR match| date=17 December 2007 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

In 2012 while attending [[Ioan Drăgan]]'s funeral, who was his wedding's Godfather and a former [[FC Brașov (1936)|FC Brașov]] teammate, he almost got into a fight with the priest, being unsatisfied of the way he was preaching.<ref name=gsp1/><ref name=libertatea1/>

While coaching [[FC Universitatea Cluj|Universitatea Cluj]] he was accused by player Cristian Mureșan of beating him up but Ganea denied the incident.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ziare.com/ionel-ganea/stiri-ionel-ganea/ionel-ganea-a-batut-fara-mila-un-fotbalist-l-a-rupt-1248617 | title=Ionel Ganea a batut fara mila un fotbalist: "L-a rupt!"| publisher=Ziare.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea mercilessly beat up a footballer: "He wrecked him!""| date=29 July 2013 | access-date=1 December 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ziare.com/ionel-ganea/stiri-ionel-ganea/fotbalistul-batut-de-ganea-povesteste-filmul-evenimentelor-1248653 | title=Fotbalistul batut de Ganea povesteste filmul evenimentelor| publisher=Ziare.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The footballer beaten up by Ganea tells the film of the events| date=29 July 2013 | access-date=1 December 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/ganea-este-acuzat-de-un-jucator-ca-l-ar-fi-batut-cristi-muresan-eu-am-incercat-sa-tin-secret-acest-subiect-11169419 | title=Ganea este acuzat de un jucător că l-ar fi bătut! Cristi Mureșan: "Eu am încercat să țin secret acest subiect"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea is accused by a player of having beaten him! Cristi Mureșan: "I tried to keep this subject a secret"| date=29 July 2013 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

During his coaching period at [[FC Voluntari]] after a 1–0 victory against [[FC Politehnica Iași (2010)|CSMS Iași]] he had a conflict with a female journalist named Alina Iosub in which he offended and cussed her, she also threatened him by saying that if he comes to [[Botoșani]], he won't leave there alive.<ref name=prosport/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/ganea-incident-cu-o-jurnalista-hai-ochelaristo-mai-repede-ai-grija-la-botosani-sa-nu-pleci-rupt-218264 | title=Ganea, incident cu o jurnalistă: "Hai, ochelaristo, mai repede!" "Ai grijă la Botoșani, să nu pleci rupt!"| publisher=Digi.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ganea had an incident with a journalist: "Come on, glasses girl, faster!" "Watch out in Botosani, you might leave in pieces!"| date=19 March 2016 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/de-aici-a-pornit-totul-momentul-care-a-declansat-scandalul-limbaj-suburban-al-lui-ganea-218327 | title=De aici a pornit totul: momentul care a declanșat scandalul. Limbaj suburban al lui Ganea| publisher=Digi.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The point from where everything started: the moment that triggered the scandal. Ganea's suburban language| date=19 March 2016 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

His wife, Dana, with which he was married for over 24 years accused him of physical and verbal domestic violence and filled for divorce several times, also asking for a restraining order against him.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/ionel-ganea-acuzat-ca-si-a-bagat-sotia-in-spital-442059 | title= Ionel Ganea, acuzat că şi-a băgat soţia în spital!| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title= Ionel Ganea, accused of putting his wife in the hospital!| date=5 March 2010 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/sport-life/special/ionel-ganea-acuzat-de-fosta-sotie-ca-isi-teriroizeaza-propriul-copil-18947873| title= Ionel Ganea, acuzat de fosta soție că își terorizează propriul copil. Au fost făcute două plângeri la Poliție| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Ionel Ganea, accused by his ex-wife of terrorizing his own child. Two complaints were made to the Police| date=26 November 2019 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://a1.ro/showbiz/vedete/sotia-lui-ionel-ganea-marturii-cutremuratoare-despre-batai-si-amenintari-id933871.html | title=Dana, soția lui Ionel Ganea, dezvăluiri teribile: "Își bate joc de copilul lui. M-a agresat fizic și verbal!"| publisher=A1.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Dana, Ionel Ganea's wife, makes terrible revelations: "He is disrespecting his own child. He physically and verbally assaulted me!"| date=26 November 2019 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cancan.ro/declaratii-naucitoare-adevarul-despre-divortul-din-familia-lui-ganea-e-halucinant-fostul-fotbalist-si-a-batut-sotia-la-cina-din-cauza-ca-17501765 | title=Declarații năucitoare. AdevărulL despre divorțul din familia lui Ganea. E halucinant! Fostul fotbalist și-a bătut soția din cauză că…| publisher=Cancan.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Crushing declarations. The truth about Ganea's family divorce. It's unbelievable! The former footballer had beat up his wife at dinner because ...| date=26 November 2019 | access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life==
His son, [[George Ganea|George]] is also a footballer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digisport.ro/Sport/FOTBAL/Competitii/Liga+2/VIDEO+Primul+gol+al+lui+Ganea+jr+la+Rapid |title=VIDEO Primul gol al lui Ganea jr. la Rapid: "Cel mai frumos moment din viața mea!" | language=Romanian | publisher=Gsp.ro |trans-title=VIDEO The first goal of Ganea jr. at Rapid: "The most beautiful moment of my life!" |date=10 October 2015 | access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realitatea.net/fiul-lui-ionel-ganea-vrea-sa-i-faca-singur-un-nume-in-fotbal-nu-vreau-sa-car-numele-tatalui-meu_2085893.html|title=Fiul lui Ionel Ganea: "Tata şi-a făcut treaba, eu trebuie să-mi fac singur un nume în fotbal"|publisher=Realitatea.net|language=Romanian |trans-title=The son of Ionel Ganea: "Dad has done his job, I have to make on my own in football"|date= 20 July 2017| access-date= 10 October 2017}}</ref>

On 9 May 2025, Ganea was involved in a car accident.<ref name="MediafaxAccident2025">{{cite news |last=Moșneagu |first=Iulian |title=Ionel Ganea, implicat într-un accident rutier. Copilul fostului fobalist a fost transportat la spital în stare gravă |url=https://www.mediafax.ro/social/ionel-ganea-implicat-intr-un-grav-accident-copilul-fostului-fobalist-a-fost-transportat-la-spital-in-stare-grava-23550114 |work=Mediafax |date=9 May 2025 |access-date=6 June 2025 |language=ro}}</ref> His 2-year-old son, who was riding in the car with him, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and passed away on 6 June 2025.<ref name="Mediafax2025">{{cite news |last=Buciu |first=Laura |title=Fiul lui Ionel Ganea a murit după aproape o lună de la accidentul produs de fostul fotbalist |url=https://www.mediafax.ro/social/fiul-lui-ionel-ganea-a-murit-dupa-aproape-o-luna-de-la-accidentul-produs-de-fostul-fotbalist-23563657 |work=Mediafax |date=6 June 2025 |access-date=6 June 2025 |language=ro}}</ref>

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Universitatea Craiova'''
*[[Cupa României]] runner-up: [[1998 Cupa României final|1997–98]]<ref name=RSCR/>
'''Rapid București'''
*[[Liga I|Divizia A]]: [[1998–99 Divizia A|1998–99]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[Cupa României]]: [[2006–07 Cupa României|2006–07]]<ref name=RSCR2/>
'''VfB Stuttgart'''
*[[Bundesliga]] runner-up: [[2002–03 Bundesliga|2002–03]]<ref name=RS/>
*[[UEFA Intertoto Cup|Intertoto Cup]]: [[2000 UEFA Intertoto Cup|2000]], [[2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup|2002]]<ref name=europa/>
'''Dinamo București'''
*[[Liga I]]: [[2006–07 Liga I|2006–07]]<ref name=RS/>
'''Individual'''
*[[Liga I|Divizia A]] top scorer: [[1998–99 Divizia A|1998–99]] (28 goals)<ref name=RS/>
===Manager===
'''Dunărea Călărași'''
*[[Liga III]]: [[2014–15 Liga III|2014–15]]<ref name=calarasi/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{NFT|5387}}
*{{RomanianSoccer|756/ioan-viorel-ganea|Ionel Ganea}}
*{{Soccerbase}}

{{Liga I top scorers}}
{{Romania squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
{{Navboxes
|title= Ionel Ganea managerial positions
|list1=
{{ACS Poli Timișoara managers}}
{{ASA Târgu Mureș managers}}
{{FC Dunărea Călărași managers}}
{{FC Rapid București managers}}
{{FC Universitatea Cluj managers}}
{{FC Voluntari managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ganea, Ionel}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Făgăraș]]
[[Category:Romanian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:FC Brașov (1936) players]]
[[Category:FC U Craiova 1948 players]]
[[Category:ACF Gloria Bistrița players]]
[[Category:FC Rapid București players]]
[[Category:VfB Stuttgart players]]
[[Category:Bursaspor footballers]]
[[Category:Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. players]]
[[Category:FC Dinamo București players]]
[[Category:FC Politehnica Timișoara players]]
[[Category:Liga I players]]
[[Category:Liga II players]]
[[Category:Bundesliga players]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Germany]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Moldova]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Moldova]]
[[Category:Romania men's international footballers]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players]]
[[Category:Romanian football managers]]
[[Category:FC Rapid București managers]]
[[Category:FC Universitatea Cluj managers]]
[[Category:FC Dunărea Călărași managers]]
[[Category:FC Voluntari managers]]
[[Category:ASA 2013 Târgu Mureș managers]]
[[Category:ACS Poli Timișoara managers]]
[[Category:Liga I managers]]
[[Category:Liga II managers]]
[[Category:Footballers from Brașov County]]