View source for Viorel Moldovan

{{short description|Romanian footballer and manager}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name        = Viorel Moldovan
| fullname    = Viorel Dinu Moldovan
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1972|07|08}}
| birth_place = [[Bistrița]], Romania
| height      = 1.77 m
| position    = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 = 1984–1989 | youthclubs1   = [[ACF Gloria Bistrița|Gloria Bistrița]]
| years1      = 1989–1993 | clubs1 = [[ACF Gloria Bistrița|Gloria Bistrița]]               | caps1 = 86 | goals1 = 15
| years2      = 1993–1995 | clubs2 = [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]]              | caps2 = 60 | goals2 = 19
| years3      = 1995–1996 | clubs3 = [[Neuchâtel Xamax]]                                   | caps3 = 32 | goals3 = 19
| years4      = 1996–1997 | clubs4 = [[Grasshopper Club Zürich|Grasshoppers]]              | caps4 = 51 | goals4 = 44
| years5      = 1998      | clubs5 = [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]]                  | caps5 = 10 | goals5 = 1 
| years6      = 1998–2000 | clubs6 = [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football team)|Fenerbahçe]]        | caps6 = 53 | goals6 = 33
| years7      = 2000–2004 | clubs7 = [[FC Nantes|Nantes]]                                  | caps7 = 69 | goals7 = 31
| years8      = 2003      | clubs8 = → [[Al-Wahda FC (Abu Dhabi)|Al-Wahda]] (loan)         | caps8 = 1  | goals8 = 0
| years9      = 2004      | clubs9 = [[Servette FC|Servette]]                              | caps9 = 13 | goals9 = 3
| years10     = 2005      | clubs10= [[FCU Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]]   | caps10 = 23 | goals10 = 8
| years11     = 2006–2007 | clubs11= [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]]                | caps11 = 41 | goals11 = 15
| totalcaps      = 439 |totalgoals = 188
| nationalyears1 = 1991–1993| nationalteam1 = [[Romania national under-21 football team|Romania U21]] | nationalcaps1 = 16 | nationalgoals1 =  3
| nationalyears2 = 1993–2005 | nationalteam2 = [[Romania national football team|Romania]] | nationalcaps2 = 70 | nationalgoals2 = 25
| manageryears1   = 2007      | managerclubs1 = [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]] (sporting director)
| manageryears2   = 2007–2008 | managerclubs2 = [[FC Unirea Urziceni|Unirea Urziceni]] (sporting director)
| manageryears3   = 2008–2009 | managerclubs3 = [[FC Vaslui|Vaslui]]
| manageryears4   = 2009–2010 | managerclubs4 = [[FC Brașov (1936)|FC Brașov]]
| manageryears5   = 2010      | managerclubs5 = [[FC Sportul Studențesc București|Sportul Studențesc]]
| manageryears6   = 2013–2014 | managerclubs6 = [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]]
| manageryears7   = 2014      | managerclubs7 = [[Romania national under-21 football team|Romania U21]]
| manageryears8   = 2014–2016 | managerclubs8 = [[Romania national football team|Romania]] (assistant)
| manageryears9   = 2016      | managerclubs9 = [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]]
| manageryears10   = 2018–2020 | managerclubs10 = [[AFC Chindia Târgoviște|Chindia Târgoviște]]
| manageryears11   = 2020–2021 | managerclubs11 = [[FC Petrolul Ploiești|Petrolul Ploiești]]
|manageryears12   = 2024–2025   |managerclubs12 = [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]] (president) 
}}

'''Viorel Dinu Moldovan''' (born 8 July 1972) is a Romanian [[association football|football]] manager and former player.

A former [[Striker (association football)|striker]], Moldovan's most successful years of his career were playing for [[Neuchâtel Xamax]] and [[Grasshopper Club Zürich|Grasshoppers]] between 1996 and 1998 in [[Switzerland]] (he was the [[Swiss Super League|Nationalliga A]] top scorer in 1996 and 1997), for Fenerbahçe between 1998 and 2000 and for [[FC Nantes|Nantes]] between 2000 and 2004. He was a key player when Nantes won the French [[Ligue 1|French Division 1]] in 2001. He represented Romania in two editions of the [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]], those held in the United States in [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994]] and France in [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998]], as well as two [[UEFA European Championships|European Championships]] in [[UEFA Euro 1996|1996]] and [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]].

==Club career==
===Gloria Bistrița and Dinamo București===
Moldovan was born on 8 July 1972 in [[Bistrița]], Romania, starting to play junior level football at local club, [[ACF Gloria Bistrița|Gloria]].<ref name="RS">{{RomanianSoccer|1279/viorel-dinu-moldovan}}</ref><ref name=GSP>{{cite web| url=https://premium.gsp.ro/premium/interviu/special-gsp-viorel-moldovan-interviu-de-exceptie-unde-i-a-gresit-hagi-de-ce-s-a-simtit-in-anglia-ca-n-twin-peaks-si-cum-vedea-mingea-dublu-de-la-caldura-in-emirate-542800.html| title=SPECIAL GSP Viorel Moldovan, interviu de excepție. Unde i-a greșit Hagi, de ce s-a simțit în Anglia ca-n Twin Peaks și cum vedea mingea dublu de la căldură în Emirate| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=SPECIAL GSP Viorel Moldovan, exceptional interview. Where did Hagi go wrong, why did he feel like he was in Twin Peaks in England and how he saw the ball double from the heat in the Emirates| date=28 June 2018| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He started his senior career by playing for Gloria during the [[1988–89 Divizia B]] season.<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/demis-de-la-petrolul-viorel-moldovan-e-gata-sa-readuca-la-viata-o-echipa-de-traditie-mai-am-un-singur-vis-1031714| title=Demis de la Petrolul, Viorel Moldovan e gata să readucă la viață o echipă de tradiție: "Mai am un singur vis"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Fired from Petrolul, Viorel Moldovan is ready to bring a traditional team back to life: "I have only one more dream"| date=23 March 2021| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In the [[1989–90 Divizia B|following season]] he helped the team earn promotion to [[Liga I|Divizia A]], making his debut in the competition on 21 October 1990 in a 1–0 home loss to [[FC Petrolul Ploiești|Petrolul Ploiești]].<ref name="RS"/>

In 1993 he went to play for [[FC Dinamo București|Dinamo București]] where he made his debut in European competitions, scoring a double in the 4–3 aggregate loss to [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]] from the first round of the [[1993–94 UEFA Cup]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/uefa-cup-1993-1994/dinamo-bucuresti/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. UEFA Cup 1993/1994|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

===Neuchâtel Xamax and Grasshoppers===
In 1995, Moldovan went to play for [[Neuchâtel Xamax]], making his [[Swiss Super League|Nationalliga A]] debut on 29 July under coach [[Gilbert Gress]] in a 1–0 home win over [[FC Basel|Basel]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=WF>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/sui-super-league-1995-1996/neuchatel-xamax-fcs/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Super League 1995/1996|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/super-league-1995-1996-neuchatel-xamax-fcs-fc-basel/|title=Neuchâtel Xamax FC - FC Basel 1893 1:0|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In the next round he netted his first goals in the competition, managing a brace in a 3–0 over [[FC Lugano|Lugano]].<ref name=WF/> Until the end of his [[1995–96 Nationalliga A|first season]], he netted 19 goals which earned him the top-scorer of the season title alongside Lugano's [[Petar Aleksandrov]], also being named the league's [[Swiss Footballer of the Year|Foreigner of the Year]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=DIGI>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/viorel-moldovan-in-presa-elvetiana-avertizeaza-vrem-primul-loc-in-grupa-la-euro-205261| title=Viorel Moldovan, în presa elvețiană, avertizează: "Vrem primul loc în grupă la Euro"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, in the Swiss press, warns: "We want first place in the group at the Euro"| date=30 December 2015| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=libertatea>{{cite web| url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-pleaca-la-servette-geneva-85283| title=Viorel Moldovan pleaca la Servette Geneva| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan leaves for Servette Geneva| date=6 May 2004| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=RSSSF>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/zwitpoy.html|title=Switzerland - Footballer of the Year|publisher=Rsssf.org|language=en|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=RSSSF2>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesz/zwittops.html|title=Switzerland - List of Topscorers|publisher=Rsssf.org|language=en|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

In the [[1996–97 Nationalliga A|following season]] he played for [[Grasshopper Club Zürich|Grasshoppers]], scoring a goal on his debut in a 1–1 draw against [[FC Sion|Sion]].<ref name=WF2>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/sui-super-league-1996-1997/grasshopper-club-zuerich/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Super League 1996/1997|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> Until the end of the season, he netted a personal record of 27 goals, including two hat-tricks in victories against [[BSC Young Boys|Young Boys]] and [[FC Lausanne-Sport|Lausanne-Sport]], being again the top-scorer of the season and the Foreigner of the Year.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=DIGI/><ref name=libertatea/><ref name=RSSSF/><ref name=RSSSF2/><ref name=WF2/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/sui-super-league-1996-1997-finalrunde/grasshopper-club-zuerich/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Super League 1997 Final round|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In the same season he scored a goal which helped the club eliminate [[SK Slavia Prague|Slavia Prague]] in the [[1996–97 UEFA Champions League qualifying round|1996–97 Champions League qualifying round]], reaching the [[1996–97 UEFA Champions League group stage|group stage]] where he made five appearances, scoring a brace in a 3–1 victory against [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]].<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/champions-league-qualifikation-1996-1997/grasshopper-club-zuerich/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Champions League Qual. 1996/1997|access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/champions-league-1996-1997/grasshopper-club-zuerich/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Champions League 1996/1997|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> For the way he played in 1996, Moldovan was placed third in the ranking for the [[Romanian Footballer of the Year (Gazeta Sporturilor)|Romanian Footballer of the Year]] award.<ref name=RSSSF3>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/roempoy.html|title=Romania - Player of the Year Awards|publisher=Rsssf.org|language=en|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In the [[1997–98 Nationalliga A|next season]] he netted two hat-tricks in two wins against his former club, Neuchâtel Xamax and [[Servette FC|Servette]] respectively, scoring 17 league goals until the end of the first half of the season, leaving afterwards but the team managed to win the title without him.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=WF3>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/sui-super-league-1997-1998/grasshopper-club-zuerich/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Super League 1997/1998|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> During his spell with ''The Hoppers'', Moldovan also scored three goals which helped the team earn two victories in the [[Zurich derby]] against [[FC Zürich]].<ref name=WF2/><ref name=WF3/>
 
===Coventry City===
In 1998, [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] paid 10 million [[Swiss franc|Swiss francs]] to Grasshoppers for Moldovan's transfer.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/> He made his [[Premier League]] debut on 10 January 1998 when coach [[Gordon Strachan]] sent him on the field in the 58th minute to replace [[John Salako]] in a 3–1 away loss to [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=WF4>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/eng-premier-league-1997-1998/coventry-city/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Premier League 1997/1998|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/premier-league-1997-1998-chelsea-fc-coventry-city/|title=Chelsea FC - Coventry City 3:1|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> During his brief spell in England he scored twice, once in the [[1997–98 FA Cup|FA Cup]], scoring the winner against local rivals [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] and once in a 3–0 league win against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]], also having a goal disallowed in the same game.<ref name=WF4/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-fa-cup--moldovan-the-destroyer-of-myths-1145090.html |title=Moldovan the destroyer of myths |publisher=[[The Independent]]|language=English|date=14 February 1998 |access-date=25 November 2009 | location=London | first=Phil | last=Shaw}}<br>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-coppell-deep-in-the-doldrums-1147745.html |title=Coppell deep in the doldrums |publisher=[[The Independent]]|language=English|date=28 February 1998 |access-date=25 November 2009 | location=London | first=Nick | last=Callow}}</ref> He had a hard time earning his place in the team, as the first options for the offence were [[Dion Dublin]] and [[Darren Huckerby]].<ref name=GSP/>

===Fenerbahçe===
His next spell was at [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football team)|Fenerbahçe]], making his [[Süper Lig|Turkish First Football League]] debut on 7 August 1998 when coach [[Joachim Löw]] used him all the minutes in a 0–0 draw against [[Çanakkale Dardanelspor|Dardanelspor]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=WF5>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/tur-sueperlig-1998-1999/fenerbahce/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. SüperLig 1998/1999|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/sueperlig-1998-1999-dardanelspor-fenerbahce/|title=Dardanelspor - Fenerbahçe 0:0|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In the following round he netted his first goals, managing a double in a 3–0 victory against [[Gençlerbirliği S.K.|Gençlerbirliği]].<ref name=WF5/> He scored a total of 15 goals until the end of the [[1998–99 1.Lig|season]], including a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over [[Adanaspor]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=WF5/> Moldovan also scored a goal in a 1–0 victory against [[Parma F.C.|Parma]] from the first round of the [[1998–99 UEFA Cup]], however the qualification was lost as the Italians defeated them with 3–1 in the second leg.<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/uefa-cup-1998-1999/fenerbahce/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. UEFA Cup 1998/1999|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He started the [[1999–2000 1.Lig|1999–2000]] season by scoring a goal in a 4–1 away win over [[İstanbulspor]], netting a total of 18 goals in that season, including another hat-trick in another victory against Adanaspor.<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/tur-sueperlig-1999-2000/fenerbahce/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. SüperLig 1999/2000|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

===Nantes and Al-Wahda===
Afterwards he went at [[FC Nantes Atlantique|Nantes]] who paid 5 million€ to Fenerbahçe for his transfer, Moldovan earning there the nickname ''Moldo-but'' thanks to his goalscoring ability.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=DIGI2>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/ligue-1/moldogol-in-lequipe-visez-sa-o-antrenez-intr-o-zi-pe-nantes-in-romania-bugetele-sunt-invizibile-144836| title=Moldogol, în L'Equipe: "Visez să o antrenez într-o zi pe Nantes. În România, bugetele sunt invizibile"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Moldogol, in L'Equipe: "I dream of coaching Nantes one day. In Romania, budgets are invisible"| date=14 December 2014| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=DIGI3>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/ligue-1/nantes-l-a-gasit-pe-urmasul-lui-viorel-moldovan-canarii-incantati-sa-aiba-un-asemenea-atacant-1889979| title=Nantes l-a găsit pe "urmașul" lui Viorel Moldovan. "Canarii", încântați să aibă un asemenea atacant| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Nantes found the "successor" of Viorel Moldovan. The "Canaries", delighted to have such a striker| date=2 September 2022| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He made his debut in the [[Ligue 1|French Division 1]] on 19 August 2000 when coach [[Raynald Denoueix]] sent him on the field in the 71st minute to replace [[Olivier Monterrubio]], managing to score the victory goal in the 90th minute of the 3–2 win over [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]].<ref name=WF6>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/fra-ligue-1-2000-2001/fc-nantes/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Ligue 1 2000/2001|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/ligue-1-2000-2001-fc-nantes-olympique-marseille/|title=FC Nantes - Olympique Marseille 3:2|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> Until the end of the [[2000–01 French Division 1|season]], he netted 11 goals in 23 matches which helped the club win the championship.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=WF6/><ref name=DIGI3/><ref name=GSP2>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/viorel-moldovan-fostul-golgeter-al-lui-nantes-surprinde-inainte-adoram-sa-dau-goluri-acum-nu-mai-vreau-sa-iau-484301.html| title=Viorel Moldovan, fostul golgeter al lui Nantes, surprinde: "Înainte, adoram să dau goluri. Acum, nu mai vreau să iau!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, former Nantes top scorer, surprises: "Before, I loved scoring goals. Now, I don't want to score anymore!"| date=25 July 2016| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/campionate/nantes-interviu-viorel-moldovan-695058.html| title=Nu l-au uitat pe Viorel Moldovan. Fostul campion din Ligue 1, parte din sărbătoarea clubului ajuns la 80 de ani: "Nu Barcelona a inventat tiki-taka. De aici a început totul"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=They didn't forget Viorel Moldovan. The former Ligue 1 champion, part of the club's celebration of turning 80: "Barcelona didn't invent tiki-taka. This is where it all started"| date=21 April 2023| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In the same season, ''The Canaries'' participated in the [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], Moldovan helping the club eliminate [[FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih|Kryvbas]] and [[FC Lausanne-Sport|Lausanne-Sport]], netting a hat-trick against the first and scoring two goals against the latter, reaching the round of 16 where they were defeated by [[FC Porto|Porto]].<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://cnnportugal.iol.pt/geral/fcporto/nantes-f-c-porto-2-1-cronica| title=Nantes-F.C. Porto, 2-1 (crónica)| publisher=Cnnportugal.ro| language=Portuguese |trans-title=Nantes-F.C. Porto, 2-1 (report)| date=22 February 2001| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/uefa-cup-2000-2001/fc-nantes/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. UEFA Cup 2000/2001|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He started the following season by winning the [[2001 Trophée des Champions|Trophée des Champions]], coach Denoueix using him as a starter in the 4–1 win over [[RC Strasbourg Alsace|Strasbourg]].<ref name=besoccer>{{cite web|publisher=Besoccer.com|url=https://besoccer.com/match/strasbourg/nantes/200266283|title=Strasbourg 1 - 4 Nantes|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He then played in three games from the [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League second group stage|2001–02 Champions League second group stage]], scoring two goals in two 1–1 draws against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Boavista F.C.|Boavista]].<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/champions-league-2001-2002/fc-nantes/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Champions League 2001/2002|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

In 2003, coach [[Rolland Courbis]] convinced him to sign with [[Al-Wahda FC (Abu Dhabi)|Al-Wahda]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=libertatea/><ref name=DIGI3/> However he made only one appearance in the [[UAE Pro League|UAE Football League]], claiming he couldn't adapt because of the high climate.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/>

Afterwards he went back to Nantes, scoring 11 goals in 12 league appearances from the second half of the [[2003–04 Ligue 1|2003–04]] season, including two doubles in victories against [[OGC Nice|Nice]] and [[Derby Breton|rivals]] [[Stade Rennais FC|Rennes]] and a hat-trick in 3–2 win over [[Montpellier HSC|Montpellier]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=libertatea/><ref name=DIGI3/> In the same season, the team reached the [[2004 Coupe de la Ligue final]], Moldovan being used as a starter by coach [[Loïc Amisse]] in the loss at the penalty shoot-out to [[FC Sochaux-Montbéliard|Sochaux]] in which he netted his spot kick.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=lfp>{{cite web | url=http://www.lfp.fr/coupeLigue/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2003%2F2004&code_evt=CL&num_ordre=1&code_jr_tr=T99 | title=Nantes - Sochaux| publisher=Lfp.fr| language=French| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609194822/http://www.lfp.fr/coupeLigue/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2003%2F2004&code_evt=CL&num_ordre=1&code_jr_tr=T99| access-date=30 June 2025| archive-date=9 June 2010}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/coupe-de-la-ligue-2003-2004-finale-fc-nantes-fc-sochaux/|title=Nantes - Sochaux|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

===Servette===
He returned to Switzerland when he signed with [[Servette FC|Servette]], making his debut for the team on 20 July 2004 when coach [[Marco Schällibaum]] used him all the minutes in a 3–0 away loss to [[FC Thun]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=libertatea/><ref name=WF7>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/sui-super-league-2004-2005/servette-fc/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Super League 2004/2005|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/super-league-2004-2005-fc-thun-servette-genf/|title=FC Thun - Servette FC 3:0|access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-la-servette-geneva-1307445.html| title=Viorel Moldovan, la Servette Geneva| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, at Servette Geneva| date=20 May 2004| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He scored his first goal in a 1–1 draw against [[FC Schaffhausen|Schaffhausen]].<ref name=WF7/> On 5 December 2004 he played his last game in the Swiss league when he also scored in Servette's 4–1 away win over Schaffhausen, having a total of 96 matches with 66 goals netted in the competition.<ref name="RS"/><ref name=WF7/>

===Politehnica Timișoara and Rapid București===
In 2005, Moldovan returned to Romania, signing with [[FCU Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]], coach [[Cosmin Olăroiu]] giving him his debut on 11 March when he scored in the 3–0 victory against [[CFR Cluj]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref name=WF8>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/rom-liga-1-2004-2005/fc-timisoara/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Liga 1 2004/2005|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/liga-1-2004-2005-fc-timisoara-cfr-cluj/|title=FCU Politehnica Timisoara - CFR Cluj 3:0|access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://hotnews.ro/renasterea-poli-timisoara-cfr-cluj-3-0-842160| title=Renasterea: Poli Timisoara – CFR Cluj 3-0| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The Renaissance: Poli Timisoara – CFR Cluj 3-0| date=12 March 2005| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In the following game, he netted the victory goal from a penalty in the 2–1 win over [[FC Progresul București|Național București]].<ref name=WF8/> For the [[2005–06 Divizia A|next season]], coach Olăroiu named him the team's captain.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/poli-timisoara-juventus-2-2-egal-istoric-cu-batrana-doamna-39939.html| title=Poli Timisoara - Juventus 2-2 / Egal istoric cu Batrana Doamna| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Poli Timisoara - Juventus 2-2 / Historic draw with The Old Lady| date=4 August 2005| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-este-noul-capitan-39969.html| title=Viorel Moldovan este noul capitan| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan is the new captain| date=4 August 2005| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> On 10 September 2005 he scored a brace in a 4–0 win over his former team, Gloria Bistrița.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/rom-liga-1-2005-2006/fc-timisoara/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Liga 1 2005/2006|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

In early 2006 he was transferred from Politehnica to [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]].<ref name="RS"/><ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://hotnews.ro/atac-de-vis-pentru-rapid-viorel-moldovan-si-daniel-pancu-863278| title=Atac de vis pentru Rapid: Viorel Moldovan si Daniel Pancu| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Dream attack for Rapid: Viorel Moldovan and Daniel Pancu| date=16 January 2006| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He helped the club eliminate [[Hamburger SV|Hamburg]] and reach the quarter-finals of the [[2005–06 UEFA Cup]] where he scored his side's only goal against [[Derbiul Bucureștiului|rivals]] [[FCSB|Steaua București]] as they were eliminated on the [[Away goals rule|away goal rule]] after a 1–1 on aggregate.<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/povestea-magicului-rapid-hamburg-2-0-contra-lui-van-der-vaart-si-boulahrouz-de-la-suntem-smecheri-rau-de-tot-daca-nu-pierdem-la-calcaiul-fermecat-al-lui-mugurel-buga-an-19977686| title=Povestea magicului Rapid – Hamburg 2-0, contra lui van der Vaart și Boulahrouz! De la "suntem șmecheri rău de tot dacă nu pierdem" la călcâiul fermecat al lui Mugurel Buga: "Antrenorii ziceau că tratez jocul la mișto!".| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The story of the magical Rapid – Hamburg 2-0, against van der Vaart and Boulahrouz! From "we're really bad tricksters if we don't lose" to Mugurel Buga's magical heel: "The coaches said I treat the game cool!".| date=4 September 2024| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.fanatik.ro/15-ani-de-la-steaua-rapid-sfertul-de-finala-uefanstastic-unde-sunt-acum-eroii-acelei-duble-19483476| title=15 ani de la Steaua – Rapid, sfertul de finală UEFAntastic! Unde sunt acum eroii acelei duble| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=15 years since Steaua – Rapid, the UEFA quarter-final! Where are the heroes of that double now?| date=6 April 2021| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/uefa-cup-2005-2006/rapid-bucuresti/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. UEFA Cup 2005/2006|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> On 12 April 2006 he scored a brace in a 3–0 win in a derby against Dinamo București.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://hotnews.ro/rapid-bate-pe-dinamo-la-scor-steaua-e-noul-lider-868635| title=Rapid bate pe Dinamo la scor, Steaua e noul lider| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Rapid beats Dinamo on the scoreboard, Steaua is the new leader| date=12 April 2006| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> At the end of the season, the club won the [[2005–06 Cupa României|Cupa României]], coach [[Răzvan Lucescu]] sending him in the 55th minute to replace [[Daniel Pancu]] in the 1–0 victory against Național București from the [[2006 Cupa României final|final]].<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/2005_2006.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 2005–2006|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web |url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1178508-rapid-castigat-cupa.htm |title=Rapid a castigat Cupa |publisher=Hotnews.ro |language=Romanian |trans-title=Rapid won the Cup |date=18 May 2006 |access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

Afterwards he wanted to retire but Lucescu convinced him to play for one more [[2006–07 Liga I|season]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/rapid-razvan-lucescu-l-a-convins-pe-viorel-moldovan-15252.html| title=Rapid - Razvan Lucescu l-a convins pe Viorel Moldovan| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Rapid - Razvan Lucescu convinced Viorel Moldovan| date=5 August 2006| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He then netted a goal which helped ''The Railwaymen'' eliminate [[C.D. Nacional|Nacional]] and reach the group stage of the [[2006–07 UEFA Cup]] where he would make his last four appearances in European competition in which he gained a total of 43 matches with 19 goals scored.<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/europa-league-2006-2007/rapid-bucuresti/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. UEFA Cup 2006/2007|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> He netted seven league goals during his last season of activity, including two doubles in victories against [[FC Vaslui]] and Gloria Bistrița.<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/viorel-moldovan/rom-liga-1-2006-2007/rapid-bucuresti/3/|title=Viorel Moldovan. Liga 1 2006/2007|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> On 23 May 2007, Moldovan played his last game in the Romanian top-league which ended with a 4–0 loss to Național București, having a total of 196 appearances with 55 goals scored in the competition.<ref name="RS"/> He ended his career by winning another [[2006–07 Cupa României|Cupa României]], this time coach Lucescu sending him in the 82nd minute to replace [[Ionuț Mazilu]] in Rapid's 2–0 victory against Politehnica Timișoara from the [[2007 Cupa României final|final]].<ref name="RS"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/2006_2007.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 2006–2007|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{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=30 June 2025}}</ref>

==International career==
===Early years and 1994 World Cup===
Moldovan played 70 matches and scored 25 goals at international level for [[Romania national football team|Romania]], making his debut on 22 September 1993 at age 21 under coach [[Anghel Iordănescu]] in a friendly which ended with a 1–0 win over [[Israel national football team|Israel]].<ref name=EU>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=14214|title=Viorel Moldovan profile|publisher=European Football|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=9825|title=Romania 1-0 Israel|publisher=European Football|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Dinu Viorel Moldovan – Goals in International Matches|publisher=[[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation]]|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/moldovan-intlg.html}}</ref> He was selected by Iordănescu to be part of the squad that went at the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]] where the team reached the quarter-finals, however he did not play in any games from the campaign.<ref>{{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=30 June 2025}}</ref> He scored his first goals for the national team on 24 April 1996, managing a hat-trick in a friendly that ended with a 5–0 victory against [[Georgia national football team|Georgia]].<ref name=EU/>

===Euro 1996===
Moldovan played in one game at the successful [[UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying Group 1|Euro 1996 qualifiers]], a 2–0 away win over [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]].<ref name=EU/> He was sent on the field as a substitute by Iordănescu in two matches from the [[UEFA Euro 1996|final tournament]], the 1–0 losses to [[France national football team|France]] and [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]], the team also losing the game with [[Spain national football team|Spain]], thus being unable to get past the group stage.<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 June 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=30 June 2025}}</ref>

===1998 World Cup===
During the [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8|1998 World Cup qualifiers]], he made eight appearances, scoring two goals in both victories against [[Liechtenstein national football team|Liechtenstein]], two goals in both wins over [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]] and a brace in a 4–2 victory against [[North Macedonia national football team|Macedonia]].<ref name=EU/> Moldovan was used as a starter by Iordănescu in all four games at the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|final tournament]].<ref name=EU/> In the group stage, Romania earned victories in the first two rounds against [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] and [[England national football team|England]], Moldovan scoring once against the latter, thus securing mathematical qualification before the last group match against [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]].<ref name=1998wc>{{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 June 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 June 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 June 2025}}</ref> To celebrate, the team dyed their hair blonde and showed up on the pitch with their new look, Moldovan netting his side's goal in the 1–1 draw against the Tunisians.<ref name=EU/><ref name=1998wc/> The campaign ended as they were defeated 1–0 by [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] in the round of 16 after [[Davor Šuker]] scored from a penalty.<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=30 June 2025}}</ref>

===Euro 2000===
Moldovan played 10 games at the [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying Group 7|Euro 2000 qualifiers]] and scored one goal in a 7–0 win over Liechtenstein, his side's goal in the 1–1 draw against [[Hungary–Romania football rivalry|rivals]] [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] and a double in a 5–1 away victory against Slovakia.<ref name=EU/><ref name=euro2000>{{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=30 June 2025}}</ref> Coach [[Emerich Jenei]] used him as a starter in all four matches at the final tournament, netting a goal in the 1–1 draw against [[Germany national football team|Germany]] from the group stage.<ref name=EU/><ref name=euro2000/> In the last group match, against England, he obtained a penalty in the 89th minute from which [[Ionel Ganea]] scored the victory goal in the 3–2 win that helped ''The Tricolours'' reach the quarter-finals.<ref name=EU/><ref name=euro2000/> Over there, the campaign ended as they lost 2–0 to [[Italy national football team|Italy]].<ref name=EU/><ref name=euro2000/>

===Final years===
In his final years with the national team, Moldovan played six games and netted once in a 2–1 victory against Lithuania during the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 8|2002 World Cup qualifiers]].<ref name=EU/> He then played two matches at the [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying Group 2|Euro 2004 qualifiers]], scoring a brace in a 7–0 win over [[Luxembourg national football team|Luxembourg]].<ref name=EU/> His last two appearances were at the [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying Group 2|Euro 2004 qualifiers]], the last one taking place on 30 March 2005 in a 2–1 away victory against Macedonia.<ref name=EU/>

For representing his country at four final tournaments, Moldovan 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=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://old.presidency.ro/index.php?_RID=det&tb=date_arhiva&id=10313&_PRID=arh |title=Decorarea unor personalități ale fotbalului românesc |publisher=Administrația Prezidențială |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=30 June 2025|archive-date=12 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912005010/http://old.presidency.ro/index.php?_RID=det&tb=date_arhiva&id=10313&_PRID=arh |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Managerial career==
After he ended his career, Moldovan started working as a sporting director for [[FC Rapid București|Rapid București]] during the year 2007.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-a-plecat-de-la-rapid-209521| title=Viorel Moldovan a plecat de la Rapid| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan left Rapid| date=31 August 2007| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/moldovan-nu-am-fost-platit-am-facut-munca-patriotica-pentru-domnul-copos.html| title=Moldovan: "Nu am fost platit. Am facut munca patriotica pentru domnul Copos!"| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Moldovan: "I wasn't paid. I did patriotic work for Mr. Copos!"| date=4 September 2007| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> Afterwards he went to work for [[FC Unirea Valahorum Urziceni|Unirea Urziceni]] in the same position until 2008.<ref name=libertatea2>{{cite web| url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/un-tata-grijuliu-217569| title=Un tata grijuliu| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=A caring father| date=20 October 2007| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref name=jurnalul>{{cite web| url=https://jurnalul.ro/calendar/astazi-e-ziua-ta-viorel-moldovan-128924.html| title="Astăzi e ziua ta..." - Viorel Moldovan| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title="Today is your birthday..." - Viorel Moldovan| date=8 July 2008| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> 

He started his coaching career when he replaced [[Viorel Hizo]] at [[FC Vaslui]] in November 2008.<ref name=GSP/><ref name=mediafax>{{cite web| url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-nu-am-nimic-sa-mi-reprosez-4454121| title=Viorel Moldovan: Nu am nimic să-mi reproșez| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan: I have nothing to reproach myself for| date=26 May 2009| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-noul-antrenor-al-sc-vaslui-3412779| title=Viorel Moldovan, noul antrenor al SC Vaslui| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, the new coach of SC Vaslui| date=27 July 2009| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.antena3.ro/sport/fotbal-intern/viorel-moldovan-este-noul-antrenor-al-vasluiului-dupa-ce-hizo-a-demisionat-56691.html| title=Viorel Moldovan este noul antrenor al Vasluiului, după ce Hizo a demisionat| publisher=Antena3.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan is the new coach of Vaslui, after Hizo resigned| date=1 November 2008| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> However on 26 May 2009, he resigned from Vaslui after a 4–1 loss to [[FC Gloria Buzău|Gloria Buzău]] which lowered the team's chances of finishing on a place that would grant them participation in an European competition.<ref name=mediafax/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/viorel-moldovan-si-a-dat-demisia-de-la-vaslui.html| title=Viorel Moldovan si-a dat demisia de la Vaslui! "Nu-mi reprosez nimic"| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan resigned from Vaslui! "I don't blame myself for anything"| date=1 November 2008| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> On 28 July 2009, the Italian coach [[Nicolò Napoli]] quit [[FC Brașov (1936)|FC Brașov]] and was replaced by Moldovan, who signed a two-year deal.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/viorel-moldovan-este-noul-antrenor-al-lui-fc-brasov.html| title=Napoli pleaca dupa 3 saptamani! Moldovan este noul antrenor al lui Brasov!| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Napoli leaves after 3 weeks! Moldovan is the new coach of Brasov!| date=27 July 2009| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=http://www.cotidianul.ro/fc_brasov_napoli_inlocuit_de_viorel_moldovan_in_scaunul_de_antrenor-93430.html| title=FC Brașov: Napoli înlocuit de Viorel Moldovan în scaunul de antrenor| publisher=Cotidianul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=FC Brașov: Napoli replaced by Viorel Moldovan in the coaching chair| date=27 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730010322/http://www.cotidianul.ro/fc_brasov_napoli_inlocuit_de_viorel_moldovan_in_scaunul_de_antrenor-93430.html| access-date=30 June 2025| archive-date=30 July 2009}}</ref> After a good start, the team eventually finished the [[2009–10 Liga I|season]] on the 9th place and he left the club.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/viorel-moldovan-peste-selectionerul-razvan-lucescu-brasovul-lider-in-liga-1-152229.html| title=Viorel Moldovan peste selecționerul Răzvan Lucescu: Brașovul, lider în Liga 1!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan on coach Răzvan Lucescu: Brașov, leader in Liga 1!| date=22 August 2009| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://ziare.com/viorel-moldovan/fc-brasov/viorel-moldovan-a-plecat-de-la-fc-brasov-1021376| title=Viorel Moldovan a plecat de la FC Brasov| publisher=Ziare.com| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan left FC Brasov| date=11 June 2010| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/competitii/fotbal/national/romania/liga-1/2009-2010/|title=Liga 1 2009-2010|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In September 2010, Moldovan was named the coach of [[FC Sportul Studențesc București|Sportul Studențesc]] but left the club in late October after not managing to earn a single victory in the league during this time.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-negociaza-cu-sportul-studentesc-preluarea-postului-de-antrenor-principal-7168702| title=Viorel Moldovan negociază cu Sportul Studențesc preluarea postului de antrenor principal| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan negotiates with Sportul Studențesc to take over the head coach position| date=9 September 2010| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://evz.ro/viorel-moldovan-antrenor-la-sportul-905449.html| title=Viorel Moldovan, antrenor la Sportul| publisher=Evz.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, coach at Sportul| date=9 September 2010| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/moldovan-i-a-desfiintat-pe-studenti-si-a-plecat-1111132.html| title=Moldovan i-a desființat pe "studenți" și a plecat| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Moldovan disbanded the "students" and left| date=31 October 2010| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/viorel-moldovan-si-a-dat-demisia-sint-prea-orgolios-ca-sa-continuu-nu-vreau-sa-fiu-un-loser-213592.html| title=Viorel Moldovan şi-a dat demisia: "Sînt prea orgolios ca să continuu, nu vreau să fiu un loser"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan resigned: "I'm too proud to continue, I don't want to be a loser"| date=31 October 2010| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-a-demisionat-de-la-sportul-nu-pot-sa-mi-mai-prelungesc-agonia-7641316| title=Viorel Moldovan a demisionat de la Sportul: Nu pot să-mi mai prelungesc agonia| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan resigned from Sportul: I can't prolong my agony any longer| date=31 October 2010| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> From September 2013 until July 2014 he coached Rapid in [[Liga II]], managing to earn promotion to the [[Liga I|first league]] at the end of the [[2013–14 Liga II|season]].<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/exclusiv-viorel-moldovan-in-pole-position-sa-preia-rapid-are-in-palmares-o-promovare-cu-giulestenii-606691.html| title=Viorel Moldovan, în pole-position să preia Rapid! Are în palmares o promovare cu giuleștenii| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, in pole position to take over Rapid! He has a promotion with the Giulesti team in his record| date=7 August 2020| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/interviu-dialog-cu-viorel-moldovan-despre-anul-2014-familie-facebook-si-alegerea-lui-klaus-iohannis-ca-presedinte-cand-m-am-intors-in-tara-nu-am-stiut-pe-ce-lume-sunt-ma-certam-singur-eram-la-pamant-13741252| title=INTERVIU. Dialog cu Viorel Moldovan despre anul 2014, familie, Facebook și alegerea lui Klaus Iohannis ca președinte: "Când m-am întors în țară, nu am știut pe ce lume sunt. Mă certam singur, eram la pământ"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=INTERVIEW. Dialogue with Viorel Moldovan about 2014, family, Facebook and the election of Klaus Iohannis as president: "When I returned to the country, I didn't know what world I was in. I was arguing with myself, I was down to earth"| date=29 December 2014| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

In 2014 he was named by the [[Romanian Football Federation]] as coach of [[Romania national under-21 football team|Romania's under-21 national team]].<ref name=GSP/><ref name=DIGI2/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.frf.ro/nationale/masculin/romania-u21/viorel-moldovan-noul-selecioner-al-reprezentativei-de-tineret/| title=Viorel Moldovan, noul selecționer al reprezentativei de tineret| publisher=Frf.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, the new coach of the youth national team| date=3 July 2014| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/video-moldovan-antrenorul-nationalei-de-tineret-am-o-dorinta-enorma-de-a-reusi-voi-munci-pe-branci-119079| title=Moldovan, antrenorul naționalei de tineret: "Am o dorință enormă de a reuși, voi munci pe brânci"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Moldovan, the coach of the youth national team: "I have an enormous desire to succeed, I will work hard"| date=4 July 2014| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> Later in that year he became an assistant of head coach [[Anghel Iordănescu]] at [[Romania national football team|Romania's senior squad]], helping it qualify to the [[UEFA Euro 2016|Euro 2016]] final tournament.<ref name=GSP/><ref name=DIGI/><ref name=DIGI2/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.frf.ro/nationale/masculin/echipa-nationala/la-muli-ani-viorel-moldovan-2/| title=La mulți ani, Viorel Moldovan!| publisher=Frf.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Happy birthday, Viorel Moldovan!| date=8 July 2015| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/viorel-moldovan-discurs-desprins-parca-din-povesti-despre-preluarea-echipei-nationale-mi-as-imbratisa-sotia-copiii-as-pune-saua-pe-cal-as-lua-arma-si-m-as-duce-la-lupta-18946309| title=Viorel Moldovan, discurs desprins parcă din povești despre preluarea echipei naționale: "Mi-aș îmbrățișa soția, copiii, aș pune șaua pe cal, aș lua arma și m-aș duce la luptă!"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, speech as if taken from stories about taking over the national team: "I would hug my wife, my children, I would saddle my horse, I would take my weapon and go to battle!"| date=20 November 2019| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> After the tournament in which ''The Tricolours'' did not get past the group stage, he was appointed as the head coach of [[Ligue 2]] team, [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]].<ref name=GSP/><ref name=GSP2/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/euro-2016-viorel-moldovan-2-1517936| title=Euro 2016. Viorel Moldovan, pesimist după dezastrul de la CE: "Va fi greu să ne redresăm!"| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Euro 2016. Viorel Moldovan, pessimistic after the disaster at the EC: "It will be difficult to recover!"| date=20 June 2016| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/campionate/inca-o-mutare-de-top-viorel-moldovan-a-semnat-in-aceasta-noapte-cu-o-formatie-de-traditie-din-franta-479100.html| title=Încă o mutare de top! Viorel Moldovan a semnat în această noapte cu o formație de tradiție din Franța!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Another top move! Viorel Moldovan signed tonight with a traditional band from France!| date=27 May 2016| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/nationala/prima-declaratie-a-lui-moldovan-dupa-ce-a-semnat-cu-auxerre-contractul-intra-in-vigoare-dupa-campionatul-european-ce-spune-despre-eventuale-transferuri-ale-unor-jucatori-romani-15384396| title=Prima declarație a lui Moldovan după ce a semnat cu Auxerre: "Contractul intră în vigoare după Campionatul European!" Ce spune despre eventuale transferuri ale unor jucători români| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Moldovan's first statement after signing with Auxerre: "The contract comes into effect after the European Championship!" What does he say about possible transfers of some Romanian players?| date=27 May 2016| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/video-viorel-moldovan-a-pierdut-primul-meci-amical-pe-banca-lui-auxerre-reactia-antrenorului-roman-482568.html| title=Viorel Moldovan a pierdut primul meci amical pe banca lui Auxerre. Reacția antrenorului român| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan lost the first friendly match on the bench of Auxerre. The Romanian coach's reaction| date=3 July 2016| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> After nine games in which he earned only one victory, Moldovan was dismissed as after a loss to [[Le Havre AC|Le Havre]] he publicly criticized the club officials for not bringing more players to the club.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/ligue-1/inevitabilul-s-a-produs-moldovan-a-fost-dat-afara-de-la-auxerre-248991| title=Inevitabilul s-a produs! Moldovan a fost dat afară de la Auxerre| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The inevitable happened! Moldovan was fired from Auxerre| date=26 September 2016| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/viorel-moldovan-a-fost-demis-de-la-auxerre-dupa-rabufnirea-avuta-vineri-489524.html| title=Viorel Moldovan a fost demis de la Auxerre după răbufnirea avută vineri| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan was dismissed from Auxerre after the outburst on Friday| date=26 September 2016| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

About two years later, on 26 June 2018 he was named coach of Liga II team, [[AFC Chindia Târgoviște|Chindia Târgoviște]], managing to promote them to the first league at the end of the [[2018–19 Liga II|season]].<ref name=GSP3>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/cum-a-reusit-chindia-targoviste-sa-promoveze-de-pe-primul-loc-secretul-lui-viorel-moldovan-am-fost-impecabili-568588.html| title=Cum a reușit Chindia Târgoviște să promoveze de pe primul loc. Secretul lui Viorel Moldovan: "Am fost impecabili"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=How Chindia Târgoviște managed to promote from first place. Viorel Moldovan's secret: "We were impeccable"| date=2 June 2019| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/viorel-moldovan-va-fi-noul-antrenor-de-la-chindia-2306957| title=Viorel Moldovan va fi noul antrenor de la Chindia Târgoviște. A fost "șomer" aproape doi ani| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan will be the new coach of Chindia Târgoviște. He was "unemployed" for almost two years| date=26 June 2018| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-2/viorel-moldovan-este-noul-antrenor-al-chindiei-targoviste-detaliile-contractului-472978| title=Viorel Moldovan este noul antrenor al Chindiei Târgoviște. Detaliile contractului| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan is the new coach of Chindia Târgoviște. Contract details| date=27 June 2018| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> As by the end of the [[2019–20 Liga I|following season]], Chindia was on a relegation place, Moldovan was dismissed by the club.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/oficial-viorel-moldovan-a-plecat-de-la-chindia-emil-sandoi-se-pregateste-sa-preia-echipa-862856| title=OFICIAL: Viorel Moldovan a plecat de la Chindia. Emil Săndoi se pregăteşte să preia echipa| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=OFFICIAL: Viorel Moldovan has left Chindia. Emil Săndoi is preparing to take over the team| date=29 June 2020| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In August 2020, he returned to Liga II football, signing with [[FC Petrolul Ploiești|Petrolul Ploiești]], having as an objective to achieve promotion to the first league.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-2/oficial-viorel-moldovan-este-noul-antrenor-de-la-petrolul-ploiesti-tentatia-a-fost-prea-mare-886065| title=OFICIAL Viorel Moldovan este noul antrenor de la Petrolul Ploiești! "Tentația a fost prea mare"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=OFFICIAL Viorel Moldovan is the new coach of Petrolul Ploiești! "The temptation was too great"| date=9 August 2020| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref> In March 2021 he resigned from Petrolul as the team was only on the 10th place.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://as.ro/fotbal/viorel-moldovan-a-demisionat-de-la-petrolul-ploiesti-va-garantez-ca-am-muncit-cu-tot-sufletul-63365.html| title=Viorel Moldovan a demisionat de la Petrolul Ploiești. "Vă garantez că am muncit cu tot sufletul"| publisher=As.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan resigned from Petrolul Ploiești. "I guarantee you that I worked with all my heart"| date=22 March 2021| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-2/oficial-viorel-moldovan-a-plecat-de-la-petrolul-cine-a-cerut-rezilierea-si-ce-se-intampla-cu-secunzii-1030921| title=Oficial: Viorel Moldovan a plecat de la Petrolul! Cine a cerut rezilierea şi ce se întâmplă cu "secunzii"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Official: Viorel Moldovan has left Petrolul! Who requested the termination and what happens to the "seconds"| date=22 March 2021| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://liga2.prosport.ro/seria-1/viorel-moldovan-a-demisionat-de-la-petrolul-echipa-ploiesteana-mai-are-sanse-minuscule-la-play-off-insa-se-desparte-de-antrenor-19175617| title=Viorel Moldovan a demisionat de la Petrolul! Echipa ploieșteană mai are șanse minuscule la play-off, însă se desparte de antrenor| publisher=Liga2.prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan has resigned from Petrolul! The Ploiesti team still has a slim chance of making the playoffs, but is parting ways with the coach| date=22 March 2021| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

In June 2024 he was appointed as president of Rapid, a position he kept for exactly one year, leaving after the team finished the [[2024–25 Liga I]] season on the fifth place.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/viorel-moldovan-noul-presedinte-de-la-rapid-3008099| title=Viorel Moldovan, noul președinte de la Rapid!| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, the new president of Rapid!| date=10 June 2024| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/viorel-moldovan-a-plecat-de-la-rapid-prima-reactie-si-ce-salariu-avea-fostul-presedinte-3641417| title=Viorel Moldovan a plecat de la Rapid! Prima reacție și ce salariu avea fostul președinte| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan left Rapid! First reaction and what salary the former president had| date=13 June 2025| access-date=30 June 2025}}<br>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/viorel-moldovan-a-plecat-de-la-rapid-oficial-812849.html| title=Viorel Moldovan, OUT de la Rapid: "A venit momentul"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Viorel Moldovan, OUT from Rapid: "The time has come"| date=13 June 2025| access-date=30 June 2025}}</ref>

==Personal life==
His father, Vasile was also a footballer who played 10 years for [[ACF Gloria Bistrița|Gloria Bistrița]].<ref name=libertatea2/><ref name=jurnalul/>

==Career statistics==
===International stats===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="RS"/><ref name=EU/>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="13"|[[Romania national football team|Romania]]
|1993||1||0
|-
|1994||3||0
|-
|1995||1||0
|-
|1996||9||4
|-
|1997||7||5
|-
|1998||13||8
|-
|1999||10||2
|-
|2000||11||2
|-
|2001||8||2
|-
|2002||4||2
|-
|2003||1||0
|-
|2004||0||0
|-
|2005||2||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!70!!25
|}

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

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Viorel Moldovan<ref name="RS"/><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=3|24 April 1996 || rowspan=3|[[Stadionul Steaua (1974)|Stadionul Steaua]], [[Bucharest]], Romania || rowspan=3|{{fb|GEO}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|5–0 || rowspan=3|[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|2 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|5–0
|-
| style="text-align:center"|3 || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || style="text-align:center"|5–0
|-
| style="text-align:center"|4 || 31 August 1996 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|LTU}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|1998 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|5 || 29 March 1997 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|LIE}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|8–0 || 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|6 || 2 April 1997 || [[Žalgiris Stadium]], [[Vilnius]], Lithuania|| {{fb|LTU}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|7 || rowspan=2|20 August 1997 || rowspan=2|Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || rowspan=2|{{fb|MKD}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–2 || rowspan=2|1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|8 || style="text-align:center"|3–1 || style="text-align:center"|4–2
|-
| style="text-align:center"|9 || 6 September 1997 || [[Sportplatz]], [[Eschen]], Liechtenstein || {{fb|LIE}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|8–1 || 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| style="text-align:center"|10 || 8 April 1998 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania || {{fb|GRE}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|11 || 22 April 1998 || [[King Baudouin Stadium]], [[Brussels]], Belgium || {{fb|BEL}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|12 || 6 June 1998 || [[Stadionul Ilie Oană]], [[Ploiești]], Romania || {{fb|MDA}} || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || style="text-align:center"|5–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|13 || 22 June 1998 || [[Stadium Municipal]], [[Toulouse]], France || {{fb|ENG}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || [[1998 FIFA World Cup – Group G|World Cup 1998 Group G]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|14 || 26 June 1998 || [[Stade de France]], [[Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis|Saint Denis]], France || {{fb|TUN}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || World Cup 1998 Group G
|-
| style="text-align:center"|15 || 2 September 1998 || Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania|| {{fb|LIE}} || style="text-align:center"|6–0 || style="text-align:center"|7–0 || [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|16 || 5 September 1998 || [[Ta' Qali Stadium]], [[Attard]], Malta|| {{fb|GER}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|17 || 14 October 1998 || [[Stadium Puskás Ferenc|Népstadion]], [[Budapest]], Hungary || {{fb|HUN}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
|-
| style="text-align:center"|18 || rowspan=2|4 September 1999 || rowspan=2|[[Tehelné pole (1939)|Tehelné pole]], [[Bratislava]], Slovakia || rowspan=2|{{fb|SVK}} || style="text-align:center"|4–1 || style="text-align:center"|5–1 || rowspan=2|UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
|-
| style="text-align:center"|19 || style="text-align:center"|5–1 || style="text-align:center"|5–1
|-
| style="text-align:center"|20 || 27 May 2000 || [[Amsterdam ArenA]], [[Amsterdam]], Netherlands || {{fb|NED}} || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|21 || 12 June 2000 || [[Stade Maurice Dufrasne|Stade de Sclessin]], [[Liège]], Belgium || {{fb|GER}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || [[UEFA Euro 2000]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|22 || 6 June 2001 || [[S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium]], [[Kaunas]], Lithuania || {{fb|LTU}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2002 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|23 || 15 August 2001 || [[Bežigrad Stadium]], [[Ljubljana]], Slovenia || {{fb|SLO}} || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–2 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|24 || rowspan=2|16 October 2002 || rowspan=2|[[Stade Josy Barthel]], [[Luxembourg (city)|Luxembourg]], Luxembourg || rowspan=2|{{fb|LUX}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|7–0 || rowspan=2|[[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|25 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|7–0
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Gloria Bistrița'''
*[[Liga II|Divizia B]]: [[1989–90 Divizia B|1989–90]]<ref name="RS"/>
'''Grasshoppers'''
*[[Swiss Super League|Nationalliga A]]: [[1997–98 Nationalliga A|1997–98]]<ref name="RS"/>
'''Nantes'''
*[[Ligue 1|French Division 1]]: [[2000–01 French Division 1|2000–01]]<ref name="RS"/>
*[[Coupe de la Ligue]] runner-up: [[2004 Coupe de la Ligue final|2003–04]]<ref name=lfp/>
*[[Trophée des Champions]]: [[2001 Trophée des Champions|2001]]<ref name=besoccer/>
'''Rapid București'''
*[[Cupa României]]: [[2005–06 Cupa României|2005–06]], [[2006–07 Cupa României|2006–07]]<ref name="RS"/>
*[[Supercupa României]] runner-up: [[2006 Supercupa României|2006]]
'''Individual'''
*[[Swiss Super League|Nationalliga A]] top scorer: [[1995–96 Nationalliga A|1995–96]] (joint with [[Petar Aleksandrov]]), [[1996–97 Nationalliga A|1996–97]]<ref name=RSSSF/>
*[[Swiss Footballer of the Year#Foreigner of the Year|Swiss Foreign Footballer of the Year]]: [[1995–96 Nationalliga A|1995–96]], [[1996–97 Nationalliga A|1996–97]]<ref name=RSSSF2/>
*[[Romanian Footballer of the Year]] (''third place''): 1996<ref name=RSSSF3/>
===Manager===
'''Chindia Târgoviște'''
*[[Liga II]]: [[2018–19 Liga II|2018–19]]<ref name=GSP3/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Soccerway|125389}}
*{{NFT|5378}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Romania squads
|bg=#FFE60D
|fg=#0045E6
|bordercolor=#CE1126
|list1=
{{Romania Squad 1994 World Cup}}
{{Romania Squad 1996 Euro Cup}}
{{Romania Squad 1998 World Cup}}
{{Romania Squad 2000 Euro Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Awards
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|list1=
{{Swiss Super League top scorers}}
{{Swiss Footballer of the Year}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title= Viorel Moldovan managerial positions
|list1=
{{AFC Chindia Târgoviște managers}}
{{AJ Auxerre managers}}
{{FC Petrolul Ploiești managers}}
{{FC Rapid București managers}}
{{FC Sportul Studențesc București managers}}
{{FC Vaslui managers}}
{{FC Braşov managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Moldovan, Viorel}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Bistrița]]
[[Category:Romanian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:ACF Gloria Bistrița players]]
[[Category:FC Dinamo București players]]
[[Category:Neuchâtel Xamax FCS players]]
[[Category:Grasshopper Club Zurich players]]
[[Category:Coventry City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Fenerbahçe S.K. footballers]]
[[Category:FC Nantes players]]
[[Category:Al Wahda FC players]]
[[Category:Servette FC players]]
[[Category:FC Politehnica Timișoara players]]
[[Category:FC Rapid București players]]
[[Category:Liga I players]]
[[Category:Liga II players]]
[[Category:Swiss Super League players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Süper Lig players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:UAE Pro League players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in France]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Romania men's international footballers]]
[[Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1998 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1996 players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players]]
[[Category:Romanian football managers]]
[[Category:Romanian expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Ligue 2 managers]]
[[Category:Liga I managers]]
[[Category:Liga II managers]]
[[Category:FC Vaslui managers]]
[[Category:FC Brașov (1936) managers]]
[[Category:FC Sportul Studențesc București managers]]
[[Category:FC Rapid București managers]]
[[Category:AJ Auxerre managers]]
[[Category:AFC Chindia Târgoviște managers]]
[[Category:FC Petrolul Ploiești managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in France]]
[[Category:Romanian sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:FC Rapid București non-playing staff]]
[[Category:20th-century Romanian sportsmen]]