Wikipedia

Daniel Bîrligea

George Daniel Bîrligea (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈdʒe̯ordʒe daniˈel bɨrˈlidʒe̯a]; born 19 April 2000) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liga I club FCSB and the Romania national team.

Daniel Bîrligea
Bîrligea with CFR Cluj in 2022
Personal information
Full name George Daniel Bîrligea[1]
Date of birth (2000-04-19) 19 April 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth Brăila, Romania
Height 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 FCSB
Number 9
Youth career
Metalul Constanța
0000–2010 Gheorghe Hagi Academy
2010–2012 Luceafărul Brăila
2012–2016 ASD Cantera Ribolla
2016–2019 Palermo
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2022 Teramo 32 (4)
2022–2024 CFR Cluj 82 (22)
2024– FCSB 6 (4)
International career‡
2022–2023 Romania U21 13 (4)
2023– Romania 3 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10 November 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18 November 2024

Raised in Italy from age 12, Bîrligea started his senior career with Serie C club Teramo in 2020. Two years later, he returned to his native country at defending champions CFR Cluj. In 2024, he transferred to domestic rivals FCSB for an initial fee of €2 million.

At international level, Bîrligea made his full debut for Romania in October 2023, in a 4–0 UEFA Euro qualifier win over Andorra. The next year, he was selected in the squad for Euro 2024.

Club career

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Early career / Teramo

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Born in Brăila, Bîrligea spent part of his childhood in Constanța, where he started practising young football with local club Metalul.[2] He also trained at the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, before returning to his native city at Luceafărul Brăila.

Bîrligea relocated again at age 12, moving abroad to Italy with his mother and elder sister,[3] and represented the academies of ASD Cantera Ribolla and Palermo.[4]

After the bankruptcy of Palermo, Bîrligea moved to Teramo in 2019. On 22 January 2020, he made his senior debut for in a 1–0 Serie C win over Catanzaro.[5] Over the course of two years with Il diavolo, he amassed seven goals from 43 appearances in all competitions.[6]

CFR Cluj

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On 26 January 2022, Bîrligea returned to Romania by signing with four-time defending champions CFR Cluj.[6][7] He made his debut on 5 February, coming on as a 87th-minute substitute for Claudiu Petrila in a 1–1 Liga I draw at Universitatea Craiova.[8] Bîrligea scored his first goal for CFR Cluj on 1 May, in a 1–0 league defeat of Farul Constanța.[9] Two weeks later, he started in a 2–1 home victory over Universitatea Craiova, as his club was crowned national champion one fixture prior to the end of the season.[10]

On 20 October 2022, Bîrligea scored his first Cluj derby goal in a 1–1 away draw with Universitatea Cluj in the Cupa României group stage.[11] On 10 November, he netted his first career hat-trick in a 5–0 defeat of Dumbrăvița, also in the national cup.[12] On 16 February 2023, Bîrligea recorded his European debut by starting in a 0–1 away loss to Lazio in the knockout round play-offs of the UEFA Europa Conference League.[13] On 9 April, he opened the scoring in a 1–1 home Liga I draw with rivals FCSB.[14]

Bîrligea scored his first league hat-trick on 6 April 2024, in a 1–4 away thrashing of Rapid București.[15] In the 2023–24 campaign, he appeared in all 40 Liga I fixtures—of which he started in 33—and was the team's second-highest goalscorer in the competition with 14 goals. On 1 August that year, Bîrligea scored his first two European goals in a 5–0 away win over Neman Grodno in the Conference League second qualifying round.[16]

FCSB

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On 2 September 2024, a deal was agreed for the move of Bîrligea to CFR Cluj's domestic rivals FCSB, subject to a medical. The fee was disclosed by the owners of both clubs as €2 million and 15% interest on a potential future transfer, plus conditional bonuses.[17][18] Rapid București made a last-minute attempt to hijack the deal,[19] but Bîrligea was officially unveiled by FCSB the following day and handed the number 9 shirt.[20]

Bîrligea made his debut for "the Red-Blues" on 21 September, starting and coming off at half-time in a 1–1 Liga I draw with Petrolul Ploiești at the Steaua Stadium.[21] Five days later, he opened the scoring in a 4–1 defeat of RFS in the first fixture of the Europa League league phase.[22] On 3 October, he scored the only goal of an away win at Greek reigning champions PAOK in the same competition.[23]

On 20 October 2024, Bîrligea netted his second league goal for FCSB, a scissor kick in a 2–0 away derby win at Dinamo București.[24] On 10 November, he scored his first double in a 2–1 away Liga I victory at Universitatea Cluj.

International career

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Youth

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Bîrligea made his debut for the Romania national under-21 team on 25 March 2022, equalising late in an eventual 2–1 friendly win against Finland at the Stadionul Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest.[25] In June 2023, he was selected by manager Emil Săndoi in the squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.[26]

Senior

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In September 2023, Bîrligea received his first call-up to the Romania national team for the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Israel and Kosovo.[27] He made his debut on 15 October that year, starting in a 4–0 home win over Andorra in the same competition. On 7 June 2024, he was selected in Romania's squad for the final tournament,[28] but did not feature in any game.

On 18 November 2024, Bîrligea scored his first senior international goal by opening a 4–1 Nations League win against Cyprus.[29]

Style of play

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Bîrligea is a determined and physical forward, focused on exploiting spaces and contributing to his team's pressing efforts.[30] Although primarily a striker, he can also play as a winger, utilising his high work rate to challenge defences. His play is defined by persistence and an understanding of goalscoring opportunities.[31][32]

Personal life

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Bîrligea's parents separated when he was around eight or nine years old, and he was raised mainly by his mother. He stated that after relocating to Palermo at age 12, he managed to completely understand Italian and speak it well in only six months.[2]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 10 November 2024[33][34]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Teramo 2019–20 Serie C 8 1 4[a] 0 — 1[b] 0 13 1
2020–21 Serie C 8 1 2[c] 0 — 1[b] 0 11 1
2021–22 Serie C 16 2 3[a] 3 — — 19 5
Total 32 4 9 3 0 0 2 0 43 7
CFR Cluj 2021–22 Liga I 6 1 — — — 6 1
2022–23 Liga I 31 5 4 4 2[d] 0 1[e] 0 38 9
2023–24 Liga I 40 14 4 1 2[d] 0 — 46 15
2024–25 Liga I 5 2 — 6[d] 2 — 11 4
Total 82 22 8 5 10 2 1 0 101 29
FCSB 2024–25 Liga I 6 4 1 0 4[f] 3 — 11 7
Career total 120 30 18 8 14 5 3 0 155 43
  1. ^ a b Appearances in Coppa Italia Serie C
  2. ^ a b Appearance in Serie C promotion play-offs
  3. ^ Appearances in Coppa Italia
  4. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Conference League
  5. ^ Appearance in Liga I European play-offs
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International

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As of match played 18 November 2024[35]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Romania
2023 1 0
2024 2 1
Total 3 1
Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bîrligea goal.[35]
List of international goals scored by Daniel Bîrligea
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 18 November 2024 Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania   Cyprus 1–0 4–1 2024–25 UEFA Nations League C

Honours

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CFR Cluj

References

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  1. ^ Daniel Bîrligea on Instagram
  2. ^ a b "Daniel Bîrligea, interviu eveniment. Dezvăluie povestea celui mai important tatuaj al său: poza cu mama când îl alăpta!" [Daniel Bîrligea, event interview. He reveals the story of his most important tattoo: the picture of his mother breastfeeding him!] (in Romanian). Fanatik.ro. 19 October 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Fotbalistul care a impresionat la națională, deși nu joacă în Liga 1. Italia l-a crescut, dar a visat doar la tricoul lui Mutu: "Mama muncea ca "badanta" în Italia. I-a fost greu să ne întrețină" | EXCLUSIV" [The footballer who impressed at the national team, even though he does not play in the Liga 1. Italy raised him, but he only dreamed of Mutu's shirt: "My mother worked as a "caregiver" in Italy. It was difficult for her to support us" | EXCLUSIVE] (in Romanian). ProSport. 8 April 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Le "Giovani aquile" del Palermo U17: conosciamo meglio la punta Birligea" [The "Young Eagles" of Palermo U17: get to know better the forward Birligea] (in Italian). RaccontiRosanero.com. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Teramo vs. Catanzaro - 22 January 2022". Soccerway. 22 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b "CFR Cluj a realizat al 4-lea transfer la iernii » Atacant adus din Italia" [CFR Cluj made its fourth transfer of the winter » A forward brought from Italy]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 26 January 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  7. ^ "CFR Cluj a anunțat al patrulea transfer al iernii" [CFR Cluj announced the fourth transfer of the winter] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 26 January 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  8. ^ "VIDEO Liga 1: CSU Craiova vs CFR Cluj 1-1 / Oltenii au egalat la ultima fază - Campioana, doi jucători eliminați" [VIDEO Liga 1: CSU Craiova vs CFR Cluj 1–1 / Oltenii equalized late - The champion, with two players sent off] (in Romanian). HotNews.ro. 5 February 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  9. ^ "Cine e Daniel Birligea, eroul CFR-ului din meciul cu Farul: "Am plecat la 12 ani în Italia"" [Who is Daniel Birligea, the hero of CFR in the match against Farul: "I left for Italy at the age of 12"] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 1 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  10. ^ a b "CFR Cluj – Universitatea Craiova 2-1. Ardelenii câștigă al cincilea titlu consecutiv cu o etapă înainte de final. Video" [CFR Cluj - Universitatea Craiova 2–1. The Transylvanians win the fifth consecutive title with one fixture before the final. Video]. Fanatik.ro. 15 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  11. ^ "VIDEO 'U' Cluj - CFR Cluj 1-1, în grupele Cupei. Un autogol a stabilit scorul final în derby-ul Clujului, jucat după 7 ani și jumătate" [VIDEO 'U' Cluj - CFR Cluj 1–1, in the Cup groups. An own goal set the final score in the Cluj derby, played after 7 and a half years] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 20 October 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  12. ^ "Reacția lui Daniel Bîrligea după ce Dan Petrescu l-a descris drept un jucător veșnic accidentat" [Daniel Bîrligea's reaction after Dan Petrescu described him as an eternally injured player]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 10 November 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  13. ^ "Lazio - CFR Cluj 1–0". UEFA.com. 16 February 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  14. ^ "CFR Cluj - FCSB 1-1. Remiză pentru Farul! Roș-albaștrii au avut un gol anulat pe final" [CFR Cluj - FCSB 1–1. A draw for Farul! The red-blues had a disallowed goal towards the end] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Rapid - CFR Cluj 1-4 » "Acceleratul" lui Bergodi a deraiat de tot, iar Giuleștiul FIERBE + Ce debut pentru Hoban și Dican în era post-Mutu!" [Rapid - CFR Cluj 1–4 » Bergodi's "fast train" has completely derailed, and Giulești is BOILING + What a debut for Hoban and Dican in the post-Mutu era!]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 6 April 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  16. ^ "Neman Grodno - CFR Cluj 0–5". UEFA.com. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  17. ^ "Daniel Bîrligea, la FCSB! Gigi Becali a confirmat transferul de la CFR Cluj: "Am bătut palma cu Neluțu Varga" » Suma uluitoare achitată" [Daniel Bîrligea, to FCSB! Gigi Becali confirmed the transfer from CFR Cluj: "I shook hands with Neluțu Varga" » The astonishing amount paid] (in Romanian). Gazeta Sporturilor. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  18. ^ "Gigi Becali a detonat bomba şi l-a transferat pe Daniel Bîrligea de la CFR Cluj pentru o sumă uriaşă! Nelu Varga, pentru ProSport: "Dan Petrescu mi-a cerut să fac asta, dar acum a trebuit să-l vând"" [Gigi Becali detonated the bomb and transferred Daniel Bîrligea from CFR Cluj for a huge sum! Nelu Varga, for ProSport: "Dan Petrescu asked me to do this, but now I had to sell him"] (in Romanian). ProSport. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  19. ^ "Gigi Becali a anunţat că Dan Şucu a intrat pe fir şi îl vrea pe Daniel Bîrligea la Rapid: "Nu credeam că poate să facă aşa ceva"" [Gigi Becali announced that Dan Șucu entered negotiations and wants Daniel Bîrligea at Rapid: "I didn't think he could do something like that"] (in Romanian). Antena Sport. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  20. ^ "OFICIAL Daniel Bîrligea, prezentat la FCSB! Ce număr va purta atacantul" [OFFICIAL Daniel Bîrligea, unveiled by FCSB! What number will the striker wear?] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  21. ^ "EXCLUSIV Bîrligea, debut ratat la FCSB! L-a umilit Gigi Becali sau a fost schimbare tactică? A dat verdictul la GSP Live: "Altă soluție nu are!"" [EXCLUSIVE Bîrligea, awful debut for FCSB! Did Gigi Becali humiliate him or was it a tactical substitution? He offered the conclusion for GSP Live: "He has no other option!"] (in Romanian). Gazeta Sporturilor. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  22. ^ "FCSB 4–1 RFS". UEFA.com. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  23. ^ "PAOK 0–1 FCSB". UEFA.com. 3 October 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  24. ^ "FOTO Gol de 10 în derby! Bîrligea, "foarfecă" sub privirile lui Mircea Lucescu" [PHOTO Grade 10 goal in the derby! Bîrligea, "scissor kick" under the eyes of Mircea Lucescu] (in Romanian). Gazeta Sporturilor. 20 October 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  25. ^ "FOTO Comeback de senzație pe "Arcul de Triumf"! România U21 învinge pe final Finlanda U21: Miculescu, MVP!" [PHOTO Sensational comeback on the "Arcul de Triumf"! Romania U21 defeats Finland U21 in the late moments: Miculescu, MVP!]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 25 March 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  26. ^ "U21 la EURO 2023 | VIDEO: Ei sunt ROMÂNIA U21 pentru Campionatul European!" [U21 at EURO 2023 | VIDEO: They are ROMANIA U21 for the European Championship!] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  27. ^ "Lotul României pentru partidele cu Israel și Kosovo din preliminariile EURO 2024" [Romania's squad for the EURO 2024 qualifying matches with Israel and Kosovo] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  28. ^ "Lotul României pentru EURO 2024" [Romania's squad for EURO 2024] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  29. ^ "Daniel Bîrligea a avut nevoie de doar 65 de secunde să înscrie! Primul gol la națională pentru atacantul de la FCSB" [Daniel Bîrligea only needed 65 seconds to score! The first national team goal for the FCSB striker] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 18 November 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  30. ^ "Cornel Dinu crede că Lucescu se gândește la convocarea lui Bîrligea. "E peste Alibec, care are kilograme în plus"" [Cornel Dinu believes that Lucescu is thinking about calling up Bîrligea. "He's better than Alibec, who has extra kilograms"] (in Romanian). Fanatik.ro. 25 October 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  31. ^ "Cuplul N&D, verdict în disputa "Cine e mai bun între Louis Munteanu și Bîrligea?" » Niculescu și Dănciulescu au dat note și au același preferat: "Pariez pe 18 goluri"" [EXCLUSIVE The N&D duo, opinion on the dispute "Who is better between Louis Munteanu and Bîrligea?" » Niculescu and Dănciulescu gave marks and they have the same favourite: "I bet on 18 goals"] (in Romanian). Gazeta Sporturilor. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  32. ^ "Louis Munteanu sau Bîrligea? Adi Mutu a rezolvat polemica și a ales plusurile fiecăruia dintre cei doi atacanți" [Louis Munteanu or Bîrligea? Adi Mutu solved the dispute and named the qualities of each of the two attackers] (in Romanian). Fanatik.ro. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  33. ^ Daniel Bîrligea at Soccerway. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  34. ^ "Daniel Birligea » Club matches". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  35. ^ a b "Daniel Bîrligea". European Football. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
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