Edward Iordănescu (born 16 June 1978), sometimes known as Iordănescu Jr., is a Romanian former footballer, who played as a midfielder, and the current manager of the Romania national team.
He represented nine teams during a rather uneventful playing career, including stints abroad with Panionios and Alki Larnaca.
He started his coaching career at FCSB.
Iordănescu has found more success after his retirement as a player, earning a reputation in his country of being a studious manager who prepares matches in great detail.
During his two stints at CFR Cluj he guided the team to three domestic trophies, and in 2022 was appointed at the helm of the Romania national team, subsequently leading them to qualification for UEFA Euro 2024.
1984
Iordănescu's connection with Steaua București began in early 1984, at the age of six.
His father Anghel Iordănescu, who was an assistant coach at the time, took him along with him to attend games at the Ghencea Stadium.
He sat next to Alin Stoica, also the son of a club legend, and they began playing together during warm ups and half-time breaks.
1996
After playing for Steaua's youth teams, Iordănescu was promoted to the first team in 1996 along with Stoica.
1997
He failed to impose himself at the Roș-albaștrii and left for Sportul Studențesc in 1997.
Iordănescu spent the rest of his career with several teams in Romania—Unirea Focșani, Rapid București, Rocar București, Petrolul Ploiești and Vaslui.
He also had spells abroad in Greece and Cyprus with Panionios and Alki Larnaca, respectively.
2004
Iordănescu retired from playing football in 2004, in order to begin his managerial studies.
He took courses in Italy, Spain and England.
2005
Iordănescu dated Romanian singer-songwriter Delia Matache from 2005 to 2006.
He is now married to a woman with whom he has three children.
Steaua București
Petrolul Ploiești
Pandurii Târgu Jiu
CFR Cluj
Individual
2010
In 2010, after Ilie Dumitrescu announced his resignation from his role as Steaua București manager, Iordănescu took over as interim coach.
2013
On 20 June 2013, Iordănescu signed a contract with Liga II side ASA Târgu Mureș with the clear target to promote to Liga I.
In October 2013, he resigned.
2014
In December 2014, Iordănescu was named head coach of Pandurii Târgu Jiu.
He guided his side to the final of the 2014–15 Cupa Ligii competition.
2016
On 24 August 2016, Iordănescu was unveiled as the new head coach of Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia.
Polish side Lech Poznań were also interested in hiring Iordănescu.
On 27 November 2016, following a 1–1 home draw against Vereya, he resigned from his duties.
2017
On 8 June 2017, he was appointed manager of Liga I club Astra Giurgiu.
2018
On 2 April 2018, his contract with the club was terminated after a mutual agreement.
On 13 June 2018, Iordănescu signed a three-year deal with CFR Cluj, replacing Dan Petrescu who left for Guizhou Hengfeng.
He won his first trophy as a manager on 15 July, as his new side defeated Universitatea Craiova 1–0 in the Supercupa României.
On 12 September 2021, Iordănescu coaching FCSB, managed the biggest score victory in the history of the Eternal derby, 6–0.
On 25 January 2022, Iordănescu was appointed as the new manager of the Romania national football team.
On 18 November 2023, after a win against Israel, the national team led by Iordănescu qualified for the UEFA Euro 2024.
