Steaua Bucharest hero Helmuth Duckadam has died, his former club have confirmed.
The Romanian keeper became known as the Hero of Seville after saving four penalties in their 1986 European Cup final shootout win over Barcelona – considered one of the greatest days in the club’s history. And he played a vital role during normal time as Steaua held a Barcelona side containing Scotland international Steve Archibald. It was the first European Cup final to finish goalless and, despite missing their first two penalties, the Romanian side won the shootout 2-0 thanks to Duckadam’s heroics – as he saved all four of the Catalan club’s efforts from the spot.
In a statement, Steaua, now known as FCSB said: “FCSB expresses the regret of all players and employees of the club for the loss of the legendary Helmut Duckadam, who passed away today. Our club offers condolences to the grieving family.” His heroics in the European Cup final at the age of 27 came in his last game at the top level as his career was interrupted shortly after due to a rare blood disorder – which forced him to take a three-year break from the game before he hung up his gloves in 1991.
Following the news breaking, tributes on social media were paid to Duckadam – who made two appearances for Romania in his career and finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings in the year of his cup final heroics. A statement from UEFA said: “The European football community mourns the loss of Helmuth Duckadam at the age of 65. The legendary goalkeeper won the European Cup with Steaua Bucharest in 1986, saving all four penalties in the shoot-out. Rest in peace, Helmuth.”
A post from Romania’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MAE) said: “Helmut Duckadam, Hero of Seville, wrote history for Romania and world football. He remains in the hearts of Romanians for his performance in the final with FC Barcelona in 1986. In these difficult moments, the MAE sends its condolences.”