Editing Gheorghe Hagi (section)

==Club career==
===FC Constanța===
{{Quote box|
 width=20%
|align=left
|quote="I knew he would soon be one of the best players in the world. He could do everything with the ball. To watch him was like watching a fairytale."
|source=–[[Iosif Bükössy]], Hagi's first coach<ref name="icon"/>}}
Hagi started his career playing for the youth teams of [[SSC Farul Constanța|FC Constanța]] under the guidance of coach [[Iosif Bükössy]] in 1978.<ref name=RS>{{RomanianSoccer|858/gheorghe-hagi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://romanialibera.ro/sport/sporturi/a-decedat-iosif-bukossy--antrenorul-care-l-a-descoperit-pe-hagi--2292 | title=A decedat Iosif Bukossy, antrenorul care l-a descoperit pe Hagi| publisher=Romanialibera.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Joseph Bukossy, the coach who discovered Hagi, died| date=1 November 2006| access-date=23 November 2021}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/iosif-bukossy-cel-mai-bun-antrenor-pentru-hagi-217455.html | title=Iosif Bukossy, cel mai bun antrenor, pentru Hagi| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Joseph Bukossy, the best coach, for Hagi| date=11 May 2007| access-date=23 November 2021}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.9am.ro/stiri-revista-presei/Sport/46954/Hagi-cutremurat-de-decesul-lui-Bukossy.html | title=Hagi, cutremurat de decesul lui Bukossy| publisher=9am.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, shaken by Bukossy's death| date=1 November 2006| access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref> He was selected by the [[Romanian Football Federation]] to join the squad of Luceafărul București in 1980, where he remained for two years.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/7-imagini-in-premiera-cu-hagi-din-perioada-luceafarul-si-de-la-selectii-ipostaze-spectaculoase-cu-regele-din-anii-tineretii-foto-si-video-exclusiv-19639515 | title=7 imagini în premieră cu Hagi din perioada "Luceafărul" și de la selecții. Ipostaze spectaculoase cu "Regele" din anii tinereții| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=7 premiere images with Hagi from the "Luceafărul" period and from the selections. Spectacular poses with the "King" from his youth| date=20 April 2023| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In 1982, he returned to FC Constanța, making his [[Liga I|Divizia A]] debut on 11 September at age 17, being a starter under coach [[Emanoil Hașoti]] in a 3–0 away loss in front of [[FCM Bacău|SC Bacău]].<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/gica-hagi-debuta-in-liga-1-acum-39-de-ani-tupeul-sau-in-joc-era-extraordinar-641523.html | title=Gică Hagi debuta în Liga 1 acum 39 de ani: "Nu aveai cum să nu-l simpatizezi. Tupeul său în joc era extraordinar"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi made his debut in Liga 1 39 years ago: "You couldn't help but sympathize with him. His ability in the game was extraordinary"| date=11 September 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/11-septembrie-2024-gheorghe-hagi-42-de-ani-de-la-debutul-pentru-fc-constanta-in-divizia-a-870486.html | title=11 septembrie 2024. Gheorghe Hagi, 42 de ani de la debutul pentru FC Constanța în Divizia A| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=September 11, 2024. Gheorghe Hagi, 42 years since his debut for FC Constanța in Division A| date=11 September 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> On 6 November he scored his first goal when he defeated goalkeeper [[Vasile Iordache]] with a 35-meters shot, closing the score in the 2–2 with [[FCSB|Steaua București]].<ref name=ziua>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/s-au-scurs-38-de-ani-de-la-primul-gol-al-lui-gica-hagi-in-divizia-a-reusita-de-poveste-contra-stelei-733052.html | title=S-au scurs 38 de ani de la primul gol al lui Gică Hagi în Divizia A. Reușită de poveste, contra Stelei!| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=It's been 38 years since Gică Hagi's first goal in Divizia A. A great success, against Steaua!| date=11 November 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=ziua2>{{cite web | url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/sport/acum-39-de-ani-zi-de-neuitat-pentru-gica-hagi-primul-sau-gol-in-divizia-a-la-17-ani-intr-un-meci-cu-steaua-o-super-reusita-763210.html | title=Zi de neuitat pentru Gică Hagi. Primul său gol în Divizia A, la 17 ani, într-un meci cu Steaua. O super reușită!| publisher=Ziuaconstanta.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Unforgettable day for Gica Hagi. His first goal in Divizia A, at 17, in a match with Steaua. A super success!| date=10 November 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=GSP>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/publicitate/primul-gol-prima-perla-a-lui-gica-hagi-constanta-steaua-670966.html | title=Primul gol, prima perlă a lui Hagi: "Dribla extraordinar, avea o «explozie» cum rar vezi în lume"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The first goal, the first pearl of Hagi: "He dribbled extraordinary, he had an "explosion" that you rarely see in the world"| date=5 August 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the ''Sportul'' newspaper, the chronicle of the match was signed by Stelian Trandafirescu, under the title "A junior (Hagi) stops the Bucharest team!" in which the journalist described the goal as:"Hagi scored sensationally (what an effective shot!), from distance".<ref name=ziua/><ref name=ziua2/> Until the end of the [[1982–83 Divizia A|season]] he would score six more goals, including two doubles against [[FCM Târgoviște|CS Târgoviște]] and [[FC Politehnica Timișoara|Politehnica Timișoara]], however the team finished on the last place, relegating to [[Liga II|Divizia B]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=ziua/><ref name=GSP/>

===Sportul Studențesc===
He was originally directed to [[CS Universitatea Craiova|Universitatea Craiova]], but chose [[FC Sportul Studențesc București|Sportul Studențesc]] of [[Bucharest]] instead where he would form a successful offensive couple with [[Marcel Coraș]].<ref name="icon"/><ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/marcel-coras-interviu-jocuri-de-culise-fotbalul-romanesc-671660.html | title=Interviu rar cu legendarul Marcel Coraș: "Nu știu dacă am fost leneș, delăsător, dar m-am mulțumit cu puțin". Povești incredibile despre jocurile de culise din fotbalul românesc| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Rare interview with the legendary Marcel Coraș: "I don't know if I was lazy, careless, but I was satisfied with a little". Incredible stories about the behind-the-scenes games in Romanian football| date=12 August 2022| access-date=20 February 2025}}</ref> The highlights of his years with Sportul were becoming the top-scorer of the league for two consecutive seasons, in the first one with 20 goals scored, then in the second with 31 which include six in a 7–5 win over [[FC Olt Scornicești|Olt Scornicești]] in the last round, at both times having a hard competition with [[FCSB|Steaua]]'s [[Victor Pițurcă]], also those 31 goals scored in the [[1985–86 Divizia A|1985–86]] season, helped the team finish runner-up in the league.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/craiova-viitorul-victor-piturca-doi-ani-in-spatele-lui-gica-hagi-cum-au-aratat-duelurile-pentru-titul-de-golgeter-dintre-cei-doi-578755.html| title=CRAIOVA - VIITORUL. Victor Pițurcă, doi ani în spatele lui Gică Hagi! Cum au arătat duelurile pentru titul de golgeter dintre cei doi| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Craiova – The Future. Victor Pițurcă, two years behind Gică Hagi! How the duels for the top scorer title between the two looked| date=30 September 2019 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.ultimafaza.ro/top-3-golgheterii-campionatului-romaniei-din-anii-80/| title=TOP 3 – Golgheterii campionatului Romaniei din Anii '80| publisher=Ultimafaza.ro| language=ro |trans-title=TOP 3 – Top scorers of the Romanian championship in the 80s| date= 10 February 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/topscorers.shtml |title=Top Scorers |publisher=Romaniansoccer.ro |access-date=11 February 2025 |language=ro}}</ref> During his period spent with ''The Students'', Hagi started playing in European competitions, making 10 appearances with four goals scored in the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] over the course of four seasons, most notably playing in a historical 1–0 victory against [[Inter Milan]] from the first round of the [[1984–85 UEFA Cup|1984–85]] season, then in the same round from the [[1985–86 UEFA Cup|following edition]] he scored a [[hat-trick]] in a 4–4 with [[Neuchâtel Xamax FCS|Neuchâtel Xamax]], however on both occasions the team did not manage to qualify further, losing on the aggregate result.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/diverse/retro-gsp-video-foto-35-de-ani-de-la-cea-mai-glorioasa-victorie-a-sportului-1-0-cu-legendara-inter-577837.html| title=35 de ani de la cea mai glorioasă victorie a Sportului: 1-0 cu legendara Inter| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=35 years since the most glorious victory of Sportul: 1-0 with the legendary Inter| date=20 September 2019 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/hagi-si-a-luat-revansa-cu-neuchatel-121859| title=Hagi si-a luat revansa cu Neuchatel| publisher=Libertatea.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi took his revenge with Neuchatel| date=26 January 2006 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/uefa-cup-1984-1985/sportul-studenesc/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1984/1985|access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/uefa-cup-1985-1986/sportul-studenesc/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1985/1986|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Steaua București===
In late 1986, Hagi transferred to [[FCSB|Steaua București]] as the team prepared for the [[UEFA Super Cup|European Super Cup]] final against [[FC Dynamo Kyiv|Dynamo Kyiv]].<ref name="icon"/> The original contract was for a one-game loan only, the [[1986 European Super Cup|final]].<ref name="icon"/> However, after winning the final, in which Hagi scored the only goal of the match from a free kick, Steaua did not want to release him back to Sportul Studențesc and retained him.<ref name="icon"/><ref name=GSP2>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/hagi-in-cupele-europene-de-la-sportul-la-victoria-in-finala-cupei-uefa-175080.html | title=Hagi în cupele europene! De la Sportul la victoria în finala Cupei UEFA!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi in the European cups! From Sportul to victory in the UEFA Cup final!| date=5 February 2010 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/steaua-romania-bright-star-1072307 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808200423/https://www.fifa.com/news/steaua-romania-bright-star-1072307 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2019 |title=Steaua, Romania's bright star |publisher=FIFA.com |date=19 June 2009 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}<br>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/supercup/history/season=1986/intro.html |title=Hagi style stirs Steaua |publisher=[[UEFA]] |access-date=14 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331172400/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/SuperCup/history/Season%3D1986/intro.html |archive-date=31 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> By the end of his first season he helped ''The Military Men'' win [[Double (association football)|The Double]], coach [[Anghel Iordănescu]] giving him 14 league appearances in which he scored 10 goals, also appearing the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 victory from the [[1987 Cupa României final|Cupa României final]] over [[Eternal derby (Romania)|rivals]] [[FC Dinamo Bucureşti|Dinamo București]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=RSC>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/champions.shtml|title=Romania National Champions |publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1986_1987.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1986–1987|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> 

In the [[1987–88 Divizia A|next season]], Hagi was used by Iordănescu in 31 league games in which he scored 25 goals which helped the club win another title, and made another continental performance as they reached the semi-finals of the [[European Cup 1987–88|European Cup]] where they lost in favor of [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]], Hagi contributing with two doubles scored against [[MTK Budapest FC|MTK Budapest]] and [[AC Omonia|Omonia Nicosia]] in the eight matches played, being the competition's top-scorer alongside six other players.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name=RSC/><ref name="Champions Cup/Champions League Topscorers">{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec1tops.html |title=Champions Cup/Champions League Topscorers |first1=Roberto |last1=Di Maggio |first2=Roberto |last2=Mamrud |first3=Davide |last3=Rota |first4=Jarek |last4=Owsianski |date=8 June 2017 |website=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=2 November 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/meciul-de-aur-al-generatiei-de-la-sevilla-cum-a-ratat-steaua-finala-suprema-cu-real-madrid-gica-popescu.html| title=Meciul DE AUR al generatiei de la Sevilla! Cum a ratat Steaua finala SUPREMA cu Real Madrid. Gica Popescu a ucis visul| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The GOLDEN match of the generation from Sevilla! How Steaua missed the SUPREMA final with Real Madrid. Gica Popescu killed the dream| date=6 April 2011| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/liga-campionilor/gica-hagi-singurul-roman-din-istoria-ligii-campionilor-care-a-fost-golgheter-intr-un-sezon-12645060| title=Gică Hagi, singurul român din istoria Ligii Campionilor care a fost golgheter într-un sezon| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, the only Romanian in the history of the Champions League who was the top scorer in one season| date=22 May 2014| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/champions-league-1987-1988/fcsb/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Champions League 1987/1988|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> 

In the [[1988–89 Divizia A|1988–89]] season, the team won another Double, Hagi managing to score 31 goals in the 30 league matches he was played by Iordănescu, also scoring the only goal in another 1–0 victory in the [[1989 Cupa României final|Cupa României final]] over Dinamo and made another European performance by playing nine games in the [[European Cup 1988–89|European Cup]] campaign, including all the minutes from the 4–0 loss in front of [[AC Milan]] from the [[1989 European Cup final|final]], scoring three goals against [[AC Sparta Prague|Spartak Prague]], two with [[FC Spartak Moscow|Spartak Moscow]] and one in the semi-finals against [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name=RSC/><ref name=GSP3>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/ideile-gazetei/istoria-la-raport-steaua-ac-milan-liga-campionilor-finala-664540.html| title=Episodul 5: Finala Cupei Campionilor 1989. Steaua a driblat mai mult la 0-4 cu AC Milan, dar a făcut doar 10 faulturi și a fost ucisă pe contraatac!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Episode 5: Champions Cup Final 1989. The star dribbled more at 0-4 with AC Milan, but only committed 10 fouls and was killed on the counter-attack!| date=24 May 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1988_1989.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1988–1989|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/champions-league-1988-1989/fcsb/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Champions League 1988/1989|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In addition to his goal scored in the Cupa României final, he also scored four league goals in the derby with Dinamo which helped his side earn one victory and two draws.<ref name=GSP4>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/retro-gsp-30-de-ani-de-la-ultimul-gol-al-lui-hagi-pentru-steaua-597903.html| title=RETRO GSP. 30 de ani de la ultimul gol al lui Hagi pentru Steaua. Strania coincidență care îl leagă de roș-albaștri| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=RETRO GSP. 30 years since Hagi's last goal for Steaua. The strange coincidence that links him to the red-blues| date=6 May 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68377/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1987-88.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1987–88|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68378/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1988-89.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1988–89|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/68379/dinamo-bucuresti-in-1989-90.htm|title=Dinamo Bucuresti in 1989–90|publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> On 6 May 1990, Hagi made his last appearance for Steaua, a Divizia A match in which he scored once in the 4–0 over [[FC Corvinul Hunedoara|Corvinul Hunedoara]], having a total of 222 matches with 141 goals scored in the competition, also in December 1988 he netted five goals against the same opponent in a 11–0 win which is the biggest goal difference victory for Steaua in its first division history.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP4/>

His strong performances had him linked with [[Arrigo Sacchi]]'s AC Milan, fellow Serie A club [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], and German side [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]], but [[Nicolae Ceaușescu]]'s [[Socialist Republic of Romania|communist government]] rejected any offer.<ref name="icon"/>

===Real Madrid===
After impressing at the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 World Cup]], Hagi was signed on 27 June that same year by Spanish club [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] who paid a sum estimated by the press in between 3.5 – 4.3 million$ to Steaua in order to acquire him.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="LATimes-1994FWC">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-19-sp-6064-story.html |title=WORLD CUP USA '94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Hagi: A Romanian Version of Gretzky : Group A: Soccer star sparks his team just like the hockey player, only with a few more rough edges. |work=Los Angeles Times|last1=Dwyre |first1=Bill|date=19 June 1994 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref><ref name=sport>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/cat-ar-fi-costat-astazi-trasferurile-lui-gica-hagi-la-real-madrid-brescia-barcelona-si-galatasaray.html| title=Cât ar fi costat astăzi transferurile lui Gică Hagi la Real Madrid, Brescia, Barcelona și Galatasaray| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=How much would Gică Hagi's transfers to Real Madrid, Brescia, Barcelona and Galatasaray cost today?| date=5 February 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1990/06/28/MD19900628-024.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810061112/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1990/06/28/MD19900628-024.pdf |archive-date=2016-08-10 |url-status=live |title=Hagi firmò el Blanco |work=El Mundo Deportivo |page=24 |language=es |date=28 June 1990 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref> He made his [[La Liga]] debut on 1 September, being used all the minutes by coach [[John Toshack]] in a 1–0 home win against [[CD Castellón|Castellón]] which was the club's 1000th victory in the competition.<ref name=WF>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/esp-primera-division-1990-1991/real-madrid/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Primera División 1990/1991 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/primera-division-1990-1991-real-madrid-cd-castellon/|title=Real Madrid - CD Castellón 1:0 |access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://welovesport.ro/stiri/fotbal-vintage-hagi-a-debutat-la-real-in-victoria-1000-din-istoria-clubului-30160| title=Hagi a debutat la Real în victoria 1000 din istoria clubului| publisher=Welovesport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi debuted at Real in the 1000th victory in the club's history| date=5 February 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> On 21 September he netted his first goal by closing the score in a 3–1 away victory with [[Real Zaragoza]].<ref name=WF/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/primera-division-1990-1991-real-zaragoza-real-madrid/|title=Real Zaragoza - Real Madrid 1:3 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> During his first season, Toshack got replaced with [[Alfredo Di Stéfano]] and under his command he managed to win the [[1990 Supercopa de España|Supercopa de España]], playing in the final minutes of the 1–0 win from the first leg with [[El Clásico|rivals]] [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], being unable to play in the second because of an injury.<ref name=GSP5>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/27-iunie-prima-ultima-zi-hagi-real-667550.html| title=27 iunie, prima și ultima zi a lui Hagi la Real. "Niciodată nu trebuia să plec de la Madrid! Mă adaptasem foarte bine, dădusem multe goluri, dar..."| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=June 27, Hagi's first and last day at Real. "I should never have left Madrid! I had adapted very well, scored many goals, but..."| date=27 June 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref name=fanatik>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/trei-fotbalisti-romani-au-castigat-supercupa-spaniei-gica-hagi-dublu-succes-iberic-gica-popescu-capitanul-care-a-ridicat-trofeul-si-adi-ilie-ultimul-care-a-triumfat-19138674| title=Trei fotbaliști români au câștigat Supercupa Spaniei! Gică Hagi – dublu succes iberic, Gică Popescu – căpitanul care a ridicat trofeul şi Adi Ilie – ultimul care a triumfat| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Three Romanian footballers won the Spanish Supercup! Gică Hagi – double Iberian success, Gică Popescu – the captain who lifted the trophy and Adi Ilie – the last to triumph| date=12 January 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/34-de-ani-de-la-singurul-trofeu-castigat-de-hagi-cu-real-madrid-ghinionul-regelui-in-dubla-in-care-galacticii-si-au-demolat-rivala-istorica-20930366| title=34 de ani de la singurul trofeu câștigat de Hagi cu Real Madrid. Ghinionul Regelui în dubla în care "galacticii" și-au demolat rivala istorică| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=34 years since the only trophy won by Hagi with Real Madrid. The bad luck of the King in the double in which the "galacticos" demolished their historical rival| date=12 December 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

In the [[1991–92 La Liga|following season]] under the guidance of [[Radomir Antić]], Hagi scored more often, most notably managing a hat-trick in a 5–0 home win over [[Athletic Bilbao]] and a double in another victory with [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]], one of the goals being scored from a [[Knuckleball#Association football|folha seca]] from the center of the field.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=GSP5/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="treccani"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/04/historic-goals-hagi |title=Hagi style stirs Steaua |publisher=Real Madrid |date=17 April 2018 |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711153303/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2018/04/historic-goals-hagi |archive-date=11 July 2018 }}</ref> In 2013, the ''[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]'' newspaper organized a poll for the most beautiful long-distance goal in Real Madrid's history and Hagi's folha seca with Osasuna came on the first place.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/campionate/video-hagi-cel-mai-frumos-gol-romanii-au-invadat-site-ul-marca-pentru-a-l-vota-pe-rege-391939.html| title=Hagi, cel mai frumos gol! Românii au invadat site-ul Marca pentru a-l vota pe Rege| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, the most beautiful goal! Romanians invaded the Marca website to vote for The King| date=27 February 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://jurnalul.ro/sport/gol-hagi-mijlocul-terenului-osasuna-637970.html| title=Golul lui Hagi de la mijlocul terenului, votat cel mai spectaculos de cititorii cotidianului spaniol Marca| publisher=Jurnalul.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's goal from midfield, voted the most spectacular by the readers of the Spanish daily Marca| date=28 February 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.b1tv.ro/sport/golul-lui-gica-hagi-inscris-de-la-mijlocul-terenului-votat-cel-mai-spectaculos-de-catre-cititorii-cotidianului-marca-video-50935.html| title=Golul lui Gică Hagi înscris de la mijlocul terenului, votat cel mai spectaculos de către cititorii cotidianului Marca (Video)| publisher=B1tv.ro.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi's goal scored from midfield, voted the most spectacular by the readers of the daily Marca (VIDEO)| date=1 March 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He also helped ''Los Blancos'' reach the [[1991–92 UEFA Cup]] semi-finals, making 10 appearances in the campaign, scoring against [[FC Utrecht]], [[Neuchâtel Xamax FCS|Neuchâtel Xamax]] and in the lost semi-final with [[Torino FC|Torino]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=GSP5/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/uefa-cup-1991-1992/real-madrid/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1991/1992 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> With one round before the end of the season, Real was on first place, needing a victory against [[CD Tenerife|Tenerife]] to win the title but after leading 2–0 at half-time with one goal netted by Hagi, they ended up losing 3–2 and Barcelona won the championship.<ref name=GSP5/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://theplaymaker.ro/insula-blestemata-cum-a-pierdut-real-madrid-doua-titluri-consecutive-la-tenerife-la-inceputul-anilor-90/4526/| title="Insula Blestemată": cum a pierdut Real Madrid două titluri consecutive la Tenerife, la începutul anilor '90| publisher=Theplaymaker.ro| language=ro |trans-title='Cursed Island': How Real Madrid lost two consecutive titles in Tenerife in the early 90s| date=18 February 2019| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> The team would eventually also lose the [[1992 Copa del Rey final|Copa del Rey final]] with 2–0 in a [[Madrid derby|derby]] with [[Atlético Madrid]] in which coach [[Leo Beenhakker]] used Hagi as a starter.<ref name=GSP5/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/copa-del-rey-1991-1992-finale-atletico-madrid-real-madrid/|title=Copa del Rey 1991/1992. Final. Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid 2:0 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Brescia===
In 1992 he was transferred for 8 billion lira (2.4 million$) by [[Mircea Lucescu]]'s "[[Brescia Calcio|Brescia]] Romena" as during around that period his fellow Romanians [[Florin Răducioiu]], [[Ioan Sabău]], [[Dorin Mateuț]] and [[Dănuț Lupu]] also played for the club.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=sport/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="via Serie B">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2016/sep/15/gheorghe-hagi-real-madrid-barcelona-brescia |title=How Gheorghe Hagi went from Real Madrid to Barcelona ... via Serie B |work=The Guardian |last1=Hall |first1=Richard |date=15 September 2016 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref><ref name=fanatik2>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/top-10-cei-mai-scumpi-fotbalisti-din-generatia-de-aur-in-banii-din-prezent-cat-ar-costa-acum-transferul-lui-hagi-la-barcelona-mutu-si-chivu-lideri-dupa-2000-19185793| title=Top 10 cei mai scumpi fotbaliști din "Generația de Aur", în banii din prezent! Cât ar costa acum transferul lui Hagi la Barcelona + Mutu și Chivu, lideri după 2000| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Top 10 most expensive footballers from the "Golden Generation", in today's money! How much would Hagi's transfer to Barcelona cost now + Mutu and Chivu, leaders after 2000| date=21 April 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://cultofcalcio.com/mircea-lucescu-brescia-romena/ | title=Mircea Lucescu and The Tale of The "Brescia Romena"| publisher=Cultofcalcio.com| language=ro | date=31 March 2020 | access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://onromanianfootball.medium.com/brescia-romena-159163ca5a02 | title=Brescia Romena| publisher=Onromanianfootball.medium.com| language=ro| date=4 September 2021 | access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He made his [[Serie A]] debut on 5 September 1992 in a 0–0 with [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]] in which he received a red card, one month later scoring his first goal in a 4–1 home win against [[Calcio Foggia 1920|Foggia]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/ita-serie-a-1992-1993/brescia-calcio/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Serie A 1992/1993|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> At the end of his [[1992–93 Serie A|first season]], the team was relegated to [[Serie B]].<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="via Serie B"/> After the relegation, Hagi was wanted by Napoli who needed a replacement for [[Diego Maradona]] but Brescia denied his transfer.<ref name=fanatik3>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/brazilianul-din-carpati-aproape-sa-joace-in-tara-lui-pele-hagi-putea-sa-ii-ia-locul-lui-maradona-la-napoli-21011086| title=Brazilianul din Carpați, aproape să joace în țara lui Pele! Hagi putea să îi ia locul lui Maradona la Napoli| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The Brazilian from the Carpathians, almost to play in Pele's country! Hagi could take Maradona's place in Napoli| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/gica-hagi-prima-reactie-despre-oferta-fabuloasa-pe-care-a-primit-o-de-la-napoli-a-trebuit-sa-fac-asta-va-dati-seama-ce-a-fost-pentru-mine-atunci-19889787| title=Gică Hagi, prima reacție despre oferta fabuloasă pe care a primit-o de la Napoli! "A trebuit să fac asta! Vă dați seama ce a fost pentru mine atunci?"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, the first reaction about the fabulous offer he received from Napoli! "I had to do it! Do you realize what it was for me then?"| date=9 May 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/gica-hagi-prima-reactie-despre-oferta-fabuloasa-pe-care-a-primit-o-de-la-napoli-a-trebuit-sa-fac-asta-va-dati-seama-ce-a-fost-pentru-mine-atunci-19889787| title=Gică Hagi, prima reacție despre oferta fabuloasă pe care a primit-o de la Napoli! "A trebuit să fac asta! Vă dați seama ce a fost pentru mine atunci?"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi, the first reaction about the fabulous offer he received from Napoli! "I had to do it! Do you realize what it was for me then?"| date=9 May 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/cum-a-ratat-gica-hagi-sansa-de-a-fi-urmasul-lui-maradona-la-napoli-am-fost-suparat-pe-nea-mircea-21014434| title=Cum a ratat Gică Hagi șansa de a fi urmașul lui Maradona la Napoli: "Am fost supărat pe nea Mircea"| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=How Gică Hagi missed the chance to be Maradona's successor in Naples: "I was angry with nea Mircea"| date=7 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

In his second season with Brescia, he helped them win the [[1993–94 Anglo-Italian Cup|Anglo-Italian Cup]], after defeating [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] 1–0 in the final at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]] and also they finished third in [[1993–94 Serie B|Serie B]] and earned promotion back to Serie A.<ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="via Serie B"/> 

===Barcelona===
After performing memorably during the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]], Hagi returned to Spain, and was signed by [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] from Brescia for 3.2 million$ where he was coached by his childhood idol [[Johan Cruyff]].<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=sport/><ref name=fanatik2/><ref name="thesefootballtimes"/><ref name="Happy Birthday">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/news/happy-birthday-you-2274002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105144553/https://www.fifa.com/news/happy-birthday-you-2274002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2019 |title=Happy Birthday to you! |publisher=FIFA.com |date=2 February 2014 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/hagi-e-un-soc-cruyff-a-fost-cel-mai-bun-fotbalist-si-antrenor-un-idol-pentru-mine-219249| title=Hagi: "E un șoc! Cruyff a fost cel mai bun fotbalist și antrenor, un idol pentru mine"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi: "It's a shock! Cruyff was the best footballer and coach, an idol for me"| date=24 March 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/sport-life/special/omagiul-lui-hagi-pentru-idolul-cruyff-era-un-tip-fantastic-sunt-trist-si-socat-regele-despre-ce-a-invatat-de-la-legenda-olandeza-m-a-facut-sa-fiu-mai-bun-v-am-spus-intotdeauna-15146475| title=Omagiul lui Hagi pentru idolul Cruyff: "Era un tip fantastic. Sunt trist și șocat". "Regele", despre ce a învățat de la legenda olandeză: "M-a făcut să fiu mai bun. V-am spus întotdeauna…"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi's tribute to his idol Cruyff: "He was a fantastic guy. I'm sad and shocked." "The King" on what he learned from the Dutch legend: "He made me better. I always told you..."| date=24 March 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.marca.com/radio/2021/03/10/60487b21268e3ea64d8b45d8.html| title=Gica Hagi: "Me arrepiento al 100% de haberme ido del Real Madrid"| publisher=Marca.com| language=es |trans-title=Gica Hagi: "I 100% regret leaving Real Madrid"| date=10 March 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> His first performance was winning the [[1994 Supercopa de España|Supercopa de España]] in front of [[Real Zaragoza]] where in the first leg, [[Hristo Stoichkov]] opened the score after a free kick executed by him and defended by the goalkeeper, then in the second leg Hagi played in the first 10 minutes but was replaced after suffering an injury.<ref name=fanatik/><ref name="Happy Birthday"/> He made his league debut for ''Barça'' on 16 September 1994 in a goalless draw in the [[Derbi Barceloní|derby]] with [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]], then in the following round he netted a double in a 4–0 with [[SD Compostela|Compostela]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/clasament-gica-hagi-in-istoria-eleganta-a-1687481.html| title=Clasament: Gică Hagi, în istoria elegantă a Barcelonei! Companie selectă pentru cel mai bun fotbalist român| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Ranking: Gică Hagi, in the elegant history of Barcelona! Select company for the best Romanian footballer| date=13 February 2016| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/esp-primera-division-1994-1995/fc-barcelona/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. Primera División 1994/1995 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In December 1994 he scored from the center of the field a goal in an away victory with [[RC Celta de Vigo|Celta Vigo]] which in 2007 was nominated by the ''[[Mundo Deportivo]]'' newspaper for the most beautiful goal in Barcelona's history.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/barcelona/stiri-fc-barcelona/un-gol-al-lui-hagi-candideaza-la-titlul-de-cel-mai-frumos-gol-din-istoria-echipei-fc-barcelona-77677| title=Un gol al lui Hagi candideaza la titlul de cel mai frumos gol din istoria echipei FC Barcelona| publisher=Ziare.com| language=ro |trans-title=A goal by Hagi is a candidate for the title of the most beautiful goal in the history of the FC Barcelona team| date=29 March 2007| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/hagi-gol-pentru-istoria-barcelonei-1295127.html| title=Hagi, gol pentru istoria Barcelonei| publisher=Adevarul.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, goal for the history of Barcelona| date=30 March 2007| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

In the following season he was teammate with compatriot [[Gheorghe Popescu]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/2-fotbalisti-din-romania-au-jucat-la-barcelona-inaintea-lui-gica-popescu-si-gheorghe-hagi-povestea-lor-fascinanta-20872881| title=Doi fotbaliști din România au jucat la Barcelona înaintea lui Gică Popescu și Gheorghe Hagi. Povestea lor fascinantă| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Two footballers from Romania played in Barcelona before Gică Popescu and Gheorghe Hagi. Their fascinating story| date=26 October 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Hagi scored three goals in five matches from the [[1995–96 UEFA Cup]] campaign against [[Hapoel Be'er Sheva F.C.|Hapoel Be'er Sheva]], [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] and in the lost semi-final with [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/uefa-cup-1995-1996/fc-barcelona/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1995/1996 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Barcelona reached the [[1996 Copa del Rey final]] where they lost 1–0 after [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]] with [[Atlético Madrid]] in which Cruyff used Hagi all the minutes.<ref name=WF2>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/copa-del-rey-1995-1996-finale-atletico-madrid-fc-barcelona/|title=Copa del Rey 1995/1996. Final. Atlético Madrid - Barcelona 1:0 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

===Galatasaray===
{{Quote box|
 width=20%
|align=left
|quote="Hagi is like wine, the older it gets, the better it is."
|source=–[[Luis Fernández]], former French international<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/>}}
In 1996, 31-year-old Hagi signed for Turkish club [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]] who paid 3.5 million$ to Barcelona for his transfer, during this spell reuniting with [[Gheorghe Popescu|Popescu]], Romanians [[Adrian Ilie]] and [[Iulian Filipescu]] also being at the club.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=sport/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/25-de-ani-cu-romani-la-galatasaray-655872.html| title=Care e bilanțul celor 25 de ani cu jucători români la Galatasaray? Doi "regi", doi buni și 10 eșecuri!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=What is the balance of the 25 years with Romanian players at Galatasaray? Two "kings", two good ones and 10 failures | date=25 February 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gds.ro/Sport/2003-12-01/Trei-fotbalisti-romani-au-fost-titulari-la-Galatasaray/| title=Trei fotbalisti romani au fost titulari la Galatasaray| publisher=Gds.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Three Romanian footballers were starters at Galatasaray | date=1 December 2003| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.primasport.ro/hagi-adi-ilie-si-mai-cine-13-romani-au-jucat-la-galatasaray-19271039| title=Hagi, Adi Ilie şi mai cine? 13 români au jucat la Galatasaray| publisher=Primasport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, Adi Ilie and who else? 13 Romanians played at Galatasaray | date=12 February 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He had been the subject of a competing transfer offer from [[São Paulo FC|São Paulo]].<ref name=fanatik3/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/1996/3/20/esporte/16.html| title=Time faz proposta pelo meia romeno Hagi| publisher=Folha.uol.com.br| language=ro |trans-title=Team makes offer for Romanian midfielder Hagi| date=20 March 1996| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> He made his [[Süper Lig|Turkish league]] debut on 9 August under coach [[Fatih Terim]], scoring a brace in a 4–0 with [[Vanspor]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/stranieri/10-08-1996-ziua-cand-gica-hagi-marca-doua-goluri-la-debutul-pentru-galatasaray-restul-e-istorie.html| title=10.08.1996, ziua când Gică Hagi marca două goluri la debutul pentru Galatasaray! Restul e istorie | publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=10.08.1996, the day when Gică Hagi scored two goals on his debut for Galatasaray! The rest is history| date=10 August 2022| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/sueperlig-1996-1997-vanspor-as-galatasaray/|title=Vanspor AS - Galatasaray 1:2|access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Although in the twilight of his career, at Galatasaray, he was extremely successful and became highly popular among the Turkish supporters, due to his excellent performances for the club as in his first four seasons, domestically he won four league titles, two [[Turkish Cup]]s and two [[Turkish Super Cup]]s.<ref name="Romania and Gala’s commander and king"/><ref name=RS/> His highest success was when at age 35 he [[Captain (association football)|captained]] the club to win the [[1999–2000 UEFA Cup]], scoring two goals in the campaign against [[Borussia Dortmund]] and in the semi-finals with [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], defeating [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] on penalties in the [[2000 UEFA Cup Final|final]], following a 0–0 draw and during the match, Hagi was sent off in [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]] for punching Arsenal captain [[Tony Adams]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP2/><ref name="Galatasaray win historic UEFA Cup">{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0221-0e90c1e2d4d0-6b6135fa4c69-1000--snap-shot-galatasaray-win-historic-uefa-cup/ |title=Snap shot: Galatasaray win historic UEFA Cup |publisher=[[UEFA]] |last1=Tozar |first1=Türker |date=17 May 2015 |access-date=5 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/752751.stm|title=BBC News – FOOTBALL – Penalty heartbreak for Arsenal|website=news.bbc.co.uk}}<br>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/gheorghe-hagi/uefa-cup-1999-2000/galatasaray/3/|title=Gheorghe Hagi. UEFA Cup 1999/2000 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Consequently, Galatasaray became the first Turkish club to win a [[UEFA club competitions|UEFA club competition]] title.<ref name="Galatasaray win historic UEFA Cup"/> 

In June 2000, Romanian [[Mircea Lucescu]] replaced Fatih Terim at the ''[[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Cim Bom Bom]]'' side, together winning the [[2000 UEFA Super Cup]], after a 2–1 victory against [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]].<ref name=GSP2/><ref name=DIGI>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/champions-league/deja-vu-galata-cu-hagi-si-popescu-a-invins-de-doua-ori-realul-42505| title=Deja-vu: Galata, cu Hagi şi Popescu, a învins de două ori Realul| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Deja-vu: Galata, with Hagi and Popescu, defeated Real twice| date=15 March 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.playsport.ro/inspiratia-lui-gica-hagi-a-adus-supercupa-europei-la-istanbul-mircea-lucescu-n-a-avut-de-ales-hagi-mi-a-zis-sa-intru-21638| title=Inspirația lui Gică Hagi a adus Supercupa Europei la Istanbul! Mircea Lucescu n-a avut de ales: "Hagi mi-a zis să intru"| publisher=Playsport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi's inspiration brought the European Supercup to Istanbul! Mircea Lucescu had no choice: "Hagi told me to enter"| date=28 March 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> They also reached the quarter-finals of the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] during the [[2000–01 UEFA Champions League|2000–01 season]] where in the [[2000–01 UEFA Champions League first group stage|first group stage]], Hagi netted a goal with a spectacular long-distance shot in a win over [[AS Monaco FC|AS Monaco]], then in the [[2000–01 UEFA Champions League second group stage|second group stage]] he scored his last goal in an European competition following a deep launch from [[Capone (footballer)|Capone]], then succeeding a [[Chip (association football)|lob]] over goalkeeper [[Dida (footballer, born 1973)|Dida]] in a 2–0 with [[AC Milan]].<ref name=sport/><ref name=sport2>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/golul-din-champions-league-care-il-reprezinta-pe-gica-hagi-si-azi-regele-reusita-recunoscuta-dupa-un-sfert-de-secol.html| title=Golul din Champions League care îl reprezintă pe Gică Hagi și azi! "Regele", reușită recunoscută după un sfert de secol| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The Champions League goal that represents Gică Hagi even today! "The King", recognized success after a quarter of a century| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fanatik.ro/motivul-pentru-care-gica-hagi-a-vrut-in-mod-special-tricoul-unui-fotbalist-de-la-stelele-lumii-la-meciul-de-adio-al-generatiei-de-aur-20704077| title=Motivul pentru care Gică Hagi a vrut, în mod special, tricoul unui fotbalist de la Stelele Lumii, la meciul de adio al Generației de Aur| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The reason why Gică Hagi specifically wanted the jersey of a football player from Stelele Lumii, at the farewell match of the Golden Generation| date=28 May 2024| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In the quarter-finals they earned a 3–2 victory in the first leg against Real Madrid but lost with 3–0 in the second one.<ref name=DIGI/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/video-amintiri-dupa-12-ani-hagi-si-lucescu-s-au-certat-in-vestiar-dar-am-castigat-44902| title=Amintiri după 12 ani! "Hagi și Lucescu s-au certat în vestiar, dar am câștigat"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Memories after 12 years! "Hagi and Lucescu argued in the dressing room, but we won"| date=29 March 2013| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> In 2014, [[UEFA]] placed his goal with Monaco in a top 60 all-time best goals scored in European club and national teams competitions, while in 2020, the journalists of ''[[France Football]]'' ranked it on the 19th place of most beautiful goals scored in the Champions League.<ref name=sport/><ref name=sport2/><ref>{{cite news |title=Watch and rate 60 of the best goals of all time |url=https://www.uefa.com/60-years/ |access-date=11 February 2025 |publisher=[[UEFA]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715214829/https://www.uefa.com/60-years/ |archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0217-0e8b4e259ebe-5518e64fb5f8-1000--hagi-leads-way-in-vote-for-greatest-goal/| title=Hagi leads way in vote for greatest goal| publisher=[[UEFA]]| language=en| date=11 February 2025| access-date=25 September 2024}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/diverse/video-de-colectie-hagi-si-eric-intr-un-top-al-uefa-cu-cele-mai-tari-goluri-din-ultimii-60-de-ani-12774543| title=Hagi și Eric, într-un top al UEFA cu cele mai tari goluri din ultimii 60 de ani| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi and Eric, in a UEFA top with the best goals of the last 60 years| date=18 June 2014| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/liga-campionilor/supergolul-lui-gica-hagi-inclus-de-france-football-in-topul-celor-mai-frumoase-reusite-din-champions-league-597579.html| title=Supergolul lui Gică Hagi, inclus de France Football în topul celor mai frumoase reușite din Champions League!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Gică Hagi's super goal, included by France Football in the top of the most beautiful achievements in the Champions League!| date=2 May 2020| access-date=11 February 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/golul-din-champions-league-care-il-reprezinta-pe-gica-hagi-si-azi-regele-reusita-recunoscuta-dupa-un-sfert-de-secol.html| title=Golul din Champions League care îl reprezintă pe Gică Hagi și azi! "Regele", reușită recunoscută după un sfert de secol| publisher=Sport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=The Champions League goal that represents Gică Hagi even today! "The King", recognized success after a quarter of a century| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

On 26 May 2001, Hagi played his last game as a professional footballer, managing to score a brace and provide an assist in Galatasaray's 4–0 win over [[Trabzonspor]] in the Turkish league.<ref name=golazo>{{cite web | url=https://golazo.ro/gheorghe-hagi-aniversare-60-de-ani-galatasaray-turcia-125334| title=Hagi, tatuat în inima Turciei| publisher=Golazo.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Hagi, tatooed in the heart of Turkey| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/20-de-ani-de-la-ultimul-meci-oficial-jucat-de-gica-hagi-cu-o-dubla-a-regelui-imagini-spectaculoase-postate-de-galatasaray-1117597| title=20 de ani de la ultimul meci oficial jucat de Gică Hagi, cu o "dublă" a "Regelui". Imagini spectaculoase postate de Galatasaray| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=ro |trans-title=20 years since the last official match played by Gică Hagi, with a "double" for the "King". Spectacular images posted by Galatasaray| date=26 May 2021| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref> Hagi drew praise from the Galatasaray supporters for his performances during his time with the club, who adopted the chant "I Love You Hagi" in his honour.<ref name=golazo/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/special/bornele-prin-care-gica-hagi-a-uluit-mapamondul-ca-jucator-775748.html| title="Dumnezeu mi le-a dat pe toate" Bornele prin care Gică Hagi a uluit mapamondul ca jucător| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=ro |trans-title="God gave me everything" The milestones through which Gică Hagi stunned the world map as a player| date=5 February 2025| access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>