Romanian football is mourning the tragic loss of 19-year-old Luca Manolache, a rising star of Metaloglobus București, who died after battling a mysterious illness.

Known for his “passion, discipline, and dedication,” Luca showed great promise before his health collapsed in August 2024. Suffering from dizziness, fatigue, and bloody stools, he was forced to retire from the sport he loved. Despite medical checks, the cause of his illness remained unclear.

On February 28, 2025, Luca fell gravely ill while out with a relative. In his final moments, he called his mother in despair, saying: “Mum, Mum, I can’t do it anymore. Do you think I’m dying?” Shortly after, he tragically passed away. An autopsy revealed he drowned in his own stomach acid after vomiting blood.

Metaloglobus paid tribute: “Luca was not only a gifted footballer but a young man with a kind heart… We are heartbroken by this loss.”

His death has shaken Romanian football, with tributes flooding social media and renewed calls for better medical care for young athletes. The club plans to honor his memory with a moment of silence and a scholarship in his name.

Luca’s story remains a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility.