Alexandru Epureanu is a Moldovan former professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back.
He was awarded the Order of Labour, 1st class for his contributions to football.
Epureanu won Moldovan Footballer of the Year five times during his career.
Biography
Early Life
Alexandru Epureanu was born in Chișinău, Moldova, where he began his journey in football. His early career saw him join FC Zimbru Chișinău in 2002, where he quickly made a name for himself as a promising defender.
Career
Epureanu's professional career took off when he signed with FC Sheriff Tiraspol in 2004, contributing to the team's success in the Moldovan league. He was recognized as Moldovan Footballer of the Year multiple times, winning the award in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2018. His career progressed as he moved to Russia, playing for clubs like FC Moscow and FC Dinamo Moscow. In 2014, he made a significant move to İstanbul Başakşehir F.K., where he debuted in the Turkish Süper Lig and scored his first goal shortly after. After nearly a decade with Başakşehir, he joined Ümraniyespor in January 2023, marking the final chapter of his club career before announcing his retirement in March 2024.
International Career
On the international stage, Epureanu made his debut for the Moldova national team in 2006 and became a key player, even captaining the team on several occasions. He holds the record for the most appearances for Moldova, with 100 caps by the time of his retirement from international football in March 2021. His leadership and defensive skills were pivotal for the national team during his tenure.
Legacy
Epureanu's contributions to football have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Order of Labour, 1st class. His legacy as a dedicated defender and a role model for aspiring footballers in Moldova continues to inspire many.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of 22 June 2023
International
As of match played 31 March 2021
Scores and results list Moldova's goal tally first.
Note: Some sources have credited Epureanu with scoring the second goal in a 4–0 victory over Saudi Arabia in 2014, however this was a penalty converted by Igor Picușceac.
Born in Chișinau, Epureanu joined FC Sheriff Tiraspol in summer 2004. He has won Moldovan Footballer of the Year in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2018. Since playing for FC Sheriff Tiraspol, he has gone on to play for Dinamo Moscow. On 2 July 2014, Epureanu signed for İstanbul Başakşehir. He made his league debut for the club on 30 August 2014 in a 1–1 home draw with Kasımpaşa, playing all ninety minutes of the match. He scored his first league goal for the club on 5 October 2014 in a 4–0 home victory over Akhisarspor. His goal, scored in the sixth minute, made the score 1–0 to İstanbul BB. In January 2023, Epureanu departed Başakşehir and subsequently joined Ümraniyespor until the end of the season. On 25 March 2024, he confirmed that he retired from football.
Epureanu made his international debut in a 2–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying loss against Norway on 6 September 2006, and has since been a regular in the national team, wearing the captain's armband on several occasions. In September 2019, Epureanu retired from the national team due to a knee injury. However, he returned in August 2020. He ranks first in terms of all-time appearances for Moldova. On 31 March 2021, he made his 100th and last appearance for Moldova in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Israel.
- Club
- İstanbul Başakşehir F.K. (2014–2023)
- Club
- FC Zimbru Chișinău (2002–2004)
- Club
- FC Sheriff Tiraspol (2004–2006)
- Club
- FC Moscow (2007–2009)
- Club
- FC Dinamo Moscow (2010–2014)
- Club
- FC Krylia Sovetov Samara (2012–2012)
- Club
- FC Anzhi Makhachkala (2013–2013)
- Club
- FC Anzhi Makhachkala (2014–2014)
- Club
- Moldova national under-21 association football team (2005–2007)
- Club
- Moldova men's national football team (2006–2021)
- Club
- Ümraniyespor (2023–2023)
- National team
- Moldova
- National team
- Russia
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- Order of Labour, 1st class
Legacy
Club
Zimbru Chișinău
Moldovan Cup: 2003–04 Sheriff Tiraspol
Divizia Naţională: 2004–05, 2005–06 Moldovan Cup: 2005–06 Moldovan Supercup: 2005 Dynamo Moscow
Russian Cup runner-up: 2011–12 İstanbul Başakşehir
Süper Lig: 2019–20
Individual
Moldovan Footballer of the Year: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018 Süper Lig Defender of the Season: 2018–19 Süper Lig Team of the Season: 2018–19
Clubs
- FC Zimbru Chișinău2002–2004
- FC Sheriff Tiraspol2004–2006
- Moldova national under-21 association football team2005–2007
- Moldova men's national football team2006–2021
- FC Moscow2007–2009
- FC Dinamo Moscow2010–2014
- FC Krylia Sovetov Samara2012–2012
- FC Anzhi Makhachkala2013–2013
- FC Anzhi Makhachkala2014–2014
- İstanbul Başakşehir F.K.2014–2023
- Ümraniyespor2023–2023
Played together with
Abbosbek Fayzullaevİstanbul Başakşehir F.K. · 2025
Abdoul-Gafar MamahFC Sheriff Tiraspol · 2005–2010- Abdulkadir ParmakÜmraniyespor · 2013–2014
Abdülaziz Solmazİstanbul Başakşehir F.K. · 2014–2014- Abdülkadir Kayalıİstanbul Başakşehir F.K. · 2010–2011
- Adamas GolodetsFC Dinamo Moscow · 1954–1957
- Adem Alkaşiİstanbul Başakşehir F.K. · 2004–2004
Ademar Aparecido Xavier JúniorFC Zimbru Chișinău · 2014–2014
Adis JahovićFC Krylia Sovetov Samara · 2014
Adnan Januzajİstanbul Başakşehir F.K. · 2023–2023
Adrian RopotanFC Dinamo Moscow · 2009–2012- Adrian SosnovschiFC Zimbru Chișinău · 1996–1997
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Alexandru Epureanu is a Moldovan former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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