Florin Costea

Florin Constantin Costea (born 16 May 1985) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a striker.

Club career

Universitatea Craiova Costea started in the Romanian Divizia B for the local teams Rarora Râmnicu-Vâlcea and CSM Râmnicu Vâlcea, then he transferred to one of the most popular teams in Romania Universitatea Craiova, who competed at the time in the same league.

After his new team was promoted, he became one of their key players and one of the best strikers of the Liga I. The 2008–09 season was great for Costea, finishing the top scorer of the Romanian first division, together with Gigel Bucur after both had scored 17 goals.

On 21 March 2010, while playing a match against Politehnica Iaşi, the opposing goalkeeper made a rash challenge on Costea, injuring him. He was forced to leave the pitch, and realising the severity of his injury he was taken out in tears. It was later discovered that he had broken his Medial collateral ligament and Cruciate ligament. He was sidelined for eight months.

After Universitatea Craiova was disaffiliated, he became a free agent.

Steaua București On 3 August 2011, Costea moved to Steaua București on a free transfer, signing a four-year contract, worth around €300,000 per year. There, he rejoined his brother Mihai Costea.

International career Since 2008 he gathered six selections in the Romania national football team. His first selection was courtesy to an injury of Romanian star attacker Adrian Mutu.

Personal life He is the older brother of Mihai Costea.

Career statistics

Honours CSM Râmnicu Vâlcea Divizia C: 2004–05

Universitatea Craiova Divizia B: 2005–06

ARO Muscelul Câmpulung Liga IV – Argeș County: 2022–23

Individual Liga I top scorer: 2008–09 (17 goals) (joint with Gigel Bucur)