I feel like Hagi is well known as I've heard even casual fans talk about him. One of the most iconic number 10s of all time. Talentwise one of the best, no doubt he is best player Romania ever had. I think he's one of the best shooters I've ever seen. He could score goals from whatever distance/angle, and his long shots were like Messi dribbling past 3-4 opponents. He was great with both feet, brilliant playmaker/free kick taker too, a classic number 10. Bit of a cult hero though like someone else said here. His career defining moment is probably the 1994 World Cup where Romania reached the Quarter finals thanks to his genius, merely losing a spot in the Semi finals on penalties against Sweden. Sweden also had a great team, featuring the likes of Tomas Brolin, an imposing Kennet Anderson up top(who also happened to score the equalizer in the 115th minute), and a young Henrik Larsson.
Had Romania reached the semi finals he would've had a chance for the Ballon D'or. I think Cruyff said he was the best in the world during that year. Talent aside, Hagi's biggest problem was that he didnt apply himself and had issues with his work rate aswell as being a conflictual figure. If I'm not mistaken, he had a fallout with Cruyff and that lead to his demise as a Barca player. Despite playing for both Spanish giants he's not seen as a club legend. His biggest achievements came at Galatasaray in his late 30s where he had a big role in the rise of Turkish football.
Some say he's even more loved in Turkey than in Romania, sort of like Maradona in Naples or Messi in Barcelona. Though he's held in high regards by Romanians aswell. He also came to prominence during the late 80s at the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, which was a harsh period for the average folk. Hagi and the national team was a source of hope and joy for the Romanians.
Overall, I feel like he low key underachieved considering his talent, but he still remains one of the best number 10s. In todays market he'd be worth 150 million. I doubt there will be another one even close to him. His son is not even a quarter of his father, and he seems to have rather been forced to pursue a football career because he's Hagi's son. Just my impression.
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I'm a bit surprised you rate him over Stoichkov
@Windhook
