CFR Cluj may not be a household name across all of Europe, but in Romanian football, it’s a club that commands immense respect. With a strong domestic presence and multiple appearances on the continental stage, CFR Cluj RR88 has built a reputation as one of Romania’s most successful clubs in the 21st century.
A Brief History of CFR Cluj
CFR Cluj was founded in 1907 in the city of Cluj-Napoca and spent much of its early history in the lower divisions of Romanian football. For decades, the club was overshadowed by giants like Steaua Bucharest and Dinamo Bucharest. However, that changed dramatically in the mid-2000s, when significant investment and smart management turned CFR Cluj into a dominant force.
The turning point came in the 2007-08 season, when CFR Cluj won their first Romanian Liga I title — breaking the long-standing dominance of Bucharest-based clubs and announcing their arrival on the national stage.
Domestic Achievements
Since 2008, CFR Cluj has become one of Romania’s most decorated clubs. As of 2025, the club has won:
- 8 Liga I titles (2007–08, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22)
- 4 Romanian Cups (2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2015–16)
- 4 Romanian Super Cups (2009, 2010, 2018, 2020)
Their dominance in the league during the late 2010s and early 2020s cemented their place as a modern powerhouse in Romanian football.
European Campaigns
CFR Cluj has also made waves in European competitions. They have featured in the UEFA Champions League group stage multiple times, with their debut coming in the 2008-09 season, where they famously defeated AS Roma away and drew with Chelsea at home.
In the UEFA Europa League, they have consistently reached the group stages and knockout rounds, earning victories over established clubs such as Lazio, Celtic, and Sevilla.
Their European campaigns have not only brought prestige but also critical financial support and international recognition.
Total Goals Scored
Across all official competitions (domestic leagues, domestic cups, and European matches), CFR Cluj has scored over 2,000 goals since their rise in 2004. During their most dominant seasons in the 2010s and early 2020s, they often averaged 50–70 goals per league season.
In European competitions, the club has netted over 100 goals, a testament to their consistency and offensive strength even on the continental stage.
Iconic Players
Over the years, CFR Cluj has attracted top Romanian and international talent. Names like Emmanuel Culio, Juan Emmanuel Martínez, and Mario Camora (a club legend and long-time captain) have made significant contributions.
Culio, in particular, is remembered for scoring against AS Roma and Chelsea in the Champions League, while Camora has been the backbone of the team for more than a decade.
Management and Philosophy
CFR Cluj’s success has been built on solid club management, with a focus on experienced coaching, tactical discipline, and strategic signings. Coaches like Dan Petrescu have been instrumental in creating a winning mentality, particularly during the club’s golden period from 2017 to 2022.
The club’s style is typically pragmatic — strong defensively, efficient in midfield, and lethal on counter-attacks, especially in European matches where they often play the underdog role to perfection.
Final Thoughts
CFR Cluj may not shout the loudest, but their record speaks volumes. With a trophy cabinet full of domestic silverware and a growing list of European achievements, they have become a symbol of Romanian football excellence.
Quietly effective, consistently competitive, and always hungry for more — CFR Cluj continues to shape its legacy, one goal and one trophy at a time.
