RomanianFootballerDefenderInternational

Ionuț Nedelcearu

Ionuț Nedelcearu is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Russian Premier League club Akron Tolyatti and the Romania national team.

1. Early life and career start

Ionuț Nedelcearu was born on 25 April 1996, in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. His passion for football began at a young age, leading him to join the renowned youth system of FC Dinamo București when he was seven years old in 2003. During his formative years, Nedelcearu dedicated himself to developing his skills within the club's academy, working his way through the ranks. Before embarking on his career abroad, he pursued his education at the National University of Physical Education and Sport.

2. Club career

Nedelcearu's professional club career has spanned multiple countries and leagues, starting in his native Romania before moving to Russia, Greece, and Italy, showcasing his adaptability and defensive capabilities across different footballing environments.

2.1. Dinamo București

Nedelcearu spent his formative years at FC Dinamo București, joining their youth system at the age of seven. After developing within the club's reserves, he made his first-team debut at 17 years old on 31 October 2013, in a Cupa României match against AFC Chindia Târgoviște. His Liga I debut followed on 13 December of the same year, in a 4-0 home victory against ACS Poli Timișoara. Nedelcearu scored his first goal for Dinamo București on 28 October 2015, in a 3-2 away win against CS Pandurii Târgu Jiu. Notably, in the same match, he also scored an own goal. He made 111 appearances for the club, scoring 6 goals across all competitions.

2.2. Ufa

On 15 February 2018, Nedelcearu transferred to Russian Premier League side FC Ufa, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. During his time at Ufa, he quickly established himself as a key defender. In the summer of 2019, there were reports from the press indicating interest in signing Nedelcearu from prominent European clubs, including Roma and Zenit Saint Petersburg, though a transfer did not materialize at that time. He played 75 matches and scored 1 goal for Ufa.

Nedelcearu playing for Ufa in 2018.
Nedelcearu playing for Ufa in 2018.

2.3. AEK Athens

Nedelcearu moved to Super League Greece club AEK Athens on 5 October 2020, where he signed a four-year contract. He adapted quickly to the Greek league, scoring his first goal for the club on 1 November 2020, which was an equalizer in an eventual 2-1 home victory against OFI. Overall, he appeared in 35 matches for AEK Athens, scoring 1 goal.

2.4. Crotone

On 16 July 2021, Nedelcearu made a move to Italy, joining Serie B club Crotone on a three-year contract. The transfer fee for his move to Crotone was around 1.20 M EUR. He played a significant role in the squad during his tenure at the club, making 36 appearances and scoring 2 goals.

2.5. Palermo

Following Crotone's relegation to Serie C, Nedelcearu signed a three-year deal with Serie B club Palermo on 27 July 2022. He made his debut for Palermo in the 32nd finals of the Coppa Italia against Torino. He has since continued to contribute to the team's performances.

2.6. Akron Tolyatti

On 7 February 2025, Nedelcearu made a return to Russia, signing with Akron Tolyatti. Since joining the club, he has begun his new role with the team.

3. International career

Ionuț Nedelcearu has represented Romania at various levels, from youth teams to the senior national squad. He made two appearances for the U-17 team, nine for the U-19 team, and eighteen for the U-21 team, scoring one goal during his time with the U-21 squad.

His full debut for the Romania national team came on 27 March 2018, when he was introduced as an 83rd-minute substitute in a 1-0 victory over Sweden. Nedelcearu scored his first two international goals on 11 November 2020, during a friendly match against Belarus, contributing to a 5-3 victory. He was included in Romania's squad for UEFA Euro 2024 on 7 June 2024, although he did not feature in any matches during the tournament.

4. Personal life

Born in Bucharest, Ionuț Nedelcearu comes from an athletic family background. His father, Marin Nedelcearu, was also a professional footballer. His mother, Geta Nedelcearu, pursued a career as a sprinter in her youth. Before moving abroad to further his football career, Nedelcearu attended the National University of Physical Education and Sport.

5. Career statistics

This section provides a comprehensive statistical overview of Ionuț Nedelcearu's professional career, including his appearances and goals in various club and international competitions.

5.1. Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Dinamo București2013-14Liga I1010---20
2014-151301030--170
2015-162105120--281
2016-173332040--393
2017-1821220-20-252
Total8951119020-1116
Ufa2017-18Russian Premier League100----100
2018-1926100-6020341
2019-2020010---210
2020-219010---100
Total65120-6020751
AEK Athens2020-21Superleague Greece25140-60-351
Crotone2021-22Serie B34220---362
Palermo2022-23Serie B36010---370
2023-2420200--1a0212
2024-259010---100
Total65220--10682
Akron Tolyatti2024-25Russian Premier League0000---00
Career total27811211901403032512


a Appearances in Serie B - Promotion play-offs

5.2. International

Appearances and goals by national team and year

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Romania201830
201960
202042
202170
202240
202310
202420
Total272



List of international goals scored by Ionuț Nedelcearu
Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nedelcearu goal.

List of international goals scored by Ionuț Nedelcearu
No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
111 November 2020Stadionul Ilie Oană, Ploiești, Romania12Belarus3-05-3Friendly
25-0

6. Honours

Dinamo București

  • Cupa României runner-up: 2015-16
  • Cupa Ligii: 2016-17