Ioniță: Forget the "New Hagi," Redefining Life at Yukun

Written by Zuo Rui He once had lofty ambitions and brilliant moments but also experienced quiet downturns and gloomy years. Beginning to play football at three, moving eastward near thirty—where is the place to call home? Alexandru Ioniță, once a youth star of Rapid Bucharest and now the number 10 for Yunnan Yukun, how does he redefine success? How does he define his own life?

Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is Ioniță’s dear hometown. “The days and nights there are beautiful; living or traveling there, you never get bored,” he told reporters. There you find everything you want. There, too, are all the familiar things: the city’s mountain views, nearby seaside... and his unforgettable football and childhood memories.

Among Romanian Liga I teams with "Bucharest" as a prefix, Rapid has fewer titles than Dinamo and Steaua, the latter being the 1986 European Cup champions. However, Rapid’s history is longer, exceeding a century. Ioniță’s whole family are devoted Rapid fans; from a young age, he went to home games with his father and uncle.

His father was not only a dedicated fan but also an amateur player, so Ioniță started playing football at age three. When he was six and asked to join Rapid’s youth training, his father immediately agreed. He spent 13 years at the club beloved by his whole family, accumulating many precious memories there.

At Rapid’s youth academy in Bucharest, left-footed Ioniță, accompanied by his father, progressed from the youth ranks to the reserves and then the first team. Within the club, his nickname was always “the Bulgarian,” not due to the famous Bulgarian left-footed Stoichkov, but because he seemed stubborn like a Bulgarian.

Youth coach Joseph Damașkin described him as a fast, low-center-of-gravity, left-footed player who is tough to dispossess. “He was born for football and had no interest in other activities.” At 14, multiple rivals wanted to buy this hot prospect in Romanian football, but his father told him his first professional match must be for his home club.

When he joined the first team in 2011, ten years after starting at Rapid’s academy, he was the only one left from that cohort. That year, at 16, he made his top league debut, a year younger than legendary Gheorghe Hagi’s debut in Liga I. His sensational arrival earned him new nicknames: “the New Hagi” and “another Messi.”

Facing media attention, Rapid’s head coach Viorel Moldovan said Ioniță was exceptionally talented, able to break through any defense, predicting a brilliant future in Romanian and world football. His teammate, star Daniel Pancu, 18 years his senior, praised his left-foot control and speed with the ball, comparing him to Hagi or Messi, saying, “This kid will soon join a big club!”

The brief spotlight soon faded. In the 2013/14 season, after the team was relegated to the second division, Ioniță appeared 16 times and scored six goals. In the latter half of that season, to quickly resolve financial issues, Rapid sold the 19-year-old for €600,000 to Astra.

Days away from his home club were not smooth. In the 2017/18 season, playing more as a traditional number 10 rather than a prolific 9.5, he made 20 appearances and scored 10 goals—his only double-digit goal tally in the domestic league. Then he transferred to CFR Cluj for €1 million, where he met his current Yukun teammate Burcă.

This transfer, which once set the record for the highest domestic player fee in Liga I, caused a stir and even public disputes between Astra’s coach and club president. As CFR Cluj’s most expensive local player at the time, Ioniță signed a three-year contract, but no one expected that a year later he would become sidelined.

Cluj’s enthusiasm for Ioniță lasted only one season. He was loaned out twice. Whether as a newcomer at Universitatea Craiova or a former Astra player, his appearances were limited. He recalled in Yuxi that his time at Cluj was a long low point—a “frustrating and angry experience.”

In the 2018/19 season, he made 23 appearances for Cluj, scoring just two goals; in 2019/20, loaned to Craiova, he played six matches without scoring. The only gain was meeting a coach he liked—Constantin Schumacher—during the first half of that season.

Their brief collaboration built mutual respect and fondness. Ioniță soon learned that Schumacher had a glorious playing career, including time in China’s top league. However, Ioniță’s difficult situation didn’t improve because Schumacher was only an assistant coach and had no final say.

In the latter half of the season, Cluj continued to loan out the expensive domestic player, sending him back to his former club Astra. Opinions varied: some thought Ioniță would thrive again; others saw Cluj as forced to “return the player.” At 25, he endured his darkest days, appearing only eight times over the 2019/20 second half and 2020/21 seasons.

When his contract with Cluj expired in 2021, Ioniță returned to Rapid Bucharest on a free transfer. Each season back at his home club saw stable appearances and performances. Especially after Adrian Mutu became head coach, Ioniță’s form revived significantly, becoming the team’s top assist provider with 13 assists, regaining attention.

“Coach Mutu is one of Romania’s best players. To me, he’s not just a great coach but also a wonderful person.” Yet under Mutu, Ioniță was almost always the first starter substituted around the 60th minute. “I never understood why, but despite that, I still like him very much.”

After Mutu’s departure, in the 2023/24 season before leaving, Ioniță scored five goals and assisted twice. Before leaving, he told Romania’s Sports Daily, “I’m about to start a new adventure. I’m trying to stay positive about the new season and look forward to enjoying everything in China.” In the 2024 China League One, he scored eight goals and made 12 assists for Yunnan Yukun, helping Yunnan football return to China’s top leagues after 21 years.

The last top-tier team from Yunnan was Yunnan Hongta in the 2003 Jia-A League, whose number 10 was Constantin Schumacher. This star, also from Rapid Bucharest, once scored a nearly 60-meter shot against Liaoning Fushun at Tuodong Stadium, etching his name in Chinese football history.

“Before coming to China, I didn’t know that Coach Schumacher’s former team was also from Yunnan!” Ioniță said with a rare smile and elevated tone. “Later, I told him Yunnan football is back in the top league! The fans here are very passionate and nostalgic; some even remember you from over twenty years ago!” Schumacher was deeply moved and very happy to hear this.

After promotion as China League One champions, Yunnan Yukun underwent a major overhaul. Among last season’s foreign players, only Ioniță was retained along with his number 10 jersey. He believes the renewal was a mutual decision: “I really wanted to stay; the club also wanted me to stay. The fans like me, and I like them. Also, I believe my work satisfies them.”

Before making the long leap from Romanian Liga I to China League One, this future star of Rapid had moments to showcase his talent. Yet his shining light in 2017 now seems unsatisfactory, both to himself and fans.

In June that year, he wore Astra’s number 10 jersey and scored his first European competition goal in the Europa League qualifiers. In September, he was called up for Romania’s national team for the first time, coming on as a substitute against Kazakhstan. In November, after scoring in three consecutive league matches, he was named Liga I Player of the Month for the first time—unfortunately, all these “firsts” became “lasts.”

In 2011, 16-year-old Ioniță wrote down his dreams: debut for the national team in 2015, join Real Madrid in 2018, and end his career at Rapid Bucharest. But harsh reality struck: national team debut delayed by two years and only once; Real Madrid replaced by Cluj; his home club was not the end but a new beginning.

“Every kid playing football has a big dream,” he frankly shared his disappointments. “Life always has ups and downs. I can only face reality, do my best to overcome difficulties, and change my mindset.” After childhood dreams shattered, he gradually realized enjoying work, football, and life is what matters most. “I think this idea is great; it brought more joy and stronger conviction to my life.”

Growing up, he disliked being called “New Hagi” or “Little Messi,” preferring people to remember his last name: “I’m Ioniță!” He said in his youth, he “might have had” the conditions and chances to become an idealized version of himself modeled on Hagi or Messi.

“However, at that time, the coaches, teammates, and the entire environment around me didn’t support or provide enough backing for that path,” he said. Still, he feels fortunate. “Among the kids from the same academy batch, I’m the only one who became a professional and succeeded.”

In China, young stars who fail to meet expectations as adults are often labeled “injured prodigies”; players like Anderson at Manchester United or Bojan at Barcelona are examples of hopes unfulfilled. So, what does Ioniță mean by “success”?

What is success? Everyone has different definitions and standards. Compared to Hagi, players like Mutu, Chivu, and Stanciu seem mediocre. Amid Romania’s population decline and youth talent exodus, football is also deteriorating. Combined with chaotic professional leagues and frequent club bankruptcies due to unpaid wages, individuals cannot overcome the environment.

Ioniță may not have become the master-level player expected, but in Yuxi, he is the most offensively talented “Master Ioniță” in the hearts of Yunnan fans. This regional nickname shows he not only has specialized skills but has reached a respected “master” level, also meaning fans see him as a familiar, brotherly figure.

Ioniță earns respect and trust because of his unique flair; his unpredictable left foot always promises surprises. Whether starting or coming off the bench, whenever “Master Ioniță” is on the pitch, Yukun’s relatively simple attacking style immediately gains more possibilities and imagination.

Ioniță said, “I really like this nickname and fully understand its meaning.” On August 1, the club renewed his contract for another two years, meaning “Master Ioniță” will play for Yukun until the 2027 season. The next day at home against Shenhua, over ten thousand fans shouted the name of their most trusted and beloved player: “Ioniță! Ioniță!” When one player moves a whole stadium, does success need further explanation?

As a youth, Ioniță imagined dominating matches like Messi; years later, he judged and compromised, realizing that was not his style. “Compared to superstars like Hagi and Messi, I’m a different type of player. I see myself as a team player, unable to decide matches or finish opponents alone.”

From China League One to the Super League, Ioniță has worked with Norwegian coach Andersen for over a year. He believes he has met another great coach. “After Andersen arrived, considering the squad and league competition, we developed a straightforward attacking style. The results speak for themselves; we achieved our goals early.”

As a core player and key executor of team tactics, he sees Andersen’s Yukun focusing on quick attacks and high pressing defense, with little midfield possession or organization. “Though I personally might prefer more ball control, as a team member, I fully obey his tactical discipline and on-field demands.” More specifically, quick attacking passes and active defensive participation.

Yukun’s first Chinese Super League season is nearing its end. Ioniță summarized that the team performed well in the first three months, earning many points. “But from the FA Cup semifinals, consecutive heavy losses shook our confidence, and the team fell into difficulties.” Now, this safe-from-relegation team still has strong ambition: “We want to win more matches, earn more points, and ideally finish in the top eight.”

So far, Ioniță has three goals and four assists; additionally, his 48 tackles rank third on the team, behind Nene and Dilimulati. Judging by tackles and 25 fouls, Yukun’s most creative technical attacking midfielder is enriching his roles and skills; judging by goals and assists, the Super League somewhat limits his performance compared to the easier League One.

“Compared to last season, my stats are indeed less impressive.” In an interview, he reflected on reasons: first, after promotion, many players changed, so everyone needed time and matches to adapt to new teammates and tactics to develop strong chemistry; second, the Super League is more intense, with stronger or newly reinforced opponents; third, unlike previous promotion battles, the team’s goal this year is survival.

Having secured the team’s place in next season’s Super League, he plans to adjust his playing style to improve midfield efficiency in attack and defense. He emphasized that team interests always come first. “For that, I must participate in defense and keep improving my defensive skills, even reaching a higher level.” Compared to that, he said personal goals and assists are not the top priority.

Undoubtedly, this straightforward style is not tailored for him but designed for the team’s main mission. Some might prefer everyone obeying their commands, initiating every attack, wishing the world revolves around them. But 30-year-old Ioniță clearly does not think that way.

Being a workhorse is not his nature, and interceptions are not his strength, but for the team’s goals, he is willing to become more useful, versatile, and fierce. He believes he can contribute more to Yukun. “Although in the second half of the season, due to injuries and form, I know my performance was criticized, I know what to do and how to improve.”

Yunnan Yukun is Ioniță’s first stop away from home, a decision that not only changed his idea of retiring at Rapid Bucharest but might also make Yukun his final club. “I really like this club and the city of Yuxi. Overall, everything I’ve experienced in China has been very pleasant.” This strengthened his belief that joining Yunnan Yukun was the “best decision” of his life.

Retiring at the club where one started and nurtured football dreams would be ideal. Unfortunately, before his contract ended, the club brought in new players and didn’t plan to keep him as a starter. “At that point, naturally, I thought about seeking new opportunities.” Luckily, Yunnan Yukun offered him greater trust and higher salary, so he happily accepted the chance to come to China.

In early August’s renewal announcement, the club praised his on-field contributions and “professionalism off the field, plus his sense of belonging and loyalty to the club.” Renewing two years early with five months left on his contract shows his work ethic and professionalism are recognized, giving him motivation to “show his best in the coming seasons.” “I hope to play here until retirement and make Yukun the final stop of my career.”

Before Ioniță renewed, Burcă had just joined Yunnan Yukun. He revealed that his Cluj teammate called him before signing, sharing everything he knew and experienced without reservation: the club is great, Yuxi is beautiful and comfortable, and the team and fans are warm. “You could say I ‘introduced’ Burcă to Yukun.” He smiled proudly.

Ioniță is one of the foreign players settled in Yuxi. Having lived longer in this central Yunnan city, his affection for Yuxi comes from the heart and partly from its distinctive cuisine. “Although Yuxi’s food is very different from Romania’s, I really like the rice noodles, dumplings, and delicious barbecue here.”

He enjoys sharing his fondness for the area with friends, especially fellow Romanians. “Yuxi’s food is worth trying for visitors and won’t disappoint.” After Burcă joined, Ioniță gave many good tips, including which supermarkets are most convenient and where the best food can be found.

At the start of this season, he contacted Tudorie, a forward from Wuhan Three Towns, since they were the only two Romanians then. After the summer window, the number of Romanian players in the Super League doubled, and he also talked with Mitriță during an away game in Hangzhou. Burcă’s arrival gave him a reliable colleague at work and a language-sharing friend in life.

Before coming to Yuxi, Ioniță played only in Romanian leagues, unlike Burcă who had overseas experience and many international matches. Perhaps because of this, Ioniță’s English is not as fluent as Burcă’s or other foreigners’. However, in familiarity with Yuxi and loyalty to Yukun, few foreign players can match him.

“I’ve been at Yunnan Yukun for over a year, and I truly enjoy every day here.” In his eyes, the ideal future is to keep improving while maintaining his form, playing here for another four or five years, and retiring at Yukun. “For me, that would be a perfect ending.”