Lykkers, have we ever thought about what it takes for a young boy to chase football dreams across countries? Daniel Bîrligea, born April 19, 2000, in Brăila, Romania, started kicking a ball in local clubs like Metalul and later trained at Gheorghe Hagi Academy.

At just 12, he moved with his family to Italy, joining ASD Cantera Ribolla and Palermo’s youth teams. We can imagine how moving so young built his resilience and adaptability—two traits that would later define his professional career.

Making a Mark at Teramo

We can see Daniel’s first steps into professional football with Teramo in 2019. On January 22, 2020, he made his debut in a 1-0 win against Catanzaro. Over two seasons, he played 43 matches and scored seven goals. We notice that during this time, he developed the confidence and physical stamina needed for senior-level football, learning to handle the pace and pressure of competitive matches.

Return to Romania: CFR Cluj

In January 2022, Daniel returned to Romania to sign with CFR Cluj, four-time league champions. We can picture his debut on February 5, 2022, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw against Universitatea Craiova. By May, he scored his first league goal in a 1-0 victory over Farul Constanța. Daniel’s contribution helped Cluj secure another national title, proving that he could immediately make an impact in top-tier Romanian football.

Rising Through Big Matches

We watch Daniel shine when it matters most. In October 2022, he scored in a Cluj derby against Universitatea Craiova. In November, he achieved his first career hat-trick in a 5-0 Cup win over Dumbrăvița. February 2023 saw his European debut in the Europa League against Lazio. We can see that his ability to score in critical matches has become a hallmark of his game.

Joining FCSB and Making Waves

In September 2024, Daniel transferred to FCSB for $2 million, including potential bonuses and future transfer percentages. We notice his first match in a 1-1 draw against Petrolul Ploiești and his quick scoring in Europa League matches against RFS and PAOK. We can see that he adapted quickly, showing determination and skill in both domestic and European competitions.

2024–25 Season Highlights

We can follow Daniel’s impressive 2024–25 season: 16 goals scored, including two for CFR Cluj, making him the league’s third top scorer. FCSB won the league again, and he began the 2025–26 season with a brace in a Europa League qualifier. We notice that his resilience and consistency make him a reliable forward who can influence any match.

International Career

We know Daniel started with Romania’s U21 team in March 2022, scoring in a 2-1 friendly win over Finland. By September 2023, he was called up to the senior national team, making his debut in October with a 4-0 win over Andorra. In November 2024, he scored his first senior international goal in a 4-1 Nations League victory over Cyprus. We can see that he is gradually becoming a key player for Romania on the international stage.

Playing Style and Strengths

We notice that Daniel is a physically strong, determined forward. He can play as a central striker or on the wing, exploiting space and applying pressure with a high work rate. His game is defined by persistence, tactical awareness, and goal-scoring instinct, making him versatile and dangerous in any attacking situation.

Cheering for Daniel!

Following Daniel Bîrligea’s journey, we can truly see how talent, effort, and determination come together to create a rising star. From his early days in youth clubs to shining for top Romanian teams and the national squad, his story motivates us to pursue our own dreams. Lykkers, let’s keep supporting Daniel, celebrate each goal he scores, and enjoy every exciting moment of his growing career!