Răzvan Marin Explained

Răzvan Marin
Full Name:Răzvan Gabriel Marin[1]
Birth Date:23 May 1996
Birth Place:Bucharest, Romania
Height:1.78 m[2]
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:Cagliari
Youthyears1:2002–2009
Youthclubs1:Pro Luceafărul București
Youthyears2:2009–2013
Youthclubs2:Gheorghe Hagi Academy
Years1:2013–2016
Clubs1:Viitorul Constanța
Caps1:75
Goals1:8
Years2:2017–2019
Clubs2:Standard Liège
Caps2:89
Goals2:16
Years3:2019–2021
Clubs3:Ajax
Caps3:10
Goals3:0
Years4:2020–2021
Clubs4:Cagliari (loan)
Caps4:37
Goals4:3
Years5:2021–
Clubs5:Cagliari
Caps5:36
Goals5:0
Years6:2022–2024
Clubs6:Empoli (loan)
Caps6:63
Goals6:2
Nationalyears1:2012
Nationalteam1:Romania U17
Nationalcaps1:3
Nationalgoals1:1
Nationalyears2:2014
Nationalteam2:Romania U19
Nationalcaps2:4
Nationalgoals2:1
Nationalyears3:2015–2017
Nationalteam3:Romania U21
Nationalcaps3:7
Nationalgoals3:0
Nationalyears4:2016–
Nationalteam4:Romania
Nationalcaps4:59
Nationalgoals4:5
Club-Update:26 May 2024
Nationalteam-Update:2 July 2024

Răzvan Gabriel Marin (in Romanian; Moldavian; Moldovan pronounced as /rəzˈvan ɡabriˈel maˈrin/; born 23 May 1996) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Cagliari and the Romania national team.

Marin began his senior career with Viitorul Constanța at age 17, quickly establishing himself as a first-team regular. His performances earned him a move abroad to Standard Liège at the start of 2017, where he won the Belgian Cup in his first full season. In 2019, he transferred to Dutch team Ajax for a reported fee of €12.5 million, but did not impose himself and joined Cagliari on an initial loan.

Marin made his senior international debut for Romania in October 2016, after having previously played for the country at several youth levels. He represented the nation in the UEFA Euro 2024, where they advanced to the round of 16 as group winners.

Club career

Early career and Viitorul Constanța

Born in Bucharest, Marin started playing football at the age of six with local Pro Luceafărul, and joined the academy of Viitorul Constanța seven years later.[3] He made his professional debut for the latter club on 18 October 2013, in a 0–4 Liga I away loss to Steaua București.[4]

Marin scored his first league goal in a 2–1 away victory over CFR Cluj, on 15 March 2015.[5] In December 2016, aged only 20, daily newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor announced that he came third for the 2016 Romanian Footballer of the Year award.[6] During his spell in Constanța, Marin amassed competitive totals of 85 games and ten goals.

Standard Liège

On 20 January 2017, Marin signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Belgian side Standard Liège.[7] [8] Romanian press had initially reported the transfer value at €2.4 million,[9] with Viitorul retaining undisclosed interest on the capital gain of a potential future transfer.[10] He made his first Belgian First Division A appearance two days later, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute in a 0–3 loss to Club Brugge at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.[11]

On 8 April 2017, Marin scored his first goal for Les Rouches in a 2–2 league draw with Sint-Truiden.[12] On 20 September, he netted once and also provided an assist in a 4–0 victory over Heist for the Belgian Cup;[13] in December, he scored in league fixtures against Waasland-Beveren, Sint-Truiden and Kortrijk respectively.[14] On 3 February 2018, Marin scored the final goal of a 3–0 success over Lokeren only two minutes after replacing Gojko Cimirot.[15] One month later, he assisted all of his team's goals as they won 3–2 against Mechelen, a home game where he also missed a late penalty.[16] On 17 March, he was a starter in the 1–0 win for the Belgian Cup Final against Genk.[17]

Standard played league winner Club Brugge in the Belgian Super Cup on 22 July 2018, with Marin being once again in the starting eleven, however his team lost the match 1–2.[18] He recorded his first European appearance for Standard in the UEFA Champions League's third qualifying round 2–2 home draw with Dutch side Ajax, on 7 August.[19] Marin then played all six matches in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League, as his team finished third behind Sevilla and FC Krasnodar. Marin's good display throughout the year earned him the Romanian Footballer of the Year award at the 2018 Gala Fotbalului Românesc, on 3 December.[20] On the 21st that month, he finished second for the same trophy awarded by the Gazeta Sporturilor newspaper.[21] Marin netted the first goal of 2019 on 3 February, in an eventual 2–1 victory against rivals Anderlecht.[22]

Ajax

On 4 April 2019, it was announced that Ajax signed Marin on a five-year deal for a reported transfer fee of €12.5 million, with the player due to join the squad in the summer.[23] [24] At the time, the sum was the third-highest ever paid by the Dutch club.[25]

Cagliari

On 31 August 2020, Marin joined Italian Serie A club Cagliari on loan with an obligation to buy.[26] On 1 July 2021, the deal was made permanent and Marin signed a contract that would keep him at the team until 2024. The club paid €10 million for the full transfer.[27]

In the first game of the 2021–22 season, he opened up the scoring in an eventual 3–1 win in the Coppa Italia against Pisa.[28]

Empoli

On 5 July 2022, Marin joined Empoli on a season-long loan with an option to buy.[29] On 29 June 2023, his contract was redeemed by Empoli for €5 million.[30]

International career

In September 2016, 20-year-old Marin was selected in Romania's senior squad for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Montenegro.[31] On 8 October, for the same competition, he earned his first cap and scored a goal in a 5–0 away victory over Armenia.[32]

On 7 June 2024, Marin was named in Romania's squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.[33] Ten days later, he scored a goal in a 3–0 win over Ukraine in the opening group match, contributing to his country's first victory in the competition in 24 years.[34] On 26 June, Marin converted a penalty in a 1–1 draw with Slovakia, securing Romania first place in its group. He started in all four matches, with Romania eventually losing 0–3 to the Netherlands in the round of 16.[35]

Style of play

Marin is usually deployed as either a central or a defensive midfielder, though he is also capable of playing in a more advanced position as an attacking midfielder.

Personal life

Marin's father, Petre, was also a Romanian international. A full-back, he played for Steaua București and Național București among others.[36]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Viitorul Constanța2013–14Liga I10000100
2014–151712020211
2015–162833110324
2016–17204000020224
Total758513020859
Standard Liège2016–17Belgian First Division A182182
2017–1833462396
2018–1938100080104710
Total891662801010418
Ajax2019–20Eredivisie100204010170
Cagliari (loan)Serie A37320393
Cagliari2021–2236011371
Total73331764
Empoli (loan)2022–23Serie A33210342
2023–2430010310
Total63220652
Career total31029184301402034733

International

[37]

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Romania201641
201750
201850
201970
202041
2021110
202280
202381
202472
Total595

Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Marin goal.[37]

List of international goals scored by Răzvan Marin
scope=colNo.scope=col data-sort-type=dateDatescope=colVenuescope=colCapscope=colOpponentscope=colScorescope=colResultscope=colCompetition
18 October 2016 Vazgen Sargsyan, Yerevan, Armenia 1 3–0 5–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
211 November 2020 Stadionul Ilie Oană, Ploiești, Romania 24 2–0 5–3 Friendly
315 October 2023 Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania 50 3–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying
417 June 2024 Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany56 2–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2024
526 June 2024 Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany58 1–1 1–1

Honours

Viitorul Constanța

2016–17

Standard Liège

2017–18[38]

Ajax

Individual

Notes and References

  1. Web site: UEFA Nations League 2019: Booking List before League phase Matchday 5 . 12 . UEFA . 6 November 2018 . 24 November 2020.
  2. Web site: Răzvan Marin #8 - Cagliari Calcio.
  3. Web site: Povestea lui Răzvan Marin, noul puști-minune al naționalei României. Antrenorul care l-a descoperit: "La 10 ani avea calități de lider". The story of Răzvan Marin, new wonderkid of the Romania national team. The coach who discovered him: "He had leadership skills at the age of 10". Libertatea. Romanian. 9 October 2016. 21 January 2017.
  4. Web site: Steaua – Viitorul Constanţa: 4–0 / A opta victorie din nouă meciuri pentru campioană. Steaua – Viitorul Constanța: 4–0 / The eighth victory out of nine matches for the champion. Știrile TVR. Romanian. 18 October 2013. 22 January 2017.
  5. Web site: CFR Cluj - FC Viitorul 1-2. Răzvan Marin, fiul lui Petre Marin, a reuşit primul gol!. CFR Cluj - FC Viitorul 1–2. Răzvan Marin, the son of Petre Marin, scored his first goal!. Telekom Sport. Romanian. 15 March 2015. 4 March 2018.
  6. News: SUPERLATIVELE GSP 2016 Denis Alibec a fost ales fotbalistul anului: "Ce a câștigat Stanciu cu Steaua ca să mă depășească?". GSP SUPERLATIVES 2016 Denis Alibec was chosen footballer of the year: "What did Stanciu won with Steaua to surpass me?". Gazeta Sporturilor. Romanian. 22 December 2016. 21 January 2017.
  7. Web site: Razvan MARIN joins the "Rouches". Standard Liège. 20 January 2017. 20 January 2017.
  8. Web site: Răzvan Marin, prezentat oficial la Standard Liege!. Răzvan Marin, official presentation at Standard Liège!. Digi Sport. Romanian. 20 January 2017. 20 January 2017.
  9. Web site: Au bătut palma! Răzvan Marin s-a înțeles cu o nouă echipă și astăzi semnează contractul » Suma uriașă primită de Hagi + prima reacție. They agreed the deal! Răzvan Marin came to terms with a new team and will sign the contract today » Huge sum received by Hagi + first reaction. Gazeta Sporturilor. Romanian. 18 January 2017. 20 January 2017.
  10. Web site: Răzvan Marin a costat SUB două milioane de euro! Anunțul făcut de Viitorul. Răzvan Marin cost less than two million! The announcement made by Viitorul. Sport.ro. Romanian. 31 January 2017. 3 March 2017.
  11. Web site: Sterk Club Brugge wint ruim in Luik en duwt Standard met de neus op de feiten. Strong Club Brugge win easily in Liège and leave Standard to face the music. Voetbalkrant. Dutch. 22 January 2017. 23 January 2017.
  12. Web site: Răzvan Marin a marcat un gol pentru Standard Liege în egalul, 2-2, cu St. Truiden. Răzvan Marin scored a goal for Standard Liège in the 2–2 draw with St. Truiden. Mediafax. Romanian. 8 April 2017. 9 April 2017.
  13. Web site: Gol spectaculos reuşit de Răzvan Marin! Românul a oferit şi o pasă de gol în victoria din Cupa Belgiei. Amazing goal scored by Răzvan Marin! The Romanian also offered an assist in the Belgian Cup victory. ProSport. Romanian. 21 September 2017. 23 September 2017.
  14. Web site: Răzvan Marin este de neoprit! A marcat al treilea gol în ultimele patru meciuri » Standard rămâne fără victorie în ultimele 5 meciuri din campionat. Razvan Marin is unstoppable! He scored his third goal in the last four games » Standard remains without victory in the last 5 league matches. Gazeta Sporturilor. Romanian. 27 December 2017. 4 March 2018.
  15. Web site: GOOOL Răzvan Marin! Românul a intrat pe teren de pe bancă şi a marcat în minutul 90. GOAL Răzvan Marin! The Romanian came from the bench and scored in the 90th minute. ProSport. Romanian. 3 February 2018. 3 February 2018.
  16. Web site: Răzvan Marin, un nou super-meci pentru Standard Liege. Spectacol în Belgia. Răzvan Marin, another great match for Standard Liège. Show in Belgium. Digi Sport. Romanian. 3 March 2018. 4 March 2018.
  17. News: Emond knikt Standard na verlengingen naar bekerwinst. Emond nods Standard after extra time to win cup. Sporza. Dutch. 17 March 2018. 8 August 2018.
  18. News: FC Bruges a învins echipa lui Răzvan Marin, Standard Liege, scor 2-1, şi a câştigat Supercupa Belgiei. FC Bruges defeated Răzvan Marin's team, Standard Liège, and won the Begian Super Cup. News.ro. Romanian. 22 July 2018. 8 August 2018.
  19. News: Standard Liège 2–2 Ajax. UEFA.com. 7 August 2018. 8 August 2018.
  20. Web site: Răzvan Marin a fost ales jucătorul anului la Gala Fotbalului Românesc. Dan Ștefănescu, cel mai bun comentator. Răzvan Marin has been chosen the Footballer of the Year at the Gala Fotbalului Românesc. Dan Ștefănescu, the Best Commentator. Digi Sport. Romanian. 3 December 2018. 3 December 2018.
  21. Web site: Romania - Player of the Year Awards. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 3 January 2019.
  22. Web site: Răzvan Marin, gol de play-station în derby-ul cu Anderlecht. Nicio șansă pentru portar: "A tras cu tunul". Răzvan Marin, PlayStation goal in the derby with Anderlecht. No chance for the goalkeeper: "He took a cannon shot". Digi Sport. Romanian. 3 February 2019. 23 February 2019.
  23. Web site: Ajax sign highly-rated starlet Razvan Marin to replace Barcelona-bound Frenkie De Jong. The Independent. 4 April 2019. 5 April 2019.
  24. Web site: Ajax contracteert Razvan Marin. Ajax signs Răzvan Marin. AFC Ajax. Dutch. 4 April 2019. 5 April 2019.
  25. Web site: Ajax bevestigt komst Roemeense aanwinst Marin. Ajax confirms the arrival of Romanian Marin. Algemeen Dagblad. Dutch. 4 April 2019. 5 April 2019. Marin is de op twee na duurste aankoop uit de geschiedenis van Ajax, na Miralem Sulejmani en Daley Blind..
  26. Web site: UFFICIALE: Cagliari, preso Marin. Il rumeno arriva in prestito con obbligo di riscatto. 31 August 2020.
  27. Web site: Răzvan Marin rămâne încă trei ani în Serie A! Cât va plăti Cagliari pentru transferul definitiv al românului. 23 August 2021.
  28. Web site: Cagliari vs. Pisa - Football Match Summary - August 15, 2021 . 23 August 2021.
  29. Web site: Empoli. Razvan Marin è un nuovo calciatore azzurro. 5 July 2022. 6 July 2022. it.
  30. Web site: Empoli. Razvan Marin torna in azzurro. 29 June 2023. 29 June 2023. it.
  31. News: Daum names first squad as Romania coach. Reuters. 13 August 2016. 29 August 2016.
  32. Web site: Debut de vis la națională pentru puştiul-minune al Viitorului! Răzvan Marin a marcat un gol de toată frumuseţea. Dream debut at the national team for Viitorul's wonderkid! Răzvan Marin scored an amazing goal. Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 8 October 2016. 8 October 2016.
  33. Web site: Lotul României pentru EURO 2024. Romania's squad for EURO 2024. Romanian Football Federation. ro. 7 June 2024. 7 June 2024.
  34. Web site: Romania earns first Euros win in 24 years while Ukraine apologizes for 3-0 loss. AP News. Matar. Daniella. 17 June 2024.
  35. Web site: Romania 0–3 Netherlands: Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo score as Dutch reach quarters. BBC. 2 July 2024. 8 July 2024.
  36. Web site: Fiul lui Petre Marin, Răzvan, e lider la juniorii Academiei Hagi » Căpitan la 15 ani. Son of Petre Marin, Răzvan, Hagi Academy's leading junior » Captain at age 15. Gazeta Sporturilor. Romanian. 9 September 2011. 27 July 2015.
  37. Web site: Răzvan Marin. European Football. 26 March 2017.
  38. Web site: Standard victorious in Belgian Cup Final. vrt. 18 March 2018. 3 August 2019.
  39. Web site: Ajax have lost Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs de Ligt but a new batch of wonderkids are ready to fire them to glory. talksport. 29 July 2019. 3 August 2019.
  40. Web site: VIDEO GALA GSP 2021 » Gazeta a decernat Superlativele anului 2021 și a premiat 5 Legende: iată cine sunt laureații!. VIDEO 2021 GSP GALA » Gazeta announced the Superlatives of the year 2021 and awarded 5 Legends: here are the winners!. Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 21 December 2021. 21 December 2021.