Iulian Cristea

Lucian Iulian Cristea (born 17 July 1994) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or a defensive midfielder for Liga I club Universitatea Cluj.

Club career
After playing over 110 matches in all competitions for his hometown club Gaz Metan Mediaș, Cristea moved to fellow Liga I team FCSB on 26 February 2019. He signed a five-year contract for a €150,000 transfer fee.

On 13 June 2023, after being released by FCSB, Cristea moved to cross-town rivals Rapid București on a two-year deal.

On 5 June 2024, Universitatea Cluj announced the signing of Cristea as a free agent, after he terminated his agreement with Rapid on 31 May.

International career
On 10 June 2019, Cristea made his debut for the Romania national team in a 4–0 win against Malta counting for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Style of play
Cristea has been described as versatile, due to his ability to play equally well as either a centre-back or a defensive midfielder, and has been noted for his aerial prowess.

Honours
Gaz Metan Mediaș
 * Liga II: 2015–16

FCSB
 * Cupa României: 2019–20
 * Supercupa României runner-up: 2020

Individual
 * Liga I Team of the Season: 2021–22
 * Liga I Team of the Championship Play-Offs: 2018–19