Iulian Lucian Cristea

Iulian Lucian Cristea is a Romanian defender born in Mediaș on 17 July 1994. He developed at Gaz Metan Mediaș and spent the early part of his senior career there, including a 2014 loan spell with Metalurgistul Cugir. In 2019, Cristea moved to FCSB, where he established himself in a demanding top-flight environment and remained until 2023. He then joined Rapid București, making 16 appearances during the 2023–24 season. In July 2024, he signed for Universitatea Cluj, continuing his career in Romania’s SuperLiga. Cristea has been used primarily at centre-back, with his 184-centimetre frame supporting his work in aerial defensive situations and his ability to contribute to build-up play. He represented Romania at senior level, making his debut in a 4–0 victory over Malta in June 2019 and earning four caps.