Gheorghe Hagi, known as the Maradona of the Carpathians during his playing years and heavily influenced by his time with Johan Cruyff at Barcelona, has established the Gheorghe Hagi Academy in Constanta, Romania. The academy, inspired by Dutch methodologies, has become a beacon for nurturing young talent in the country.

The academy, situated in the coastal city of Constanta east of Bucharest, has emerged as the go-to destination for top Romanian talent, maintaining a rigorous selection process. Hagi's vision emphasizes the importance of identifying player qualities and implementing a strategic approach to player development. The academy's training principles revolve around talent, time, and teenagers, aiming to produce a new generation of skilled players.

Notably, the academy has seen remarkable success with its graduates, with prominent names such as Ianis Hagi, Razvan Marin, Alexandru Cicaldau, Florinel Coman, and Denis Dragus featuring in the Euro 2024 Romania squad. Recent academy call-up Constantin Grameni underscores the academy's continuous commitment to talent development from a young age.

Hagi's academy has significantly contributed to Romanian football, with an average of 47 current or former academy players being called up for various national teams annually. Despite Hagi's modesty regarding the academy's importance, its track record speaks volumes, earning accolades from the federation as one of the top academies in Romania.

The social media comments surrounding the academy's approach shed light on the intense competition and high standards within the program. The academy's focus on football training while encouraging academic pursuits aligns with international practices, providing aspiring young footballers with a platform to hone their skills and potentially reach professional levels.

With Romania set to compete in Group E at Euro 2024, the presence of academy graduates within the national team underscores the academy's pivotal role in shaping the future of Romanian football. As the legacy of the Gheorghe Hagi Academy continues to grow, it stands as a testament to Hagi's enduring impact on football development in Romania.