Profile

A gifted, industrious right-winger, Bănel Nicoliţă has been one of the leading attractions in Liga 1 for the past few seasons and is a big fan favourite at FC Steaua Bucureşti. The 23-year-old emerged as a prominent player for Romania during the UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying competition

Started out at second-division side FC Dacia Unirea Brăila before joining Liga 1 side FC Politehnica 1921 Ştiinţa Timişoara at 19.

Managed only half a season in Timisoara before Steaua lured him to Bucharest, where he promptly won Romanian championship.

Reached new heights in first full season at Steaua, scoring seven Liga 1 goals as club retained title.

Also showed excellent form in 2005/06 UEFA Cup, helping Steaua to last four with two strikes in Round of 16 against Real Betis Balompié and the all-important away goal in quarter-final local derby against FC Rapid Bucureşti.

Made UEFA Champions League bow in 2006/07, scoring unfortunate own goal in 1-0 loss at Real Madrid CF.

Capped first by Romania in November 2005; four starts and three substitute appearances in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying.

Did you know?

Nicoliţă played from start to finish in both UEFA EURO 2008 qualifiers against the Netherlands: the team Romania face again on 17 June in Berne.