Bro, grab a cold beer and sit down, 'cause I've got news that'll make you think Romanian football still has a chance! This weekend in Bucharest, the second edition of the Duckadam Cup went down - a kids' competition for U8, U9, and U11. And who do you think crushed it? Farul Constanța, man! They took all three categories, like a pizza with extra pepperoni: one, two, three! Among the top scorers was Thiago, Adrian Mutu's son. The 11-year-old kid brazenly declared: 'I'll score more than Dad!' Damn, really? Well, if he says so, I believe him. Dad scored about 200 goals in his career, but if this kid stays healthy and ambitious, he might just surpass him. One thing from me: if he wants to make it big, he shouldn't get caught up in the flashy stuff - 'cause here, many talented kids get lost on TikTok and manele.
The competition was organized by Alexandra Duckadam, daughter of the legendary goalkeeper who saved four penalties in the 1986 European Cup final with Steaua against Barcelona in Seville. She's keeping kids in the game, letting them feel the elite atmosphere. Good on her! Each category had 12 teams on the field. Farul dominated as they pleased, while FCSB's kids took second and third places. At the awards, Mihai Stoica, the red-and-blues' manager, handed out the prizes. That's how you build men, bro! Also present were Adrian Mutu and Eduard Stăncioiu - proud dads, no doubt.
But don't think it's all sunshine and rainbows at Constanța. While the kids are collecting trophies, Farul's senior team is in deep trouble. The team risks relegation to Liga 2! They played the playoff against Chindia Târgoviște, and the first leg ended 3-3. In the return leg, Chindia was leading 1-0, and Farul's got their eggs in one basket. Gică Popescu, who became majority shareholder after Hagi left to coach the national team, was caught on TV with a face of crisis. I can see him now: hands on his head, hair disheveled, totally devastated. Farul is a double champion (2017 and 2023), won the Cup and Supercup in 2019 - and now they risk falling to Liga 2. That would be the first time since Viitorul got promoted in 2012. Tragedy, bro!
And to show how stories intertwine, striker Valentin Dumitrache (23), raised at Farul, will sign with Chindia Târgoviște. He was on loan at Metalul Buzău in the 2025-2026 season, where he scored 8 goals in 29 matches. He was at the playoff in Ovidiu to see his future teammates. At Farul, he only played 4 matches without scoring, but he won the title in 2023. On Transfermarkt, he's valued at €175,000. He's also played for Afumați, FC Buzău, and Academica Clinceni. So, good luck at Chindia!
That's life, bro: today you're a champion with the kids, tomorrow you're relegated with the seniors. But at least we have a Thiago who promises to make us forget the bitterness. Let's see what happens. Alright, I'm off to call Mitică, tell him to get his kid into football - maybe he'll score more than his old man too!
