Helmuth Duckadam, Legendary Goalkeeper Known as 'Hero of Sevilla,' Dies at 65

The Romanian goalkeeper made history in 1986 by saving four penalties in Steaua Bucharest's European Cup final victory over Barcelona.

Helmuth Duckadam, former Steaua Bucharest goalkeeper, passed away at the age of 65, as confirmed by the Romanian Football Federation and his former club.
Duckadam became a football legend in 1986 when he saved all four penalty attempts in a European Cup final shootout, securing Steaua Bucharest's victory against heavily favored Barcelona.
The final, held in Sevilla, marked the first time an Eastern European team won the prestigious tournament, earning Duckadam the nickname 'Hero of Sevilla.'
His career was cut short months after the historic match due to a blood clot in his arm, though rumors persisted about political interference in his retirement.
Duckadam later served as honorary president of Steaua Bucharest and remained a celebrated figure in Romanian football history until his passing.