Romania captivated TV viewers during their first appearance at the 2024 European Championship in Germany. They defeated Ukraine with a score of 3-0. Captain Nicolae Stanciu scored a fantastic goal to take the lead, and a double from Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus sealed the victory.
However, it wasn’t just the passion and discipline of the Romanians that caught the attention, but also one player: Andrei Ratiu! The defender sprinted up and down the right side – and stood out to the audience with his blue hair.
The hair color resembles the blue on the Ukrainian flag. Ratiu, the right-back for Romania, sparked many humorous comments on social media. On the platform X (formerly Twitter), one user compared him to Super Hedgehog Sonic because of his hair color.
Another comment during the Romania-Ukraine match regarding Ratiu’s hairstyle was, „My prediction was as off as Andrei Ratiu’s haircut.“ Others found the hairstyle „interesting.“ Some even drew parallels to Romanian legend George Hagi: „Andrei Rațiu is bringing the vibes of 1998 to the Romanian team!“ Back then, Hagi dyed his hair yellow. Some are wondering, „What bet did Ratiu lose in Romania to have such a hairstyle?“ Ratiu’s blue hair, playing for Rayo Vallecano in Spain, is a standout feature during the first days of the European Championship.
However, the Romanians are likely unconcerned about the hair color, as the 3-0 victory marked their first win at a European Championship in 24 years.
In addition to the attention-grabbing blue hair of Ratiu, the Romanian team’s performance on the field has been impressive. The victory against Ukraine not only showcased their skill but also their determination to succeed in the tournament. Fans are hopeful that Romania’s success will continue throughout the championship, and Ratiu’s unique hairstyle has added an element of fun and personality to the team. The social media reactions to Ratiu’s hair have provided entertainment and lighthearted banter for football enthusiasts following the European Championship.