All images by Dana Maria Pop-Oprisan
“Football culture in Romania is deeply emotional and built on loyalty.”
For photographer Dana Maria Pop-Oprisan, Universitatea Cluj is not a club that can be measured in silverware.
“U Cluj is special because it has never been defined by trophies or results,” she says.
In more than a century of history, the club has won only one major trophy — the Romanian Cup in 1965. But, as Dana makes clear, that statistic has never defined what U truly represents.
“U is about people who have stood by the team regardless of the times,” she explains. “About the pride of belonging to a community that never gives up.”
For her, the connection is deeply personal.
“For me, U Cluj means family, joy, emotion, and identity, something truly UNIQUE,” Dana says. “These are not things that can be explained in words; they are felt deeply.”
Love at First Sight
Dana’s relationship with the club began instantly.
“I can say it was love at first sight.”
She remembers her first match vividly — not because of the scoreline, but because of the supporters.
“From my very first match the supporters impressed me with their passion, unity, and songs even though the team was playing away from Cluj,” she says.
At that time, the new stadium was still under construction. U Cluj were not even playing in their own city, yet the atmosphere travelled with them.
Since 2010, Dana has remained faithful to these colours, travelling across the country to support the team. The commitment became part of her life — documenting matches, following the club wherever it played, and embedding herself within the community she describes as family.
A European Return After 53 Years
This season brought a historic moment.
“I was also able to experience a European away match as U Cluj returned to continental competition in the second qualifying round of the Conference League,” Dana says, “where U returned after a 53-year absence.”
For a club whose identity has been built more on loyalty than laurels, the return to Europe carried emotional weight. It was not simply about qualification. It was about history reconnecting with the present.
Cluj Arena: Living Football
Today, Dana describes the experience at Cluj Arena in powerful terms.
“The experience at Cluj Arena is intense and emotional,” she says.
“The atmosphere created by the supporters, the chants, the colours, and the energy in the stands turns every match into a special moment.”
What stands out most, however, is the sense of belonging.
“Here, you are not just a spectator but part of the U family that lives football with passion and pride.”
Romania, Cluj and Identity
Dana places U Cluj within a broader cultural landscape.
“Romania is a country of beautiful contrasts with spectacular nature, a rich history, and welcoming people,” she says.
Cluj itself reflects that balance.
“Cluj perfectly represents this combination: a vibrant city with youthful energy, culture, and tradition. It is a place where the past and the present meet naturally.”
That same emotional depth is evident in Romanian football culture.
“Football culture in Romania is deeply emotional and built on loyalty,” Dana explains. “Supporters live football with passion and attachment.”
For many, she adds, clubs represent identity and tradition.
“Even in difficult moments, the bond between the team and its supporters remains strong.”
Something That Is Felt
U Cluj’s history may include only one major trophy. But for Dana Maria Pop-Oprisan, that has never been the point.
The club is not defined by results.
It is defined by people.
By standing by the team regardless of the times.
By the pride of belonging to a community that never gives up.
By family, joy, emotion, and identity.
By something that cannot be explained in words — only felt deeply.
