Fotbal Club Viitorul Constanța, commonly known as Viitorul Constanța or simply Viitorul, is a Romanian professional football club based in Ovidiu, Constanța County, currently playing in the Liga I. Founded in 2009 by Gheorghe Hagi, the club is particularly known for promoting young talents from its academy, hence the nickname "Hagi's Kids". With the former Romanian international also acting as a coach, Viitorul had its first major success in the 2016–17 season, when they became the first team from the region of Dobruja to win the national title. Two years later, Viitorul won the Romanian Cup and the Romanian Supercup. They play their home matches in blue and black kits at the Stadionul Viitorul, situated a few kilometres north of the city of Constanța.
History
Founding and early years (2009–2012)
Viitorul Constanța was founded in the summer of 2009 and enrolled in the Liga III, the third tier of the Romanian football league system, after acquiring the playing rights of CSO Ovidiu. It has been owned since its creation by former Romanian international Gheorghe Hagi. During the team's first season in Romanian football, they achieved promotion to the 2010–11 Liga II in round 33 after a fierce battle with ACS Berceni towards the end of the campaign. In the 2011–12 Liga II, Viitorul finished second in the standings and were promoted to the top-flight the following season.
Ascent in the first league (2012–)
In the 2012–13 season, Viitorul Constanța made its first appearance in the Liga I in the club's history. With 8 victories, 12 draws, and 13 defeats, they finished 13th place with 36 points thereby avoiding relegation. The club had notable victories, however, Viitorul continued to be an ever-present in relegation battles for the following two campaigns. In 2016, Viitorul qualified for the championship play-offs by finishing in the 5th place, thus earning a spot in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League and being drawn against Belgian side Gent. In their first European match, they were defeated 0–5 at the Ghelamco Arena. On 13 May 2017, Viitorul Constanța managed to win the Liga I after a 1–0 home victory over CFR Cluj; the first major trophy in their history which also ensured qualification for the UEFA Champions League. With the average age of the squad being 22.2 years, "Hagi's Kids" were the season's youngest league champion in Europe. In the third qualifying round of the Champions League, after a 1–0 win against APOELat home, Viitorul once again suffered a harsh away defeat.
Youth program
Viitorul Constanța is known for developing young players in Romania and having one of the best facilities in the country.
Grounds
They returned to the newly expanded Stadionul Viitorul in Ovidiu in the summer of 2015.
