Early Life and Family Background
George Becali was born on June 25, 1958, in the village of Vădeni, located in Brăila County, Romania. His family belongs to the Aromanian ethnic group, originally from the Balkans. The Aromanian people are a subgroup of the Romanians who have their roots in Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. Becali’s family was subjected to the forced relocations by the Communist regime under Nicolae Ceaușescu, which adds an additional layer of hardship to his early life.
Becali’s family background has been a subject of interest in both media and academic studies exploring the impact of Romania’s communist past on its present. He grew up in modest surroundings, but his determination to succeed later in life drove him to accumulate wealth and influence. His father, Atanasie Becali, and his grandfather, Gheorghe Becali, were significant figures in his life, though not much is documented about their careers.
George Becali Education and Early Career
George Becali attended the Iuliu Maniu Technical College but did not complete any formal higher education. He entered the business world in the early 1990s when Romania was transitioning from a communist economy to a market-oriented one. During this period, many individuals like Becali took advantage of the privatization of state assets, including land and property, to build their fortunes.
Becali started his career with real estate, buying and selling land. He was particularly involved in land transactions and used his business acumen to invest in properties that were rapidly increasing in value as Romania moved from a state-controlled economy to a more free-market system. He also diversified his investments in agriculture and trade, further expanding his wealth. His entrepreneurial success during the post-communist era made him one of Romania’s wealthiest individuals.
George Becali Rise to Football Ownership
In the late 1990s, George Becali became involved in the world of football by purchasing Steaua Bucharest (now known as FCSB), one of the most successful football clubs in Romania. His involvement with the club started with him acquiring a controlling stake in the team, and by the early 2000s, he became its primary owner.
Becali’s style of management at FCSB was controversial but effective. He took a hands-on approach, often making decisions regarding the team’s line-ups, player transfers, and even coaching appointments. While his interference in football operations has drawn criticism, FCSB’s success on the pitch and his ability to attract attention to the club helped him maintain a prominent public profile. His ownership of FCSB is one of the central pillars of his public identity and has shaped his reputation in Romania.
George Becali Political Career
George Becali political career is as colorful and controversial as his business ventures. He first entered the political arena in 2004 when he became involved with the Partidul Noua Generație – Creștin Democrat (New Generation – Christian Democrat) party. His populist, nationalist rhetoric quickly made him a notable figure in Romanian politics.
In 2009, he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Romania. He served in this capacity until 2012, where he was known for his outspoken views and media presence. While his tenure as an MEP was short, it marked his entrance into national and international politics. He was later elected to the Chamber of Deputies of Romania in 2012. His political career has been marked by a strong association with nationalist and conservative ideologies. His populist style and ability to use media to his advantage helped him maintain a solid following among Romanian voters.
In 2024, he was again elected to the Chamber of Deputies, this time representing the nationalist party AUR (Alliance for the Union of Romanians). However, due to a disagreement with party leaders, he resigned his position in March 2025.
George Becali Net Worth & Business Interests
George Becali wealth is primarily derived from his real estate ventures, land deals, and football club ownership. His net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 billion (2025), though figures vary. Becali’s wealth also stems from his investments in agriculture and other industries. In his early career, he built his fortune by acquiring land and property, especially during the period of post-communist privatization when many state assets were sold off cheaply.
Becali’s wealth has also attracted attention for its opulence. He is known to own a palatial residence in Bucharest, which is frequently referred to as the “Becali Palace.” This mansion is a symbol of his wealth and status. His family is also known to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, often appearing in the media.
Controversial Wealth
Becali’s wealth and business dealings have not been without controversy. In 2013, he was convicted for abuse of power in relation to a land deal involving the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. He was sentenced to three years in prison but was later released early after serving a portion of his sentence. His legal troubles, particularly related to his land dealings, have cast a shadow over his wealth and business practices.
In addition to legal issues, Becali’s wealth has been a source of public debate, especially in light of his nationalist and populist views. Critics often accuse him of amassing his fortune through questionable means, including alleged ties to corruption and the privatization of state assets.
George Becali Personal Life and Family
George Becali is married to Luminița Becali, who is younger than him by about 11 years. They have three daughters: Teodora, Alexandra, and Cristina. While his family life is generally private, the Becali family is occasionally seen in the media, often due to Gigi Becali’s high public profile.
His children have been less involved in the public eye compared to their father, and there is little information available about their careers or personal lives. Becali’s wife, Luminița, is rarely seen in the media and is often referred to as the “silent partner” in his businesses.
Controversies and Legal Issues
George Becali life has been marked by a series of controversies, both in his business dealings and his public statements. His most notable legal issue occurred in 2013, when he was convicted for abuse of power after a controversial land swap deal with the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. His sentence was reduced after serving part of the prison term, but the incident remains a significant part of his legacy.
Becali is also known for his outspoken views on a variety of issues, including his opposition to COVID-19 vaccinations. He has publicly expressed skepticism about the vaccine and even made controversial statements comparing vaccines to being “shot in the head.” His remarks on the topic led to widespread criticism and media backlash.
In addition to his legal and political controversies, Becali has also been criticized for his comments on various social issues. He has made several xenophobic remarks and is often accused of promoting discriminatory views, particularly towards ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
George Becali remains one of Romania’s most prominent and polarizing figures. From his early days in the business world to his rise as a football mogul and politician, his journey has been anything but ordinary. Becali’s wealth, political career, and public persona have made him a household name in Romania, but his legal troubles, controversial views, and involvement in various scandals have also kept him in the media spotlight. Whether admired or criticized, there is no denying that George Becali has left an indelible mark on Romanian politics, business, and football.
His legacy is still unfolding, and his ability to navigate the intersections of wealth, power, and media will likely keep him a relevant figure in Romanian public life for years to come.