Andrei Rațiu Claims September 'Tricolorul' Award Despite Recent Struggles and Criticism

Andrei Rațiu has been named 'The Tricolor' (Tricolorul) for September 2026, according to results published by Fanatik. The midfielder secured the honor with a commanding 62.5% of the votes cast by supporters in the poll organized by the Romanian Football Federation (FRF). This latest accolade highlights a significant disconnect between fan perception and recent on-pitch controversies surrounding the player's form and selection.

Rațiu’s victory in the September poll was decisive, as he received more than double the votes of the runner-up. Răzvan Marin finished second with 21.4% of the vote share, while Ioan Vermeșan took third place with 12%. Kevin Ciubotaru rounded out the top four candidates, receiving 4.1% of the support. The distribution of votes underscores Rațiu’s continued popularity among the fanbase, even as questions persist regarding his recent contributions to the national side.

This recognition marks Rațiu’s fourth 'Tricolorul' award in the calendar year 2026. His dominance in these monthly polls began earlier in the year, having previously won the title in February, April, and May. The consistency of his awards suggests that fans continue to view him as a pivotal figure for the national team, regardless of the fluctuating fortunes of the squad during this period.

Rațiu’s standing within Romanian football is further bolstered by his previous achievements. He was already named 'Tricolorul' of the year for 2025, establishing himself as one of the most decorated players in the country over the last two years. This historical context adds weight to his September win, positioning him as a long-term staple of the national team narrative rather than just a fleeting star.

However, Rațiu’s recent international record has been fraught with difficulty. During the early stages of the new Nations League edition, Romania suffered a string of defeats in which Rațiu was involved. The team lost three of their first four matches, including a 1-2 defeat to Sweden, a 0-1 loss to Sweden in another fixture, and a heavy 0-6 thrashing by Poland. These results have raised concerns about the team's defensive stability and overall performance.

The scrutiny on Rațiu intensified following the match against Sweden in Warsaw. Mihai Stoica, the president of Steaua București and a prominent voice in Romanian football, heavily criticized the midfielder for his performance in that specific game. Stoica placed direct blame on Rațiu for conceding Sweden’s goal, highlighting individual errors amidst the broader team struggles.

Despite the criticism and the team's poor run of form, Rațiu remained a central figure in the public eye until his exclusion from the next squad. He was left out of the roster for Romania’s subsequent Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a game in which the national team suffered a 2-4 defeat. His omission suggests that coaches or selectors may be looking for changes in personnel to reverse the team's fortunes.