Cosmin Contra

Born in Timișoara, Cosmin Contra started his professional career at local club Politehnica Timișoara, making his Divizia A debut under coach Costică Ștefănescu on 27 February 1994 at age 18 in a 1–0 win in the West derby against UTA Arad.{{RomanianSoccer|450/cosmin-marius-contra}}{{cite web|url=http://www.druckeria.ro/cosmin-contra-a-debutat-la-seniori-in-primul-poli-uta-de-dupa-revolutie/|title=Cosmin Contra a debutat la seniori în primul Poli – UTA de după revoluție|trans-title=Cosmin Contra made his senior debut in first Poli – UTA after the revolution|publisher=Druckeria|language=ro|date=12 October 2017|access-date=20 September 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/nationala/special-gsp-20-de-fotografii-cu-contra-in-prim-plan-comentariu-cu-comentariu-ce-spune-selectionerul-despre-ultimii-20-ani-ai-nationalei-522580.html|title=20 de fotografii cu Contra în prim-plan: comentariu cu comentariu, ce spune selecționerul despre ultimii 20 ani ai naționalei!|trans-title=20 photos with Contra in the foreground: comment by comment, what is the coach saying about the last 20 years of the national team!|newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor|language=ro|date=7 October 2017|access-date=20 September 2022}} At the end of his first season they were relegated to Divizia B, but he stayed with the side, promoting back after one year. Midway through 1995–96, he signed for Dinamo București at the request of coach Cornel Dinu. During his period with the Red Dogs he failed to win any trophy, the team's best performance during his stay being a runner-up finish in 1998–99; he also made his debut in European competitions, appearing in four matches in the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup and two in the 1997–98 UEFA Cup.

After three and a half campaigns with Dinamo, Contra was transferred for $800,000 to Deportivo Alavés in the Spanish La Liga.{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/2013/07/04/getafe-cf/247325.html|title=Yo jugué en el Getafe: Cosmin Contra|trans-title=I played for Getafe: Cosmin Contra|publisher=Vavel|first=Álvaro|last=Pascual González|language=es|date=4 July 2013|access-date=18 October 2019}} He was an important part in the Basques' runner-up run in the UEFA Cup,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0219-0e8c058bc741-cf3e180c8807-1000--liverpool-win-nine-goal-epic-with-golden-goal/|title=Liverpool win nine-goal epic with golden goal|publisher=UEFA|date=1 September 2014|access-date=28 June 2016}} his performances earning him in a place in the UEFA Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/025a-0eab10b3bf13-7f2ccedd4721-1000--contra-voted-romania-s-finest/|title=Contra voted Romania's finest|publisher=UEFA|date=18 December 2001|access-date=6 July 2010}}

Contra scored eight goals in all competitions during his spell at the Mendizorrotza Stadium. In December 2021, as the club celebrated its 100th birthday, he was voted its best-ever right-back by newspaper Noticias de Álava.{{cite news|url=https://www.noticiasdealava.eus/alaves/2021/12/17/once-cien-anos-alaves-1048373.html|title=Un once para cien años del Alavés|trans-title=Eleven for Alavés' one hundred|newspaper=Noticias de Álava|first=Borja|last=Mallo|language=es|date=17 December 2021|access-date=31 October 2022}}

In the summer of 2001, Contra moved to Italian club AC Milan, but his spell there lasted only one season. On 21 October, in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan and as his team trailed 1–0, he was brought on as a 46th-minute substitute and scored once and provided one assist in the 4–2 victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Milan/20-04-2024/milan-la-meteora-del-derby-contra-io-terim-sheva-e-quel-mio-gol-all-inter_preview.shtml|title=Contra: "Io, Terim, Sheva e quel gol all'Inter mi fece impazzire di gioia"|trans-title=Contra: "Me, Terim, Sheva and that goal against Inter left me mad with joy"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|first=Fabrizio|last=Salvio|language=it|date=20 April 2024|access-date=30 July 2024}} In August 2002, he was suspended after a scuffle with Juventus's Edgar Davids.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0188-0e6a31305586-4bb2b445ce62-1000--davids-and-contra-suspended-after-scuffle/|title=Contra and Davids suspended after scuffle|publisher=UEFA|date=12 August 2002|access-date=6 July 2010}}

Contra returned to Spain in September 2002, joining Atlético Madrid.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/2231833.stm|title=Contra deal goes through|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 September 2002|access-date=14 March 2008}} He appeared very rarely in the 2003–04 campaign, due to a serious ankle condition.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0196-0f84508eeb43-9df420baa6bd-1000--contra-set-for-surgery/|title=Contra set for surgery|publisher=UEFA|date=2 October 2003|access-date=5 September 2024}}

Contra signed for West Bromwich Albion on loan in August 2004,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/3615930.stm|title=Baggies snap up Contra|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2004|access-date=14 March 2008}} making his debut in a 2–1 defeat at Colchester United in the second round of the Football League Cup on 21 September.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3655972.stm|title=Colchester 2–1 West Brom|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 September 2004|access-date=16 October 2019}} His maiden Premier League appearance occurred almost two months later, when they lost 2–1 at home against Middlesbrough.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3988389.stm|title=West Brom 1–2 Middlesbrough|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 November 2004|access-date=16 October 2019}}

Overall, the loan was not particularly successful, with Contra playing just six games and receiving a red card in his last match, a 0–5 home loss to Liverpool.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4107413.stm|title=West Brom 0–5 Liverpool|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2004|access-date=15 October 2019}} He then returned to his country and Liga I, at the club which brought him up as a player, Politehnica Timișoara, where he managed to be recalled to the national side due to his performances.

File:Contra.JPG in 2009]]

Contra returned to Spain in August 2005, agreeing to a season-long loan with Getafe{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0254-0d7b20344d77-c32dc92da685-1000--contra-seals-spanish-switch/|title=Contra seals Spanish switch|publisher=UEFA|date=4 August 2005|access-date=5 September 2024}} which was subsequently made permanent (he was supposed to have arrived at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez before, but the move was blocked because the squad had too many non-EU players, and his compatriot Gheorghe Craioveanu only ceased to be considered a foreigner the same year).{{cite web|url=https://www.libertaddigital.com/deportes/el-getafe-presenta-a-contra-cedido-por-el-atletico-de-madrid-1276258830/|title=El Getafe presenta a Contra, cedido por el Atlético de Madrid|trans-title=Getafe present Contra, loaned by Atlético de Madrid|publisher=Libertad Digital|language=es|date=19 August 2005|access-date=18 October 2019}} He was used regularly by the Madrid outskirts side, battling for a first-team slot with David Cortés.

In the 2007–08 UEFA Cup, Contra netted in both legs of the quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich, which ended in a 4–4 aggregate elimination after extra time.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=683308.html|title=Crushed Contra defiant in defeat|publisher=UEFA|first=Paul|last=Bryan|date=11 April 2008|access-date=6 July 2010}} Earlier in the competition, he scored a penalty kick against AEK Athens,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0254-0d7bce7c5d25-27e2a1045e34-1000--getafe-s-debut-run-goes-on/|title=Getafe's debut run goes on|publisher=UEFA|date=21 February 2008|access-date=5 September 2024}} appearing in that match even though his father had died just hours before.{{cite web|url=https://es.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01ca-0e6f0c088dc4-03f781e8a4c6-1000--un-gol-con-dedicatoria-especial/|title=Un gol con dedicatoria especial|trans-title=Goal with a special dedication|publisher=UEFA|language=es|date=22 February 2008|access-date=15 June 2016}}

In late January 2010, after being ousted from the starting XI by manager Míchel, Contra left Getafe and returned to his country, rejoining hometown's Politehnica Timișoara initially until June.{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/2010/01/26/futbol/equipos/getafe/1264510841.html|title=Contra se marcha a la Politécnica de Timișoara|trans-title=Contra goes to Politehnica Timișoara|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=26 January 2010|access-date=16 October 2019}} On 26 February he made his debut in his second spell for the club, scoring from a 30-yard free kick in the last minute of the 2–1 victory over Politehnica Iași.{{cite web|url=http://sport.hotnews.ro/stiri-fotbal-6967880-liga-1-timisoara-iasi-2-1-gol-decisiv-ultimele-secunde.htm|title=Liga 1: Timișoara – Iasi 2–1/ Gol decisiv, in ultimele secunde!|trans-title=Liga 1: Timișoara – Iasi 2–1/ Decisive goal, in the last second!|publisher=Hot News|language=ro|date=26 February 2010|access-date=16 October 2019}} Two months later, at Steaua București, he again found the net from two set pieces, one from a penalty (3–3 draw);{{cite news|url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/contra-lor-pro-cfr-steaua-poli-timisoara-3-3-6047751|title=Contra lor, pro CFR!** Steaua-Poli Timișoara 3–3|trans-title=Against them, pro CFR!** Steaua-Poli Timișoara 3–3|newspaper=ProSport|first=Catalin Gabriel|last=Muresanu|language=ro|date=25 April 2010|access-date=16 October 2019}} during his second stint, he played mainly as a central midfielder.

On 29 August 2010, Contra scored again from a free kick and again against Steaua, in a late 1–1 equaliser.{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/stiri/20349/etapa-6-steaua--fc-timisoara-1-1.htm|title=Etapa 6: Steaua – FC Timișoara 1–1|trans-title=Round 6: Steaua – FC Timișoara 1–1|publisher=Romanian Soccer|language=ro|date=29 August 2010|access-date=30 August 2010}} His contract expired the following day, and on 9 September he agreed to a new deal,{{cite web|url=http://violamania.gsp.ro/stiri/12156/exclusiv-contra-m-am-inteles-cu-poli-sunt-multumit-ca-am-ramas-acasa-).htm|title=Contra: "M-am înțeles cu Poli. Sunt mulțumit că am rămas acasă"|trans-title=Contra: "I understand Poli. I am glad I have stayed home"|publisher=Viola Mania|language=ro|date=9 September 2010|access-date=9 September 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310105018/http://mysport.gsp.ro/violamania/|archive-date=10 March 2012}} being announced as new player-coach six days later.{{cite web|url=http://violamania.gsp.ro/stiri/12185/gurita-velcea-rotariu-si-bratu-in-stafful-timisoarei--contra-all-inclusive.htm|title="Guriță", Velcea, Rotariu și Bratu în stafful Timișoarei / Contra all inclusive!|trans-title="Guriță", Velcea, Rotariu and Bratu in the staff of Timișoara / Contra all inclusive!|publisher=Viola Mania|language=ro|date=15 September 2010|access-date=15 September 2010}} His last game as a player took place on 13 November 2010, in a 1–1 home draw with Unirea Urziceni.

Contra earned 73 caps for Romania and scored seven goals, making his debut on 24 April 1996 at the age of 20 when coach Anghel Iordănescu sent him on the field in the 65th minute in order to replace captain Gheorghe Hagi in a friendly against Georgia which ended with a 5–0 victory.{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=3818|title=Cosmin Contra|publisher=European Football|access-date=19 August 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://tikitaka.ro/romania-georgia-1996/|title=România – Georgia 5–0 (amical – 24 aprilie 1996)|trans-title=Romania – Georgia 5–0 (friendly – 24 April 1996)|publisher=Tiki Taka|language=ro|date=23 April 2021|access-date=31 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/contra-intl.html|title=Cosmin Contra – International Appearances|publisher=RSSSF|first=Karel|last=Stokkermans|access-date=30 December 2013}} He played three games in the Euro 2000 qualifiers, being selected by Emerich Jenei to be part of the final tournament squad, where he was used as a starter the first three matches, helping the team pass the group stage, but did not play in the 2–0 loss to Italy in the quarter-finals, being suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the previous fixtures. He made nine appearances and netted twice in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying phase, one in a 2–0 away victory over Georgia and one in the second leg of the play-off against Slovenia which was lost 3–2 on aggregate.

Contra made six appearances in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, scoring a hat-trick in the 7–0 away rout of Luxembourg, playing six times in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2004/matches/round=1579/match=69300/postmatch/report/index.html|title=Ruthless Contra cashes in|publisher=UEFA|date=16 October 2002|access-date=30 September 2019}} He contributed six matches and two goals, one in a 3–0 victory against Luxembourg and one in the 2–0 defeat of Slovenia in qualification for Euro 2008, being used in the final tournament by manager Victor Pițurcă in all the minutes as his side failed to progress from their group.

Contra played four games in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and, on 1 April 2009, after a match with Austria, he announced his retirement from international football; however, on 30 August 2010, the 34-year-old was recalled by manager Răzvan Lucescu for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, making his last appearance in a 1–1 against Albania.{{cite news|url=http://www.gsp.ro/international/euro-2012/cosmin-contra-convocat-la-nationala-204725.html|title=Imediat după anunțul că se lasă de fotbal, Contra a fost convocat la "națională"!|trans-title=Immediately after retiring from football, Contra is called to the national team!|newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor|language=ro|date=30 August 2010|access-date=30 August 2010}}

Contra made his Timișoara debut as a manager in September 2010, with a win against Sportul Studențesc București.{{cite web|url=http://www.sport365.ro/liga-i-victorie-la-debutul-lui-contra-ca-antrenor-al-lui-poli-timisoara-sportul-2-1/158242/|title=Victorie la debutul lui Contra ca antrenor al lui Poli: Timișoara – Sportul 2–1|trans-title=Victory for Contra on his debut for Poli: Timișoara – Sportul 2–1|publisher=Sport 365|language=ro|date=18 September 2010|access-date=29 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310172941/http://www.sport365.ro/liga-i-victorie-la-debutul-lui-contra-ca-antrenor-al-lui-poli-timisoara-sportul-2-1/158242/|archive-date=10 March 2014}} Even though the team never lost a game under his guidance, he was sacked after 11 matches – six wins, five draws – because of a conflict with the club's owner.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.ro/articol/stiri/sport/contra-demis-fc-timisoara|title=Contra, demis de la FC Timișoara|trans-title=Contra, dismissed from Poli Timișoara|publisher=Radio France Internationale|language=ro|date=5 December 2010|access-date=29 October 2012}}

Contra returned to Spain in July 2012, being appointed at Segunda División B side Fuenlabrada.{{cite web|url=http://fuenlabrada.tuzonaes.com/2012/07/30/cosmin-contra-nuevo-entrenador-del-fuenlabrada/|title=Cosmin Contra, nuevo entrenador del Fuenlabrada|trans-title=Cosmin Contra, new coach of Fuenlabrada|publisher=Tu Zona Es|first=Carlos|last=Ullan Ferrer|language=es|date=30 July 2012|access-date=29 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204210454/http://fuenlabrada.tuzonaes.com/2012/07/30/cosmin-contra-nuevo-entrenador-del-fuenlabrada/|archive-date=4 February 2013}} He started the campaign well and, after ten rounds, the team found themselves in a play-off position; however, after an offer from Petrolul Ploiești in his homeland arrived, he asked to be released from his contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/10/29/futbol/mas_futbol/1351503563.html|title=Contra deja Fuenlabrada por el Ploiesti rumano|trans-title=Contra leaves Fuenlabrada for Romania's Ploiești|newspaper=Marca|first=R.|last=Aizcorbe|language=es|date=29 October 2012|access-date=29 October 2012}}

Contra took over at Petrolul in October 2012, replacing Mircea Rednic. In his first season he reached the final of the Romanian Cup, defeating CFR Cluj 1–0;{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-06-01/news/sns-rt-soccer-romaniacupl3n0ed09t-20130601_1_jeremy-bokila-petrolul-mario-felgueiras|title=Soccer-Petrolul edge past Cluj to win Romanian Cup|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|first1=Angel|last1=Krasimirov|first2=Stephen|last2=Wood|date=1 June 2013|access-date=5 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310182344/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-06-01/news/sns-rt-soccer-romaniacupl3n0ed09t-20130601_1_jeremy-bokila-petrolul-mario-felgueiras|archive-date=10 March 2014}} additionally, the club finished third in the domestic league, thus securing qualification for the Europa League after an 18-year-absence.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/020b-0e857964d809-b9ed472ae271-1000--contra-fuels-petrolul-s-european-ambition/|title=Contra fuels Petrolul's European ambition|publisher=UEFA|first=Paul-Daniel|last=Zaharia|date=29 July 2013|access-date=29 July 2024}}

Petrolul managed to knock out Víkingur Gøta in the Europa League second qualifying round and Vitesse Arnhem in the third, but were eliminated in the play-offs by Swansea City after being bested 5–1 in Wales and winning 2–1 at home.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/23790978/|title=Petrolul Ploiesti 2–1 Swansea (agg 3–6)|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Aled|last=Williams|date=29 August 2013|access-date=30 August 2013}}

On 10 March 2014, Contra returned to Getafe and the Spanish top flight after four years, replacing Luis García who was fired after a long run of bad results which led the team to only a point above the relegation zone, and without a league win since November.{{cite web|url=http://www.getafecf.com/Noticia/tabid/137/Article/914/Presentacion-Contra.aspx|title=Presentación Contra|trans-title=Presentation of Contra|publisher=Getafe CF|language=es|date=10 March 2014|access-date=11 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/garcia-does-not-fear-getafe-sack/|title=Garcia does not fear Getafe sack|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=9 March 2014|access-date=10 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519131204/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/garcia-does-not-fear-getafe-sack/|archive-date=19 May 2014}} His first match in charge came four days later, a 3–3 home draw against Granada.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/granada-getafe-battle-to-wild-draw-la-liga-1.2573608|title=Granada, Getafe battle to wild draw|publisher=CBS Sports|date=14 March 2014|access-date=15 March 2014}} They finally won a game on the penultimate day of the month, emerging victorious at Valencia 3–1.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/102614/valencia-1-3-getafe-getafe-sucker-punch-valencia-to-escape-the-relegation-zone/|title=Valencia 1–3 Getafe: Getafe sucker punch Valencia to escape the relegation zone|publisher=Inside Spanish Football|first=Tom|last=Conn|date=30 March 2014|access-date=31 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331010930/http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/102614/valencia-1-3-getafe-getafe-sucker-punch-valencia-to-escape-the-relegation-zone/|archive-date=31 March 2014}}

On 19 May 2014, Contra confirmed survival for the side after a 2–1 win away win over Rayo Vallecano.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/108728/contra-its-been-a-very-tough-road-since-i-came-here-as-manager/|title=Contra: It's been a very tough road since I came here as manager|publisher=Inside Spanish Football|date=19 May 2014|access-date=19 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519131223/http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/108728/contra-its-been-a-very-tough-road-since-i-came-here-as-manager/|archive-date=19 May 2014}}

On 18 December 2014, Contra was named as the new manager of Guangzhou R&F, replacing Sven-Göran Eriksson.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11376922|title=Guangzhou R&F names Getafe's Cosmin Contra coach|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|date=19 December 2014|access-date=4 January 2015}} He began working officially for the club on 4 January of the following year.{{cite web|url=http://sports.163.com/15/0102/08/AEUJTBN100051C89.html#from=relevant#xwwzy_35_bottomnewskwd|script-title=zh:富力宣布孔特拉下周一正式接手 刘殿座确定加盟|trans-title=|publisher=Sports 163|language=zh|date=2 January 2015|access-date=4 January 2015}}

On 15 June 2016, Contra was appointed at Alcorcón.{{cite web|url=http://www.adalcorcon.com/noticia/cosmin-contra-nuevo-entrenador-de-la-a-d-alcorcon|title=Cosmin Contra, nuevo entrenador de la A.D. Alcorcón|trans-title=Cosmin Contra, new manager of A.D. Alcorcón|publisher=AD Alcorcón|language=es|date=15 June 2016|access-date=18 June 2016}} He was relieved of his duties on 12 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.adalcorcon.com/noticia/comunicado-oficial-2|title=Comunicado oficial|trans-title=Official announcement|publisher=AD Alcorcón|language=es|date=12 October 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}

In February 2017, Contra became Dinamo Bucharest's new coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.dolce-sport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-intern/este-noul-antrenor-al-lui.html|title=Contra este noul antrenor al lui Dinamo|trans-title=Contra is the new manager at Dinamo|publisher=Dolce Sport|language=ro|date=16 February 2017|access-date=23 February 2017}} He led the team to their first trophy in five years by winning the Cupa Ligii{{cite news|url=http://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/cupa-ligii/video-foto-dinamo-a-castigat-cupa-ligii-fara-emotii-al-34-lea-trofeu-din-vitrina-cainilor-511284.html|title=VIDEO+FOTO – Dinamo a câștigat Cupa Ligii fără emoții! Al 34-lea trofeu din vitrina 'câinilor'|trans-title=VIDEO+PHOTO " Dinamo won unexciting League Cup! 34th trophy in the 'dogs' cabinet|newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor|language=ro|date=20 May 2017|access-date=20 September 2017}} but, after advances from the Romanian Football Federation, he resigned from his post on 16 September.{{cite news|url=http://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/cosmin-contra-si-a-oficializat-plecarea-de-la-dinamo-stiu-ca-nu-sunt-iubit-de-toata-lumea-si-ca-n-am-experienta-dar-era-visul-meu-sa-preiau-nationala-521005.html|title=Cosmin Contra și-a oficializat plecarea de la Dinamo: "Știu că nu sunt iubit de toată lumea și că n-am experiență, dar era visul meu să preiau naționala"|trans-title=Cosmin Contra made his departure from Dinamo official: "I know that I am not loved by everybody and that I have no experience, but it was my dream to take over the national team"|newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor|language=ro|date=19 September 2017|access-date=20 September 2017}}

On 17 September 2017, following Christoph Daum's dismissal, Contra was revealed as the new manager of Romania with the objective of qualifying for Euro 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.frf.ro/nationale/masculin/echipa-nationala/intelegere-de-principiu-cu-cosmin-contra-pentru-conducerea-nationalei-romaniei/|title=Înțelegere de principiu cu Cosmin Contra pentru conducerea Naționalei României|trans-title=Agreement in principle with Cosmin Contra to lead the Romania national team|publisher=Romanian Football Federation|language=ro|date=17 September 2017|access-date=17 April 2020}} His first game in charge was on 5 October, a 3–1 win in Ploiești against Kazakhstan in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web|url=https://www.telekomsport.ro/romania-kazahstan-3-1-o-gurita-de-speranta-cu-budescu-in-forma-maxima-17239072|title=România-Kazahstan 3–1 {{!}} O 'guriță' de speranță cu Budescu în formă maximă|trans-title=Romania-Kazakhstan 3–1 {{!}} A 'mouthful' (reference to Contra's nickname) of hope with Budescu in top form|publisher=Telekom TV|language=ro|date=5 October 2017|access-date=17 April 2020}}

In November 2019, after the team could only finish in fourth place in the Euro 2020 qualifying phase behind Spain, Sweden and Norway, the Romanian Football Federation announced Contra would no longer continue on the bench.{{cite web|url=https://www.digifm.ro/stiri/cosmin-contra-nu-va-mai-antrena-echipa-nationala-anuntul-a-fost-facut-de-frf-55742|title=Cosmin Contra nu va mai antrena echipa nationala. Anuntul a fost facut de FRF|trans-title=Cosmin Contra will no longer coach the national team. RFF made the announcement|publisher=Digi FM|language=ro|date=21 November 2019|access-date=22 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://newsweek.ro/sport/fostul-selectioner-cosmin-contra-isi-cere-scuze-pentru-ca-a-ratat-calificarea-la-euro-2020|title=Fostul selecționer Cosmin Contra își cere scuze pentru că a ratat calificarea la Euro 2020|trans-title=Former coach Cosmin Contra apologises for missing qualification for Euro 2020|publisher=Newsweek|first=Alexandru|last=Pop|language=ro|date=6 December 2019|access-date=17 April 2020}}

Contra returned to Dinamo Bucharest in August 2020, signing a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.fcdinamo.ro/stiri/c/0/i/49316222/oficial-cosmin-contra-la-dinamo-bucuresti|title=Cosmin Contra la Dinamo București|trans-title=Cosmin Contra at Dinamo Bucharest|publisher=Dinamo București|language=ro|date=26 August 2020|access-date=26 August 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305132847/https://www.fcdinamo.ro/stiri/c/0/i/49316222/oficial-cosmin-contra-la-dinamo-bucuresti|archive-date=5 March 2021}} He left on 3 December due to the club's financial problems.{{cite news|url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/dinamo-cosmin-contra-mesaj-pentru-suporteri-617645.html|title=Cosmin Contra, mesaj pentru suporteri după ce a plecat de la Dinamo: "Vă rog să îmi iertați naivitatea. Nu mi-am imaginat niciodată asta"|trans-title=Cosmin Contra, message for the supporters after he left Dinamo: "Forgive me for my naivety. I never imagined that"|newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor|language=ro|date=4 December 2020|access-date=29 August 2021}}

On 29 August 2021, Contra was appointed as manager of Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League.{{cite news|url=https://www.alarabiya.net/sport/international-sport/2021/08/29/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%83%D9%88%D8%B2%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%83%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D8%A9|title=الروماني كوزمين كونترا يتولى تدريب اتحاد جدة|trans-title=Romanian Cosmin Contra takes charge of Al-Ittihad Jeddah|newspaper=Al Arabiya|language=ar|date=29 August 2021|access-date=29 August 2021}} His team led the league by 16 points over Al Hilal in February but ended the season two points behind that team, who he lost to twice.{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2114631/sport|title=Cosmin Contra apologizes to Al-Ittihad fans for SPL title race collapse, promises strong comeback next season|newspaper=Arab News|date=1 July 2022|access-date=28 October 2022}}

Contra was dismissed by the Jeddah-based club in early July 2022, and replaced by Nuno Espírito Santo.{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2116741/sport|title=Al-Ittihad name Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach|newspaper=Arab News|first=John|last=Duerden|date=5 July 2022|access-date=28 October 2022}}

On 6 March 2023, Contra joined Damac of the same country and league.{{cite news|url=https://www.alriyadh.com/2001176|title=ضمك يعلن التعاقد مع كونترا وينهي علاقته بالكرواتي ريزيتش|trans-title=Damac announce contract with Contra and end relationship with Croatia's Režić|newspaper=Al Riyadh|language=ar|date=6 March 2023|access-date=7 March 2023}}

:Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Contra goal.

{{updated|5 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.labtof.ro/profil/cosmin-contra-9654/|title=Cosmin Contra|publisher=Labtof|language=ro|access-date=10 March 2014}}{{BDFutbol manager|454}}{{Soccerway coach|cosmin-marius-contra/154361}}{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=2628|title=Cosmin Contra|publisher=Soccerbase|access-date=4 January 2015}}

Politehnica Timișoara

• Divizia B: 1994–95{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesr/roem2hist.html|title=Romania – List of Second Division Final Tables|publisher=RSSSF|first=Romeo|last=Ionescu|access-date=23 October 2022}}

Alavés

• UEFA Cup runner-up: 2000–01

Getafe

• Copa del Rey runner-up: 2006–07, 2007–08

Individual

• Romanian Footballer of the Year (Gazeta Sporturilor): 2001{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/roempoy.html|title=Romania – Player of the Year Awards|publisher=RSSSF|first=Razvan|last=Toma|access-date=31 January 2022}}
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2001{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/community/teamoftheyear/history/season=2001/|title=Team of the Year 2001|publisher=UEFA|date=3 January 2011|access-date=8 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810131359/http://www.uefa.com/community/teamoftheyear/history/season=2001/|archive-date=10 August 2014}}

Petrolul Ploiești

• Cupa României: 2012–13
• Supercupa României runner-up: 2013

Dinamo București

• Cupa Ligii: 2016–17

Individual

• Saudi Professional League Manager of the Month: February 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.spl.sa/ar/news/4077|title=مدرب الاتحاد وحمدلله .. وحارس الفيصلي والبريكان نجوم شهر فبراير..|trans-title=|publisher=Saudi Professional League|language=ar|date=1 March 2022|access-date=28 February 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815142339/https://www.spl.sa/ar/news/4077|archive-date=15 August 2023}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commonscat}}

• {{RomanianSoccer|450/cosmin-marius-contra}}
• {{BDFutbol|454}}
• {{BDFutbol manager|454}}
• {{Soccerbase}}
• {{NFT|5389}}

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{{2001 UEFA Team of the Year}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Contra, Cosmin}}

Category:1975 births

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