Helmut Duckadam

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Helmut Duckadam

| image = Helmuth Duckadam 1986.jpg

| caption = Duckadam in 1986

| birth_date = {{birth date|1959|04|01|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Semlac, Romania

| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|12|2|1959|4|1|df=yes}}

| death_place = Bucharest, Romania

| height = 1.93 m

| position = Goalkeeper

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 = 1974–1975

| youthclubs1 = Semlecana Semlac

| youthyears2 = 1975–1977

| youthclubs2 = Școala Sportivă Gloria Arad

| youthyears3 = 1977–1978

| youthclubs3 = UTA Arad

| years1 = 1977–1978

| clubs1 = → Constructorul Arad (loan)

| caps1 =

| goals1 =

| years2 = 1978–1982

| clubs2 = UTA Arad{{efn|name="UTA"|The statistics for the 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1982–83 Divizia B seasons are unavailable.{{RomanianSoccer|646/helmuth-duckadam}}}}

| caps2 = 53

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 1983–1986

| clubs3 = Steaua București

| caps3 = 80

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 1989–1991

| clubs4 = Vagonul Arad

| caps4 =

| goals4 =

| years5 = 1993–1994

| clubs5 = CPL Arad

| caps5 =

| goals5 =

| totalcaps = 133

| totalgoals = 0

| nationalyears1 = 1979–1983

| nationalteam1 = Romania U21

| nationalcaps1 = 4

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 1982–1985

| nationalteam2 = Romania B

| nationalcaps2 = 2

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 1982

| nationalteam3 = Romania

| nationalcaps3 = 2

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| medaltemplates =

}}

Helmut Duckadam ({{IPA|ro|ˈhelmut dukaˈdam}}, sometimes spelled Helmuth; 1 April 1959 – 2 December 2024) was a Romanian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Duckadam was dubbed "the Hero of Seville" due to his performance in the 1986 European Cup final, won by his club Steaua București, where he saved all four penalties against Barcelona in the penalty shootout, for the first time in football history. He represented four other teams in a 12-year senior career.

Club career

Helmut Duckadam was born on 1 April 1959 in Semlac, Arad County, Romania, being of Banat Swabian (German) descent, growing up being a fan of goalkeepers Gordon Banks, Luis Arconada and Stere Adamache.{{cite web|url=https://www.fanatik.ro/cum-a-ajuns-duckadam-la-steaua-desi-o-alta-mare-echipa-din-romania-insista-sa-l-transfere-mi-a-fost-teama-sa-merg-acolo-20918017|title=Cum a ajuns Duckadam la Steaua, deși o altă mare echipă din România insista să-l transfere. "Mi-a fost teamă să merg acolo"|publisher=Fanatik.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=How Duckadam ended up at Steaua, although another big team from Romania insisted on transferring him. "I was afraid to go there"| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/duckadam-eu-am-avut-o-singura-avere-numele-meu-3305569|title=Duckadam: "Eu am avut o singură avere, numele meu!"|publisher=Digisport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Duckadam: "I had only one fortune, my name!"| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.agerpres.ro/documentare/2018/05/31/dialog-printre-fotografii-cu-helmut-duckadam--118379|title=Dialog printre fotografii cu Helmut Duckadam|publisher=Agerpres.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Dialogue between photographs with Helmut Duckadam| date=31 May 2018|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.steauafc.com/en/jucator/127/|title=Helmuth Duckadam|publisher=Steauafc.com|language=ro|access-date=2 January 2015|archive-date=28 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228174912/http://www.steauafc.com/en/jucator/127/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://orangesport.ro/cum-putea-sa-rateze-eroul-de-la-sevilla-finala-istorica-a-fotbalului-romanesc-astazi-nu-imi-mai-lua-nimeni-interviuri-exclusiv-19372100 |title=Top Interviuri: Helmuth Duckadam|publisher=Orangesport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Top Interviews: Helmuth Duckadam|date=25 May 2020 |access-date=29 December 2024}} He started to play football at local club, Semlecana. Afterwards he spent a few years at Școala Sportivă Gloria Arad, then in 1977 he went at the youth center of UTA Arad but shortly he started his senior career as he was loaned to Divizia C club, Constructorul Arad where he was wanted by coach Nicolae Dumitrescu. During this period spent at Constructorul he decided to wear a moustache, being inspired to do so by goalkeeper Enver Marić. After one year he returned to UTA where on 14 September 1978 he made his Divizia A debut when coach Ion Ionescu sent him on the field for the last 20 minutes of a 2–0 loss with CS Târgoviște, managing to not concede any goals. The team relegated at the end of his first season but Duckadam stayed with the club, helping it promote back to the first league after two seasons, managing in this period to score a goal with a long-shot from his box in a game with FCM Reșița.{{cite web|url=https://orangesport.ro/video-helmuth-duckadam-despre-cele-doua-goluri-pe-care-le-a-marcat-de-a-lungul-carierei-prima-oara-am-inscris-din-poarta-in-poarta-19368758|title=Helmuth Duckadam, despre cele două goluri pe care le-a marcat de-a lungul carierei: "Prima oară am înscris din poartă în poartă"|publisher=Orangesport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmuth Duckadam, about the two goals he scored throughout his career: "The first time I scored from goal to goal"| date=22 May 2020|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/romania-in-topul-mondial-al-tarilor-cu-cei-mai-2098510.html|title=România, în topul mondial al țărilor cu cei mai mulți portari care au marcat goluri: 25 din 468|publisher=Adevarul.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Romania, in the world top of the countries with the most goalkeepers who scored goals: 25 out of 468| date=31 May 2021|access-date=29 December 2024}} However after only one season, The Old Lady relegated once again and after one more half of season spent in the second league, he went to play for Steaua București.{{cite web|url=https://www.uta-arad.ro/stiri/ramas-bun-helmuth-duckadam|title=Rămas bun, Helmut Duckadam!|publisher=Uta-arad.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Farewell, Helmut Duckadam!| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://welovesport.ro/stiri/fotbal-vintage-meciul-celor-doua-echipe-ale-lui-duckadam-35055|title=Meciul celor două echipe ale lui Duckadam|publisher=Welovesport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The match between Duckadam's two teams| date=26 January 2025|access-date=28 January 2025}}

In his first two seasons with Steaua he had to compete with Vasile Iordache and Gheorghe Nițu. Afterwards he became first-choice goalkeeper, winning The Double in the 1984–85 season when he was used in 31 league matches by coaches Florin Halagian and Emerich Jenei, managing to not concede any goals for 606 consecutive minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/champions.shtml|title=Romania National Champions |publisher=RomanianSoccer|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://premium.gsp.ro/gsp-special/reportaj/am-crescut-un-urs-in-vestiar-gsp-a-redescoperit-primul-fotbalist-care-a-jucat-la-dinamo-rapid-si-steaua-detinatorul-recordului-all-time-de-minute-la-rand-fara-gol-primit-in-divizia-a-545079.html|title="Am crescut un urs în vestiar!". GSP a redescoperit primul fotbalist care a jucat la Dinamo, Rapid și Steaua, deținătorul recordului all-time de minute la rând fără gol primit în Divizia A|publisher=Gsp.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title="I raised a bear in the locker room!". GSP rediscovered the first footballer to play for Dinamo, Rapid and Steaua, the holder of the all-time record of minutes in a row without a goal received in Division A| date=30 July 2018 |access-date=2 May 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/andrei-vlad-fcsb-portar-628973.html|title=Andrei Vlad, #1 în istoria FCSB! Locul 6 într-un top uriaș: peste Prunea și Duckadam|publisher=Gsp.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Andrei Vlad, # 1 in the history of FCSB! 6th place in a huge top: over Prunea and Duckadam| date=12 April 2021 |access-date=2 May 2025}} He also played all the minutes in the 2–1 victory from the Cupa României final over Universitatea Craiova and made his debut in European competitions as he appeared in both legs of the 1–0 aggregate loss to A.S. Roma from the first round of the European Cup Winners' Cup, managing to save a penalty executed by Ubaldo Righetti.{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/sport-life/special/steaua-roma-acum-24-de-ani-2816301| title=Steaua-Roma, acum 24 de ani…| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Steaua-Roma, 24 years ago…| date=25 July 2008| access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/36-de-ani-de-la-steaua-as-roma-0-0-in-ghencea-marcel-puscas-19110073| title=36 de ani de la Steaua – AS Roma 0-0 în Ghencea. Marcel Pușcaș: "A durut! Eugen Barbu a scris în revista Săptămâna că sunt străin de fotbal"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=36 years from Steaua - AS Roma 0-0 in Ghencea. Marcel Pușcaș: "It hurt! Eugen Barbu wrote in the Săptămâna magazine that I am a foreigner of football"| date=3 October 2020| access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/romanian_cup/1984_1985.shtml|title=Romanian Cup – Season 1984–1985|publisher=Romaniansoccer.ro|access-date=29 December 2024}} In the following season, Duckadam won another championship title, playing 32 league games under the guidance of Jenei who also used him in all the nine games from the historical European Cup campaign in which Duckadam conceded only five goals and in the final he saved four consecutive penalty shots in the shoot-out, from José Ramón Alexanko, Ángel Pedraza, Pichi Alonso and Marcos in the eventual 2–0 victory against Barcelona.{{cite web|url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/a-murit-helmuth-duckadam-legenda-stelei-766762.html|title=A murit Helmut Duckadam, eroul Stelei '86 în finala de la Sevilla|publisher=Gsp.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmut Duckadam, the hero of Steaua '86 in the final in Seville, died| date=2 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c8dqpljm31no|title=Romanian football loses 'heroic' goalkeeper Duckadam|publisher=Bbc.com|language=English| date=2 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}} After saving the fourth penalty, Romanian commentator, Teoharie Coca-Cosma enthusiastically yelled the famous phrase:"Duckadam saves! We are finalists! We won the Cup!"{{cite web|url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/a-murit-teoharie-coca-cosma-suntem-finalisti-cupei-campionilor-europeni-steaua-773519.html|title=A murit Teoharie Coca-Cosma. Istoria unei gafe, de ce a strigat "Suntem finaliști!": "Ura și fuga la aeroport!"|publisher=Gsp.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Teoharie Coca-Cosma died. The history of a blunder, why he shouted "We are finalists!": "Hooray and run to the airport!"| date=22 January 2025|access-date=22 January 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://tikitaka.ro/teoharie-coca-cosma-s-a-stins-din-viata-la-84-de-ani/?amp=1|title=Teoharie Coca-Cosma s-a stins din viață la 84 de ani|publisher=Tikitaka.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Teoharie Coca-Cosma died at the age of 84| date=22 January 2025|access-date=22 January 2025}} His performance of saving four penalties in one game was listed as a record by The Guinness Book of World Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/helmut-duckadam-a-intrat-in-world-records-academy-dupa-finala-de-la-sevilla-dintre-steaua-bucuresti-si-barcelona-5106954|title=Helmut Duckadam a intrat în World Records Academy, după finala de la Sevilla dintre Steaua București și Barcelona|publisher=Libertatea.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmut Duckadam entered the World Records Academy, after the final in Seville between Steaua Bucharest and Barcelona|date=2 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/cum-a-ajuns-regretatul-helmut-duckadam-sa-fie-inregistrat-oficial-in-cartea-recordurilor-guinness.html|title=Cum a ajuns regretatul Helmut Duckadam să fie înregistrat oficial în Cartea Recordurilor Guinness|publisher=Sport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=How the late Helmut Duckadam came to be officially recorded in the Guinness Book of Records| date=2 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/performanta-lui-helmuth-duckadam-inscrisa-in-1062309.html|title=Performanţa lui Helmuth Duckadam, înscrisă în World Records Academy|publisher=Adevarul.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmuth Duckadam's performance, entered in the World Records Academy| date=9 May 2011|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.fanatik.ro/cum-a-fost-omologat-recordul-lui-duckadam-de-ce-nu-a-primit-eroul-de-la-sevilla-certificat-de-la-world-record-academy-ilie-dobre-are-10-m-au-costat-mii-de-euro-20925655|title=Cum a fost omologat recordul lui Duckadam. De ce nu a primit "Eroul de la Sevilla" certificat de la World Record Academy. Ilie Dobre are 10: "M-au costat mii de euro"|publisher=Fanatik.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=How Duckadam's record was approved. Why didn't the "Hero of Seville" receive a certificate from the World Record Academy. Ilie Dobre is 10: "They cost me thousands of euros"| date=9 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://alba24.ro/romania-in-guinness-world-records-zeci-de-performante-extraordinare-facute-de-romani-au-intrat-in-cartea-recordurilor-1062418.html|title=România în Guinness World Records: Zeci de performanțe extraordinare făcute de români au intrat în Cartea Recordurilor|publisher=Alba24.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Romania in Guinness World Records: Dozens of extraordinary performances by Romanians entered the Book of Records| date=28 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}} Steaua's first game after the winning of the European Cup was a 5–1 win over Progresul București in the quarter-finals of the Cupa României in which Duckadam scored the second goal of his career from a penalty, being encouraged to do so by the 70.000 fans who were chanting his name when the penalty was awarded.{{cite news|url=http://cupadelegenda.gsp.ro/stiri/17/cum-era-sa-ramina-duckadam-fara-mina.htm|title=Cum era să rămînă Duckadam fără mina|trans-title=How was Duckadam to be without a hand|publisher=Gsp.ro|language=ro|access-date=29 April 2011|archive-date=14 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814043007/http://cupadelegenda.gsp.ro/stiri/17/cum-era-sa-ramina-duckadam-fara-mina.htm|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/helmut-duckadam-fotbalistul-complet-a-inscris-un-gol-in-cupa-romaniei-imediat-dupa-cele-4-penalty-uri-aparate-la-sevilla.html|title=Helmut Duckadam, fotbalistul complet! A înscris un gol în Cupa României imediat după cele 4 penalty-uri apărate la Sevilla|publisher=Sport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmut Duckadam, the complete footballer! He scored a goal in the Romanian Cup immediately after the 4 penalties saved in Sevilla| date=2 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}} Duckadam won the Romanian Footballer of the Year award in 1986 and in the same year he was nominated for the Ballon d'Or.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/roempoy.html|title=Romania – Player of the Year Awards|publisher=RSSSF|access-date=18 January 2018}}{{Cite web|url= https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy86.html| title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1986|publisher=RSSSF|date= 1 February 2006| access-date=15 December 2020}}{{cite web| url=https://www.fanatik.ro/dumitru-macri-primul-fotbalist-roman-nominalizat-la-balonul-de-aur-gica-hagi-aproape-de-succes-in-1994-18552803| title=Dumitru Macri, primul fotbalist român nominalizat la Balonul de Aur! Gică Hagi, aproape de succes în 1994| publisher=Fanatik.ro| language=ro |trans-title=Dumitru Macri, the first Romanian footballer nominated for the Golden Ball! Gica Hagi, almost successful in 1994| date=30 November 2018| access-date=15 December 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/helmut-duckadam-eroul-de-la-sevilla-si-a-incheiat-cariera-la-doar-27-de-ani-palmaresul-goalkeeper-ului-3304427 |title=Helmut Duckadam, "Eroul de la Sevilla", și-a încheiat cariera la doar 27 de ani. Palmaresul goalkeeper-ului|publisher=Digisport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmut Duckadam, the "Hero of Seville", ended his career at only 27 years old. The goalkeeper's achievements|date=2 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024}}

In the summer of 1986, while being at a campfire in Arad, Duckadam suffered an accident as he slipped on the grass and leaned on his right arm, then he felt a great pain and his hand was bruised.{{cite web|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/cum-si-a-incheiat-cariera-helmut-duckadam-5107034|title=Cum și-a încheiat cariera Helmut Duckadam. Accidentul suferit la braț, la un grătar cu prietenii|publisher=Libertatea.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=How Helmut Duckadam ended his career. The accident suffered on the arm, at a barbecue with friends| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web | url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=412523.html | title=Duckadam inspires Steaua| publisher=UEFA| language=English | date=18 April 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233838/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=412523.html| access-date=29 December 2024| archive-date=4 October 2013}} At the hospital he was diagnosed with a blood clot that blocked the circulation in his arm so he got operated. Because of this he couldn't play football at high level anymore, three years later trying a comeback at Vagonul Arad where he stayed from 1989 until 1991, then between 1993 and 1994 he was at CPL Arad, both spells being in the Romanian lower leagues.

On 25 March 2008, Duckadam was decorated by the President of Romania, Traian Băsescu, with the Ordinul "Meritul Sportiv" – (The Medal "The Sportive Merit") – class II, for his part in winning the 1986 European Cup.{{cite web |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Monitorul_Oficial_al_Rom%C3%A2niei._Partea_I_2008-03-28%2C_nr._241.pdf |title=DECRET privind conferirea Ordinului și Medaliei Meritul Sportiv |publisher=Monitorul Oficial al României Nr. 241 |date=28 March 2008 |page=3 |access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web |url=http://old.presidency.ro/index.php?_RID=det&tb=date_arhiva&id=10313&_PRID=arh |title=Decorarea unor personalități ale fotbalului românesc |publisher=Administrația Prezidențială |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=29 December 2024 |archive-date=12 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912005010/http://old.presidency.ro/index.php?_RID=det&tb=date_arhiva&id=10313&_PRID=arh |url-status=dead }}

International career

Between 1979 and 1985, Helmut Duckadam made four appearances for Romania's under-21 squad and two for the B side.{{cite news|url=https://www.11v11.com/players/helmuth-duckadam-167208/|title=Helmuth Duckadam profile|publisher=11v11.com|access-date=29 December 2024}}

Duckadam was first called-up to play for Romania's national team while playing for UTA Arad in Divizia B, coach Mircea Lucescu wanting to use him in a match with Switzerland.{{cite web|url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/reactia-lui-mircea-lucescu-dupa-moartea-lui-helmut-duckadam-meciul-in-care-a-vrut-sa-l-debuteze-la-nationala-3305021|title=Reacția lui Mircea Lucescu, după moartea lui Helmut Duckadam|publisher=Digisport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The reaction of Mircea Lucescu, after the death of Helmut Duckadam| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://as.ro/fotbal/echipa-nationala/motivul-pentru-care-helmut-duckadam-a-avut-doar-2-selectii-la-nationala-romaniei-episod-incredibil-cu-mircea-lucescu-466145.html|title=Motivul pentru care Helmut Duckadam a avut doar 2 selecții la naționala României. Episod incredibil cu Mircea Lucescu|publisher=As.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The reason why Helmut Duckadam had only 2 selections for the Romanian national team. Incredible episode with Mircea Lucescu| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}} However Duckadam was very nervous and in the morning of the day of the game he told Lucescu that he can't play, eventually Dumitru Moraru played in the 0–0 with the Swiss.{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=7724|title=Switzerland 0-0 Romania|publisher=European Football|access-date=29 December 2024}} His first appearance for The Tricolours took place on 1 September 1982, managing to keep a clean sheet as Lucescu used him all the minutes in the 1–0 friendly win over Denmark.{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=5068|title=Helmut Duckadam|publisher=European Football|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=7813|title=Romania 1-0 Denmark|publisher=European Football|access-date=29 December 2024}} His second and last appearance for the national team took place on 17 November of the same year when Lucescu sent him on the field in the 87th minute in order to replace Moraru in a 4–1 loss in a friendly with East Germany.{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=7866|title=East Germany 4-1 Romania|publisher=European Football|access-date=29 December 2024}}

After retirement

After retiring from football, Duckadam worked for a while in the late 1990s as a major for the Romanian Border Police in the Arad County, also around the same time he opened a football school in Arad, named after himself.{{cite news|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/legendary-romanian-goalkeeper-helmuth-duckadam-passes-away-2024 |title=Legendary Romanian goalkeeper Helmuth Duckadam passes away |publisher=Romania-insider.com |language=Romanian |date=2 December 2024 |access-date=2 December 2024}}{{cite web | url=https://www.virtualarad.net/news/1999/va_n281299_ro.htm | title=Știrile zilei| publisher=Virtualarad.net| language=Romanian |trans-title=The news of today| date=28 December 1999 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020323005002/https://www.virtualarad.net/news/1999/va_n281299_ro.htm| access-date=29 December 2024| archive-date=23 March 2002}}{{cite web|url=https://hotnews.ro/helmuth-duckadam-a-murit-eroul-de-la-sevilla-avea-65-de-ani-romanul-din-cartea-recordurilor-1851650|title=Moartea bruscă a lui Duckadam a șocat lumea fotbalului: "Nici nu mai știu să vorbesc" /"Eroul de la Sevilla" avea 65 de ani / Cel care a mers până la capăt|publisher=Hotnews.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The sudden death of Duckadam shocked the world of football: "I don't even know how to speak anymore" / "The hero of Sevilla" was 65 years old / The one who went to the end| date=2 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}} In 2002 he became a member of the Romanian Humanist Party but left it in 2004 to join the New Generation Party where he was the party's vice-president.{{cite web|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/duckadam-si-leu-s-au-inscris-in-partidul-umanist-36846|title=Duckadam si Leu s-au inscris in Partidul Umanist|publisher=Libertatea.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Duckadam and Leu joined the Humanist Party| date=3 February 2002|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/casa-lui-helmuth-duckadam-este-sediu-de-partid-80697|title=Casa lui Helmuth Duckadam este sediu de partid|publisher=Libertatea.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmuth Duckadam's house is the party headquarters| date=17 February 2004|access-date=29 December 2024}} In 2003, Duckadam won at the Diversity Immigrant Visa organized by the American embassy from Bucharest and emigrated with his family to the United States, however he soon returned to Arad as he was unable to adjust to the life in the US.{{cite web|url=https://ziare.com/helmut-duckadam/deces-protar-steaua-venituri-pensie-1909882|title="Duckadam a murit fără să întoarcă banii cu lopata" Ce venituri avea fostul mare portar|publisher=Ziare.com|language=Romanian |trans-title="Duckadam died without returning the money with the shovel" What income did the former great goalkeeper have| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://adevarul.ro/sport/duckadam-a-plecat-in-sua-1328570.html|title=Duckadam a plecat in SUA|publisher=Adevarul.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Duckadam left in USA| date=15 October 2003|access-date=29 December 2024}}

In 2006 he worked for a few months as the general manager of UTA Arad.{{cite web|url=https://romanialibera.ro/special/helmut-duckadam-renunta-la-conducerea-clubului-uta-arad-46690/|title=Helmut Duckadam renunta la conducerea clubului "UTA" Arad|publisher=Romanialibera.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmut Duckadam resigns from the management of the club "UTA" Arad|date=18 April 2006|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.playsport.ro/exclusiv-dilema-in-jurul-lui-helmut-duckadam-a-primit-sau-nu-bani-de-la-uta-arad-fostului-mare-portar-i-se-bate-obrazul-buzunarul-sacoului-era-umflat-230710|title=Dilemă în jurul lui Helmut Duckadam. A primit sau nu bani de la UTA Arad? Fostului mare portar i se bate obrazul: "Buzunarul sacoului era umflat"|publisher=Playsport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Dilemma around Helmut Duckadam. Did he receive money from UTA Arad or not? The former great goalkeeper is slapped on the cheek: "The jacket pocket was swollen"| date=11 January 2023|access-date=29 December 2024}} From 2010 until 2020, Duckadam was the honorary president of FCSB.{{cite web|url=https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/sportlive-de-la-12-becali-il-prezinta-pe-duckadam-presedinte-la-steaua.html|title=Duckadam, presedinte la Steaua: Astept de 15 ani clipa aceasta!|publisher=Stirileprotv.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Duckadam, president of Steaua: I have been waiting for this moment for 15 years!|date=11 August 2010|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/duckadam-noul-presedinte-al-stelei-de-15-ani-astept-sa-primesc-o-functie-in-club.html|title=Duckadam, noul presedinte al Stelei: "De 15 ani astept sa primesc o functie in club, vreau Steaua in Liga!"|publisher=Sport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Duckadam, the new president of Stela: "For 15 years I have been waiting to receive a position in the club, I want Steaua in the League!"| date=11 August 2010|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/hemulth-duckadam-si-a-dat-demisia-de-la-fcsb-601634.html|title=CFR CLUJ - FCSB. Helmuth Duckadam și-a anunțat în direct demisia, cu 30 de minute înainte de derby: "Nu mai sunt dorit. Mai bine plec eu, decât să mă dea afară"|publisher=Gsp.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=CFR CLUJ - FCSB. Helmuth Duckadam announced his resignation live, 30 minutes before the derby: "I'm no longer wanted. I'd rather leave than be fired"| date=14 June 2020|access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/cati-bani-a-castigat-helmut-duckadam-in-10-ani-la-fcsb-gigi-becali-vreau-sa-l-acuz-fara-sa-se-supere-de-minciuna-871091|title=Câți bani a câștigat Duckadam în 10 ani la FCSB și în câte deplasări a fost. Becali: "Vreau să-l acuz, fără să se supere, de minciună"|publisher=Digisport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=How much money has Duckadam earned in 10 years at FCSB and how many trips has he been on. Becali: "I want to accuse him, without getting upset, of lying"| date=14 July 2020|access-date=29 December 2024}}

In the final years of his life he regularly appeared as a guest on Digi Sport's "Fotbal Club" programme.{{cite web|url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/helmuth-duckadam-a-implinit-61-de-ani-unde-si-ar-fi-dorit-sa-joace-fostul-mare-portar-819412|title=Helmuth Duckadam a împlinit 61 de ani!|publisher=Digisport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmuth Duckadam turned 61 years old!| date=1 April 2020|access-date=29 December 2024}}

Writing

He wrote one autobiographical book:{{cite web|url=https://welovesport.ro/stiri/fotbal-vintage-cartea-lui-duckadam-34460|title=Cartea lui Duckadam|publisher=Welovesport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Duckadam's book| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}

{{Cite book|last=Duckadam|first=Helmut|title=O victorie aplaudată|publisher=Editura Militară|trans-title=An applauded victory|year=1989|isbn=978-9-7332-0102-1|location=București|language=ro}}

In 2022, author Milan Radin wrote a book inspired from the life of Duckadam called Der Tormann (The Goalkeeper).{{cite web|url=https://gazetadinvest.ro/romanul-istoric-al-timisoreanului-milan-radin-der-tormann-portarul-inspirat-din-viata-eroului-de-la-sevilla-helmut-duckadam-nominalizat-in-germania-pe-lista-scurta-pent/|title=Romanul istoric al timișoreanului Milan Radin, "Der Tormann" (Portarul), inspirat din viața "Eroului de la Sevilla" Helmut Duckadam, nominalizat în Germania pe lista scurtă pentru "Cartea Anului 2022"|publisher=Gazetadinvest.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The historical novel by Milan Radin from Timisoara, "Der Tormann" (The Goalkeeper), inspired by the life of the "Hero of Seville" Helmut Duckadam, nominated in Germany on the short list for "Book of the Year 2022"| date=3 December 2024|access-date=29 December 2024}}

Death

Duckadam died on 2 December 2024 in the Military Hospital from Bucharest, at the age of 65.{{cite news|url=https://www.digi24.ro/amphtml/stiri/sport/fotbal/a-murit-helmut-duckadam-legendarul-portar-al-echipei-steaua-bucuresti-3029965|title=A murit Helmut Duckadam, legendarul portar al echipei Steaua București|publisher=Digi24.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=Helmut Duckadam, the legendary goalkeeper of the Steaua Bucharest team, has died|date=2 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.libertatea.ro/sport/care-a-fost-cauza-mortii-lui-helmut-duckadam-fostul-mare-sportiv-se-afla-in-spital-de-joi-seara-5107240|title=Care a fost cauza morții lui Helmut Duckadam. Fostul mare sportiv se afla în spital de joi seară|publisher=Libertatea.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=What was the cause of Helmut Duckadam's death. The former great athlete was in the hospital on Thursday evening|date=2 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/helmuth-duckadam-european-cup-death-34232425 |title=Helmuth Duckadam dead aged 65 as tributes paid to legendary goalkeeper known as the 'Hero of Seville' |publisher=Dailyrecord.co.uk |date=2 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024}}

On 30 January 2025, during a Europa League match with Manchester United, FCSB's fans displayed a scenography consisting of a giant image of Duckadam holding the European Cup, beneath it being written:"Legends never die".{{cite web|url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/europa-league/scenografia-cu-helmut-duckadam-va-face-inconjurul-europei-ce-mesaj-au-afisat-suporterii-fcsb-la-meciul-cu-manchester-united-20084367|title=Scenografia cu Helmut Duckadam va face înconjurul Europei. Ce mesaj au afișat suporterii FCSB la meciul cu Manchester United|publisher=Prosport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The scenography with Helmut Duckadam will go around Europe. What message did the FCSB fans display at the match with Manchester United| date=30 January 2025|access-date=31 January 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/europa-league/portretul-lui-helmut-duckadam-la-arena-nationala-manchester-united-a-vazut-scenografia-emotionanta-a-peluzei-nord-3402795|title=Portretul lui Helmut Duckadam, la Arena Națională! Manchester United a văzut scenografia emoționantă a Peluzei Nord|publisher=Digisport.ro|language=Romanian |trans-title=The portrait of Helmut Duckadam, at the National Arena! Manchester United saw the exciting scenery of the North Lawn| date=30 January 2025|access-date=31 January 2025}}