Who is Cosmin Contra, the coach of Damac:

Cosmin Marius Contra, born on December 15, 1975, in Timișoara, Romania, is a former Romanian football player and current football manager. He had a remarkable playing career, primarily as an attacking-minded right-back, but he was also versatile enough to be deployed as a midfielder. Contra's journey in football took him to three different countries, with a significant presence in Spain, where he played for renowned clubs.

Starting his career at Politehnica Timișoara, Contra made his professional debut at the age of 18 in Divizia A, the top division of Romanian football. He quickly established himself as a promising talent, catching the eye of scouts and managers.

In 1996, Contra made a pivotal move to Dinamo București, one of Romania's most prestigious clubs. During his time with the Red Dogs, he contributed significantly but unfortunately couldn't secure any major trophies. However, it was here that he gained experience in European competitions, participating in tournaments like the UEFA Intertoto Cup and the UEFA Cup.

His career took a remarkable turn when he joined Deportivo Alavés in the Spanish La Liga. At Alavés, Contra played a pivotal role, helping the club achieve a memorable runner-up finish in the UEFA Cup. His performances in Spain earned him recognition, including a place in the UEFA Team of the Year.

Contra's talents were further showcased during his stints with A.C. Milan and Atlético Madrid. Although his time in Italy was brief, he returned to Spain and joined Atlético Madrid in 2002. Unfortunately, his progress was hampered by an ankle injury, limiting his appearances during the 2003–04 season.

Despite his injury setbacks, Contra continued to play football at the highest level. He embarked on loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Getafe, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and experienced player.

One of the standout moments in Contra's playing career came during his time with Getafe. He joined the club on loan, and during the 2007–08 UEFA Cup quarter-finals, he scored crucial goals against Bayern Munich. His determination and commitment were evident, even when faced with personal challenges, as he played a match shortly after the passing of his father.

After a successful career abroad, Contra decided to return to his roots. He rejoined Politehnica Timișoara, his hometown club, initially on loan. In this second stint, he transitioned into a player-coach role, guiding and mentoring the next generation of football talent.

Contra's international career was equally impressive, earning 73 caps for the Romanian national team and scoring seven goals. He represented Romania in two European Championships and played a crucial role in FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Upon retiring as a player, Contra transitioned into coaching. His coaching career has seen notable successes, including winning the Cupa României with Petrolul Ploiești in 2013 and the Cupa Ligii with Dinamo București in 2017.

In September 2017, Contra was entrusted with a significant responsibility when he was appointed as the head coach of the Romania national team. This marked a new chapter in his football journey, where he could use his vast experience to lead and inspire the next generation of Romanian talent.

As of the latest available information, Cosmin Contra continues to make his mark in football as the manager of Saudi Arabian club Damac. His career, characterized by versatility, determination, and a deep passion for the sport, remains a testament to his enduring love for the beautiful game.