{{Short description|Romanian footballer (1980–2020)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Emil Jula | image = Emil Jula 2011.jpg | upright = 0.9 | caption = Jula with MSV Duisburg in June 2011 | full_name = Emil Gabriel Jula | birth_date = {{birth date|1980|1|3|df=y}} | birth_place = Cluj-Napoca, Romania | death_date = {{death date and age|2020|8|22|1980|1|3|df=y}} | death_place = Bersenbrück, Germany | height = 1.92 m | position = Forward | youthyears1 = 1989–1998 | youthclubs1 = Universitatea Cluj | years1 = 1998–2000 | clubs1 = Universitatea Cluj | caps1 = 2 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 1999–2000 | clubs2 = → Unirea Dej (loan) | caps2 = | goals2 = | years3 = 2001–2003 | clubs3 = Cuprirom Abrud | caps3 = | goals3 = | years4 = 2003–2006 | clubs4 = Universitatea Cluj | caps4 = 64 | goals4 = 19 | years5 = 2006–2008 | clubs5 = Oțelul Galați | caps5 = 75 | goals5 = 37 | years6 = 2008–2011 | clubs6 = Energie Cottbus | caps6 = 91 | goals6 = 26 | years7 = 2011–2013 | clubs7 = MSV Duisburg | caps7 = 23 | goals7 = 4 | years8 = 2012–2013 | clubs8 = → Anorthosis Famagusta (loan) | caps8 = 7 | goals8 = 0 | years9 = 2013 | clubs9 = → VfL Osnabrück (loan) | caps9 = 8 | goals9 = 2 | years10 = 2013–2014 | clubs10 = Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț | caps10 = 23 | goals10 = 3 | years11 = 2014 | clubs11 = Universitatea Cluj | caps11 = 5 | goals11 = 0 | years12 = 2014–2015 | clubs12 = Oțelul Galați | caps12 = 9 | goals12 = 0 | years13 = 2015–2018 | clubs13 = TuS Bersenbrück | caps13 = 69 | goals13 = 30 |totalcaps = 366 |totalgoals = 115 | manageryears1 = 2014–2015 | managerclubs1 = Oțelul Galați (assistant manager) | manageryears2 = 2018–2020 | managerclubs2 = TuS Bersenbrück (assistant manager)
}}
'''Emil Gabriel Jula''' (3 January 1980 – 22 August 2020) was a Romanian professional football player and coach who played as a forward.
==Career== ===Early career=== Jula was born on 3 January 1980 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and began playing junior-level football at local club Universitatea.<ref name=RS>{{RomanianSoccer|993/emil-gabriel-jula}}</ref><ref name=4ever>{{cite web | url=https://www.4everucluj.ro/jucatori/gabriel-jula-ii/ | title=Emil Jula profile| publisher=4everucluj.ro| language=Romanian}}</ref> He made his Divizia A debut on 17 October 1998, playing for "U" under the guidance of coach Tiberiu Poraczky in a 3–1 away loss to Național București.<ref name=RS/><ref name=4ever/><ref name=4ever2>{{cite web | url=https://www.4everucluj.ro/istorie/1998-1999/ | title=Universitatea Cluj 1998–99 season| publisher=4everucluj.ro| language=Romanian}}</ref> The team was relegated at the end of the season and he went on loan to Unirea Dej.<ref name=RS/><ref name=4ever2/><ref name=GSP>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/emil-jula-explica-secretul-succesului-in-fotbalul-german-au-scos-golgeterul-din-el-191519.html | title=Emil Jula explică secretul succesului în fotbalul german. Au scos golgeterul din el!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Emil Jula explains the secret to success in German football. They brought out the top scorer in him!| date=26 May 2010 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
In 2000, Jula had to put his career on hold for approximately one year due to military service.<ref name=GSP/> During this time he was deployed to maintain order at various events, including at a Cluj derby match between his former side, Universitatea, and CFR Cluj in Divizia B.<ref name=GSP/> Following this period, he weighed 120 kilograms and was considering quitting football.<ref name=GSP/> However, an offer from Divizia C club, Cuprirom Abrud, changed his mind.<ref name=GSP/> After seeing in a newspaper that his former club, "U" Cluj was organizing a trial, Jula chose to participate and coach Ioan Sabău kept him in the squad for the 2003–04 Divizia B season.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.4everucluj.ro/istorie/2003-2004/ | title=Universitatea Cluj 2003–04 season| publisher=4everucluj.ro| language=Romanian}}</ref>
===Oțelul Galați=== Three years later, Jula went back to first league football, as he left "U" free of contract and signed with Oțelul Galați where he worked with coach Petre Grigoraș.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/petre-grigoras-si-sergiu-radu-dupa-decesul-lui-emil-jula-607983.html| title=Vestea morții lui Emil Jula i-a șocat pe foștii colegi și antrenori: "E un an blestemat!"| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=The news of Emil Jula's death shocked former colleagues and coaches: "It's a cursed year!"| date=26 May 2010 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> He scored his first goal for Oțelul on 30 September 2006 when he opened the score in a 2–1 home victory against UTA Arad.<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe8392/emil-jula/co66/romania-liga-1/se4445/2006-2007/club-matches/|title=Emil Jula. Liga 1 2006/2007|access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> On 22 October he scored the victory goal in a 2–1 win over Steaua București, netting 14 goals until the end of the season, including a hat-trick in a success over Argeș Pitești and two doubles in a draw against Rapid București and a 2–1 victory against Dinamo București.<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/otelul-galati-5-1-fc-arges.html | title=Otelul Galati 5 - 1 FC Arges| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian | date=5 May 2007 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/a-doua-infrangere-a-lui-dinamo-in-acest-sezon-otelul-2-1-dinamo.html | title=A doua infrangere a lui Dinamo in acest sezon: Otelul 2-1 Dinamo| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Dinamo's second defeat this season: Otelul 2-1 Dinamo| date=12 May 2007 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
He made his debut in European competitions, helping ''The Steelworkers'' win the 2007 Intertoto Cup, eliminating Slavija Istočno Sarajevo and Trabzonspor, netting a brace against the first and one goal against the latter.<ref name=RS/><ref name=hot>{{cite web | url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1046109-trabzonspor-otelul-1-2-galatenii-reusesc-surpriza-merg-uefa.htm| title=Trabzonspor-Otelul 1-2. Galatenii reusesc surpriza si merg in UEFA| publisher=Hotnews.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Trabzonspor-Otelul 1-2. The Galati people make a surprise and go to UEFA| date=29 July 2007 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe8392/emil-jula/co133/uefa-ui-cup/se5106/2007-2008/club-matches/|title=Emil Jula. Intertoto Cup 2007/2008|access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> Subsequently, Oțelul qualified to the UEFA Cup second round where they were defeated 3–1 on aggregate by Lokomotiv Sofia.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe8392/emil-jula/co563/uefa-europa-league-qual/se5148/2007-2008/club-matches/|title=Emil Jula. Europa League Qualifiers 2007/2008|access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
In the 2007–08 season, Jula was the league's second top scorer with 17 goals, having four less than Dinamo's Ionel Dănciulescu, most notably managing a hat-trick in a victory against Gloria Buzău.<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF2>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe8392/emil-jula/co66/romania-liga-1/se5150/2007-2008/club-matches/|title=Emil Jula. Liga 1 2007/2008|access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.romaniansoccer.ro/menu_items/topscorers.shtml |title=Top Scorers |publisher=Romaniansoccer.ro |access-date=15 March 2025|language=Romanian}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/comentariul-partidei-gloria-buzau-otelul-0-4-2580567| title=Comentariul partidei Gloria Buzău – Oțelul 0-4| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Commentary on the match Gloria Buzău – Oțelul 0-4| date=23 April 2008 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> He also netted a brace in the loss to Buzău from the first half of the season, and scored three more doubles in victories against Dacia Mioveni, Pandurii Târgu Jiu and Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț.<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF2/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/otelul/liga-i/liga-i-otelul-gloria-buzau-2-3-si-u-cluj-ceahlaul-1-1-165837| title=Liga I: Otelul - Gloria Buzau 2-3 si U Cluj - Ceahlaul 1-1| publisher=Ziare.com| language=Romanian |trans-title=Liga I: Otelul - Gloria Buzau 2-3 and U Cluj - Ceahlaul 1-1| date=3 November 2007 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/liga-1/a-inviat-galatiul-otelul-3-1-dacia-mioveni.html| title=A inviat Galatiul: Otelul 3-1 Dacia Mioveni!| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Galati has revived: Otelul 3-1 Dacia Mioveni!| date=15 September 2007 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/gloria-bistrita-rapid-bucuresti-scor-1-2-2306921| title=Oțelul – Pandurii, scor 3-1, într-un meci cu trei penaltiuri și doi eliminați| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Otelul – Pandurii, score 3-1, in a match with three penalties and two eliminations| date=15 December 2007 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://ziare.com/otelul/liga-i/liga-i-otelul-galati-ceahlaul-piatra-neamt-4-1-298228| title=Liga I: Otelul Galati - Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt 4-1| publisher=Ziare.com| language=Romanian| date=26 April 2008 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
===Energie Cottbus=== His performances earned him a move to German club Energie Cottbus which paid Oțelul €700,000 for his transfer, giving Jula a €300,000 yearly salary, and there he was a colleague of compatriots Sergiu Radu and Ovidiu Burcă.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/emil-jula-va-juca-la-energie-cottbus-71166.html| title=Emil Jula va juca la Energie Cottbus| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Emil Jula will play for Energie Cottbus| date=29 May 2008 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://golazo.ro/emil-jula-profit-de-700000-de-euro-pentru-otelul-galati-2320| title=Emil Jula, profit de 700.000 de euro pentru Otelul Galati| publisher=Golazo.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Emil Jula, profit of 700,000 euros for Otelul Galati| date=30 May 2008| access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> He made his Bundesliga debut on 30 August 2008 when coach Bojan Prašnikar sent him in the 78th minute to replace Ervin Skela in a 1–0 loss to Borussia Dortmund.<ref name=WF3>{{cite web|publisher=WorldFootball|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe8392/emil-jula/co12/germany-bundesliga/se12/2008-2009/club-matches/|title=Emil Jula. Bundesliga 2008/2009|access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> He scored his first goal on 29 November in a 3–1 victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach.<ref name=WF3/> Jula netted a total of four goals in his first season, including a brace in a 3–0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the last round which helped his side reach the relegation play-off where they were defeated by Nürnberg.<ref name=RS/><ref name=WF3/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/emil-jula-salveaza-cottbus-de-la-retrogradare-139520.html| title=Emil Jula salvează Cottbus de la retrogradare!| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Emil Jula saves Cottbus from relegation!| date=23 May 2009 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/international/stranieri/jula-titular-in-cottbus-nurnberg-0-3-in-prima-mansa-a-barajului-din-bundesliga-140315.html| title=Jula, titular în Cottbus-Nurnberg 0-3, în prima manşă a barajului din Bundesliga| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Jula, starter in Cottbus-Nurnberg 0-3, in the first leg of the Bundesliga play-off| date=28 May 2009 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> In the following season he managed 12 goals and 12 assists, being alongside two other players the top assist provider of the 2. Bundesliga.<ref name=RS/><ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kicker.de/2-bundesliga/scorer/2009-10/34| title=2. Bundesliga Scorer 2009/10 | publisher=Kicker.de| language=German | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> In his last season he scored 10 goals and provided nine assists.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kicker.de/2-bundesliga/scorer/2010-11/34| title=2. Bundesliga Scorer 2010/11 | publisher=Kicker.de| language=German | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
Jula has a total of 100 matches, 29 goals and 24 assists for Energie Cottbus in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/special/poveste-cu-emil-jula-din-tunelul-timpului-de-pe-ion-moina-andrei-muresan-acele-imagini-mi-au-ramas-in-minte-894142| title=Poveste cu Emil Jula din tunelul timpului de pe "Ion Moina". Andrei Mureșan: "Acele imagini mi-au rămas în minte"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Story with Emil Jula from the time tunnel on "Ion Moina". Andrei Mureșan: "Those images stayed in my mind"| date=22 May 2020 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/a-murit-emil-jula-fostul-atacant-avea-doar-40-de-ani-894087| title=A murit Emil Jula! Fostul atacant avea doar 40 de ani| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Emil Jula has died! The former striker was only 40 years old| date=22 August 2020 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
===MSV Duisburg and loans=== In the summer of 2011, Jula signed with MSV Duisburg where he scored four goals in the 2011–12 2. Bundesliga season.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/stranieri/emil-jula-va-semna-cu-msv-duisburg-8113128| title=Emil Jula va semna cu MSV Duisburg| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Emil Jula will sign with MSV Duisburg| date=30 March 2013 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
In 2012, Duisburg loaned him to Cypriot side, Anorthosis Famagusta where he was teammates with fellow Romanian Dan Alexa.<ref name=click>{{cite web | url=https://click.ro/sport/fotbal-intern/fost-atacant-la-u-cluj-emil-jula-a-murit-la-40-22852.html | title=Fost atacant la "U" Cluj, Emil Jula a murit la 40 de ani| publisher=Click.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Former striker at "U" Cluj, Emil Jula, died at the age of 40| date=22 August 2020 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/fotbal-international/alexa-si-a-prelungit-contractul-cu-anorthosis-si-ramane-inca-un-an-in-cipru-56123| title=Alexa și-a prelungit contractul cu Anorthosis și rămâne încă un an în Cipru| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Alexa has extended her contract with Anorthosis and remains in Cyprus for another year| date=3 June 2013 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> In January 2013, he joined VfL Osnabrück where the highlight was a double netted during a match against Hansa Rostock, which ended with a 3–2 victory after a comeback from 0–2.<ref name=click/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.3-liga.com/news-3liga-klefisch-exklusiv--osnabrueck-dreht-dank-joker-jula-das-spiel-gegen-rostock-4767.html|title=Klefisch-Exklusiv: Osnabrück dreht dank Joker Jula das Spiel gegen Rostock|publisher=3-liga.com|language=German|trans-title=Klefisch Exclusive: Osnabrück turns the game against Rostock thanks to joker Jula| date=30 March 2013}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/stranieri/pe-muchie-de-cutit-emil-jula-s-a-luptat-cu-minutele-dar-s-a-transferat-in-germania-nemtii-il-vad-ca-pe-un-salvator-e-o-lovitura-pentru-noi-10538508| title=Pe muchie de cuțit! Emil Jula s-a luptat cu minutele, dar s-a transferat în Germania: Nemții îl văd ca pe un salvator: "E o lovitură pentru noi"| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=On a knife's edge! Emil Jula struggled with minutes, but transferred to Germany: The Germans see him as a savior: "It's a blow for us"| date=1 February 2013 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-extern/campionate-externe/maxim-si-mutu-au-marcat-dar-alt-roman-e-omul-zilei-in-europa-fenomenal-a-intrat-pe-teren-la-0-2-si-la-final-a-declansat-isteria-video-dubla-cu-golul-victoriei-dat-in-prelungiri-10702142| title=Maxim și Mutu au marcat, dar alt român e OMUL ZILEI în Europa! FENOMENAL A intrat pe teren la 0-2 și la final a declanșat isteria! VIDEO "Dublă" cu golul victoriei dat în prelungiri:| publisher=Prosport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Maxim and Mutu scored, but another Romanian is the MAN OF THE DAY in Europe! PHENOMENAL He entered the field at 0-2 and in the end he triggered hysteria! VIDEO "Double" with the winning goal scored in overtime:| date=31 March 2013 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
===Return to Romania=== In 2013, Jula returned to Romania, being convinced to sign with Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț by coach Vasile Miriuță, managing to score on his first game since his return, a 2–1 loss to Steaua București.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digisport.ro/fotbal/liga-1/video-emil-jula-a-revenit-cu-gol-in-liga-1-dupa-5-ani-noi-am-avut-ocazii-mai-clare-62697| title=Emil Jula a revenit cu gol în Liga 1 după 5 ani: "Noi am avut ocazii mai clare!"| publisher=Digisport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Emil Jula returned with a goal in League 1 after 5 years: "We had clearer opportunities!"| date=21 July 2013 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> In June 2014 he made a comeback to "U" Cluj but left the team in September after only five games to sign with Oțelul Galați.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digi24.ro/regional/digi24-cluj-napoca/fotbal-emil-jula-s-a-intors-la-u-258018| title=Fotbal. Emil Jula s-a întors la "U"| publisher=Digi24.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Football. Emil Jula returned to "U"| date=18 June 2014 | access-date=15 March 2025}}<br>{{cite web | url=https://www.digi24.ro/regional/digi24-galati/fotbal-cinci-noi-jucatori-la-otelul-292504| title=FOTBAL. Cinci noi jucători la Oțelul| publisher=Digi24.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=FOOTBALL. Five new players at Oțelul| date=22 August 2020 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref> During his second spell with Oțelul, on 7 December 2014, Jula made his last appearance in the Romanian first league, playing in a 2–0 home loss to ASA Târgu Mureș, totaling 89 matches with 34 goals in the competition.<ref name=RS/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mediafax.ro/sport/siria-acuza-israelul-ca-a-efectuat-doua-raiduri-in-apropiere-de-damasc-13707111| title=Oțelul Galați – ASA Târgu Mureș, scor 0-2, în Liga I| publisher=Mediafax.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Otelul Galati – ASA Târgu Mureș, score 0-2, in Liga I| date=7 December 2014 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
===TuS Bersenbrück=== In 2015 he went to play for TuS Bersenbrück in the German lower leagues where three years later, he ended his career.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://golazo.ro/doliu-in-fotbalul-romanesc-emil-jula-a-murit-la-doar-40-de-ani-52850| title=Doliu în fotbalul românesc: Emil Jula a murit la doar 40 de ani| publisher=Golazo.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=Mourning in Romanian football: Emil Jula died at just 40 years old| date=22 August 2020 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=April 2026}} After he retired, Jula worked as Bersenbrück's assistant coach.<ref name=click/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/breaking-news-tragedie-in-fotbalul-romanesc-emil-gabriel-jula-a-murit-la-doar-40-de-ani.html| title=Noi detalii despre moartea lui Gabriel Jula! Fostul atacant s-a simtit rau in aceasta dimineata si a chemat ambulanta| publisher=Sport.ro| language=Romanian |trans-title=New details about Gabriel Jula's death! The former striker felt bad this morning and called an ambulance| date=22 August 2020 | access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>
==Death== He died of a heart attack on 22 August 2020, aged 40.<ref name=click/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sport1.de/fussball/regionalliga-nordost/2020/08/energie-cottbus-ex-profi-emil-jula-stirbt-mit-40|title=Energie Cottbus: Ex-Profi Emil Jula stirbt mit 40|publisher=Sport1.de|language=German|trans-title=Energie Cottbus: Former professional Emil Jula died at age 40|date=22 August 2020}}</ref>
==Honours== '''Oțelul Galați''' *Intertoto Cup: 2007<ref name=hot/>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{WorldFootball.net|emil-jula}} *{{RomanianSoccer|993/emil-gabriel-jula}} *{{Fussballdaten|julaemil}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jula, Gabriel}} Category:1980 births Category:2020 deaths Category:Footballers from Cluj-Napoca Category:Romanian men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Liga I players Category:Liga II players Category:Bundesliga players Category:2. Bundesliga players Category:3. Liga players Category:Cypriot First Division players Category:Place of death missing Category:FC Universitatea Cluj players Category:FC Unirea Dej players Category:ASC Oțelul Galați players Category:FC Energie Cottbus players Category:MSV Duisburg players Category:Anorthosis Famagusta FC players Category:VfL Osnabrück players Category:CSM Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț players Category:Romanian expatriate men's footballers Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Germany Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany Category:Romanian expatriate sportspeople in Cyprus Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Cyprus Category:21st-century Romanian sportsmen