Famous Romanian People

Vote For Your Favourite Romanian Personality

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Simona Halep
(Romanian Professional and Former World No.1 Tennis Player)
Simona Halep
40
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 27, 1991
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Constanta

Simona Halep is a Romanian tennis player. With 22 WTA singles titles and two Grand Slam singles titles under her belt, Simona Halep is one of the most successful Romanian female tennis players of all time. She is also widely considered one of the WTA Tour's best returners of the current generation.

 2 
Kwame Nkrumah
(First President of Ghana)
Kwame Nkrumah
28
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 21, 1909
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Nkroful
Died: April 27, 1972

Kwame Nkrumah was a Ghanaian revolutionary and politician. He played an important role in the independence of the Gold Coast in 1957, after which he served as the first prime minister of Ghana from 1957 to 1960 and then as the first president of Ghana from 1960 to 1966. He also played an influential role as an advocate of Pan-Africanism.

 3 
Nadia Comaneci
(Romanian Retired Gymnast and a Five-Time Olympic Gold Medalist)
Nadia Comaneci
59
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 12, 1961
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Onești

Nadia Comaneci is a Romanian former gymnast. One of the best-known gymnasts in the world, Comaneci has five Olympic gold medals under her belt. Credited with popularizing gymnastics around the world, Nadia Comaneci was honored by the Laureus World Sports Academy by including her in their Athletes of the 20th Century list in 2000.

Recommended Lists:
 4 
Gheorghe Hagi
(Legendary Romanian Footballer and Owner of Liga I Club 'Farul Constanța')
Gheorghe Hagi
16
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 5, 1965
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Sacele

Known to fans as The Maradona of the Carpathians, Gheorghe Hagi is considered the most successful Romanian footballer of all time. An attacking midfielder, he began his career with FC Constanța, before playing for teams such as Real Madrid, Brescia, and Barcelona. Post-retirement, he managed the Romanian team.

 5 
Bela Bartok
(One of the Most Important Composers of the 20th Century)
Bela Bartok
14
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 25, 1881
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Sânnicolau Mare
Died: September 26, 1945

Bela Bartok was a Hungarian pianist, composer, and ethnomusicologist. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most prominent composers, Bartok is also counted among Hungary's greatest composers of all time. He is credited with co-founding comparative musicology, which came to be known as ethnomusicology.

 6 
Sebastian Stan
(Best Known for His Role as 'Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe)
Sebastian Stan
70
Birthdate: August 13, 1982
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Constanța

Sebastian Stan serves as an inspiration to many youngsters as he overcame his difficult beginnings to become a popular actor in the American film industry. A self-made man, he learned the art of acting at the prestigious Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London and went on to star in hit films like Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame.

 7 
Vlad the Impaler
(Wallachian Ruler Regarded as One of the Most Important Rulers in Wallachian History and a Romanian National Hero)
Vlad the Impaler
63
Birthdate: 1431 AD
Birthplace: Sighișoara
Died: November 30, 1476

Often considered a national hero of Romania, Vlad the Impaler was an important ruler in Wallachian history. Also known as Vlad Dracula, his reputation for cruelty inspired the name of the famous fictitious vampire Count Dracula. Books describing his cruelty were among the first-known bestsellers in the German-speaking territories.

 8 
Michael I of Romania
(The Last King of Romania (1927 - 1930))
Michael I of Romania
6
Birthdate: October 25, 1921
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Peleș Castle
Died: December 5, 2017

Michael I, the last King of Romania, ruled the country twice, of which the first-tenure was as a minor. During his second tenure, he removed Ion Antonescu’s government that aligned Romania with Nazi Germany. He declared alliance with Allies but was eventually forced to abdicate by Petru Groza’s government on December 30, 1947, as Romania officially became a People's Republic.

 9 
Ilie Năstase
(Former World Number One Romanian Tennis Legend)
Ilie Năstase
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 19, 1946
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Bucharest

Once number 1 in singles, Romanian tennis player Ilie Năstase created became the first European to cross $1 million in career prize money. A 3-time Davis Cup finalist, he won major titles such as the French Open, the US Open, and Wimbledon. He has also penned 2 French novels and a memoir.

 10 
Inna
(The Best-Selling Romanian Artist)
Inna
16
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 16, 1986
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Mangalia

Inna is a Romanian songwriter and singer who achieved popularity after releasing her debut studio album Hot, which was certified Platinum and Gold. Over the years, she has received several awards, such as MTV Europe Music Awards, Romanian Music Awards, and Balkan Music Awards. Also a human rights activist, Inna supports LGBT and children's rights. 

 11 
Gheorghe Mureșan
(One of the Two Tallest Basketball Players Who Have Played in the History of ‘NBA’)
Gheorghe Mureșan
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 14, 1971
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tritenii de Jos

Romanian former professional basketball player Gheorghe Dumitru Mureșan, also called Ghiță, with a height of 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 m), is counted among the two tallest basketball players (tied with Sudanese-American professional basketball player Manute Bol) in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Ghiță played for the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets during his NBA career.

 12 
Ovid
(Poet)
Ovid
8
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: March 20, 0043
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Sulmo
Died: 0017 AD

Roman poet Publius Ovidius Naso, better known as Ovid, lived during the rule of Augustus. He is held at par with Latin legends Virgil and Horace. Remembered for his mythological masterpiece the Metamorphoses, a 15-book Latin poem, he spent his final years exiled in a city on the Black Sea.

 13 
Constantin Brâncuși
(One of the Most Influential Sculptors of the 20th-Century)
Constantin Brâncuși
5
Birthdate: February 19, 1876
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hobita
Died: March 16, 1957

Constantin Brâncuși was a Romanian sculptor, painter, and photographer. A pioneer of modernism, he is considered one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th-century. The son of poor parents, he worked hard to fund his training at the Bucharest School of Fine Arts and became a skilled sculptor. He left behind 1200 photographs and 215 sculptures at his death. 

 14 
Marie of Romania
(Wife of Ferdinand I of Romania and Former Queen Consort of Romania (1914 - 1927))
Marie of Romania
5
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: October 29, 1875
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Eastwell Park
Died: July 10, 1938

Marie of Romania was a descendant of Queen Victoria and born as the Princess of Edinburgh, before she married King Ferdinand I and became the last queen of Romania. A visual artist and a patron of the Art Nouveau movement, she was also a skilled equestrian and driver.

 15 
John Houseman
(Romanian-Born American Actor, Director, and Producer)
John Houseman
6
Birthdate: September 22, 1902
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bucharest
Died: October 31, 1988

Romanian-born US actor and producer John Houseman is remembered for his Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winning role in The Paper Chase. Primarily a character actor, he also gained fame as a theater director and producer and collaborated with director Orson Welles on many projects.

 16 
David Popovici
(Romanian Competitive Swimmer)
David Popovici
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 15, 2004
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bucharest
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
Recommended Lists:
 17 
Klaus Iohannis
(President of Romania)
Klaus Iohannis
14
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: June 13, 1959
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sibiu
Romanian president Klaus Iohannis, who is also the National Liberal Party leader and had initially been a physics teacher, calls himself a “firefighter.” Though he has pledged to fight against corruption in Romania, Iohannis believes his country is not yet ready for the legalization of same-sex marriages. 
 18 
Emil Cioran
(One of the Finest Philosophers and Critical Writers from Romania)
Emil Cioran
8
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 8, 1911
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rasinari
Died: July 20, 1995
Born to a priest father, Romanian philosopher Emil Cioran grew up to include religious and melancholic themes in his works. His award-winning bestseller A Short History of Decay was followed by books such as The Trouble with Being Born, all of which spoke of illness and suicide.
 19 
Alexandra Stan
(Singer)
Alexandra Stan
11
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 10, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Constanța
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 20 
Ana Ularu
(Romanian Actress Best Known for Her Role as ‘Matilda’ in the Film ‘Outbound’)
Ana Ularu
4
Birthdate: June 26, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Bucharest

Ana Ularu is a Romanian actress best known for playing the role of Matilda in the action film Outbound. She began her acting career in the mid-1990s and appeared in a handful of minor roles in TV shows. As her career progressed, she started acting in films as well. She has received a Locarno International Film Festival Award.

 21 
Alaric I
(King of the Visigoths from 395 to 410)
Alaric I
3
Birthdate: 0370 AD
Birthplace: Peuce Island
Died: 0410 AD

Alaric I reigned as the first king of the Visigoths. Alaric, who operated against the Western Roman regimes, is best remembered for playing a crucial role in the sack of Rome in 410, which was one of the major events leading up to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. After Rome's sack, Alaric fell ill and died in Bruttium.

 22 
Carol I of Romania
(King of Romania (1881 – 1914))
Carol I of Romania
6
Birthdate: April 20, 1839
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Sigmaringen
Died: October 10, 1914

Carol I of Romania reigned as the King of Romania from 15 March 1881 to 10 October 1914. He helped Romania achieve independence by leading his men during the Russo-Turkish War and is best remembered as the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen dynasty's first ruler. During his reign, Romania's infrastructure and industry were improved.

 23 
Carol II of Romania
(King of Romania from 1930 to 1940)
Carol II of Romania
3
Birthdate: October 15, 1893
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Peleș Castle
Died: April 4, 1953

Carol II of Romania reigned as king of Romania from 1930 to 1940. He played a major role in establishing a royal dictatorship in Romania by abolishing the political parties and removing the 1923 constitution. He replaced the political parties with the National Renaissance Front, a single monopoly party of government. 

 24 
Mihai Eminescu
(The National Poet of Romania and a Major Figure of Romanticism)
Mihai Eminescu
6
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: January 15, 1850
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Botoșani
Died: June 15, 1889

Considered the national poet of Romania, Mihai Eminescu was a major figure of Romanticism in Romanian literature. Starting as an editor for the paper Timpul, he later penned iconic poems such as Luceafărul, or The Evening Star, and stories such as Sărmanul Dionis and Cezara. He, unfortunately, died in a mental asylum.

 25 
Robert Bobroczky
(Romanian Basketball Player Known for His Striking 7'7" Frame)
Robert Bobroczky
10
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 17, 2000
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Arad

Born to athlete parents, Hungarian-origin Romanian basketball player Robert Bobroczky became famous for his towering 7’7” frame. His abnormal height was apparently found to be a result of genetics and not any disorder. He represented the Italian club Stella Azzurra and later moved to the US to join the SPIRE Institute and Academy.

 26 
Saint Patrick
(Bishop and Patron Saint of Ireland)
Saint Patrick
21
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 0385 AD
Birthplace: Roman Britain
Died: March 17, 0461

Saint Patrick was a Romano-British bishop and Christian missionary in Ireland. Widely regarded as the main patron saint of Ireland, Patrick is often referred to as the Apostle of Ireland. According to early medieval tradition, Patrick is credited with popularizing Christianity in Ireland. His life and work inspired the 2000 TV historical drama film, St. Patrick: The Irish Legend.

 27 
Mircea Eliade
(Historian of Religion and Author)
Mircea Eliade
6
Birthdate: March 13, 1907
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bucharest
Died: April 22, 1986

Mircea Eliade was a Romanian fiction writer, historian of religion, professor at the University of Chicago, and philosopher. His stories and novels have been adapted into films, such as The Bengali Night, which was directed by Nicolas Klotz. His works have also influenced writers all over the world.

 28 
Queen Anne of Romania
(Wife of King Michael I of Romania Who Later Became an Uncrowned Queen of Romania)
Queen Anne of Romania
2
Birthdate: September 18, 1923
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Paris
Died: August 1, 2016

Princess Anne Antoinette came to be known as the Queen of Romania after her marriage to Romanian king Michael I. However, she was actually an uncrowned queen, since her husband was forced to abdicate by the Communists shortly before their marriage. She had also been a Free French forces nurse.

 29 
Aurelia Dobre
(Romanian Former Artistic Gymnast and the 1987 World All-Around Champion)
Aurelia Dobre
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 16, 1972
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bucharest

Aurelia Dobre is a Romanian former artistic gymnast who won three gold medals at the 24th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in 1987. In the same World Championships, she won two bronze medals. In 1988, she helped her team win the silver medal at the Summer Olympics. In 2016, she was made an inductee of the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

 30 
Ferdinand I of Romania
(King of Romania (1914 - 1927))
Ferdinand I of Romania
2
Birthdate: August 24, 1865
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sigmaringen
Died: July 20, 1927

Ferdinand I of Romania reigned as the King of Romania from 10 October 1914 until his death on 20 July 1927. He chose to support the Triple Entente during World War I and managed to annex Transylvania, Bukovina, Bessarabia, and parts of Maramureș, Crișana, and Banat, which resulted in the establishment of Greater Romania.

 31 
Michael the Brave
(Romanian National Hero Known for Uniting All of Romania for the First Time)
Michael the Brave
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 15, 1558
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Drăgoeşti
Died: August 9, 1601

Mihai Viteazul, or Michael the Brave, was the prince of Walachia, who became a national hero after uniting all Romanian principalities under his rule. Known for his exploits against the Turks, he also conquered Transylvania and Moldavia. He was killed shortly after suppressing a revolt of Magyar nobles.

 32 
Corneliu Zelea Codreanu
(Romanian Politician & Founder and Leader of the Legionary Movement (Iron Guard))
Corneliu Zelea Codreanu
3
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 13, 1899
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Huși
Died: November 30, 1938

Romanian far-right politician Corneliu Zelea Codreanu founded the anti-Semitic and fascist movement called Iron Guard, also known as the Legionary Movement. While the movement turned into a successful political party, it was crushed by King Carol II, while Codreanu was imprisoned and then shot to death while escaping.

 33 
Maia Sandu
(6th President of Moldova)
Maia Sandu
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: May 24, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Risipeni

Moldovan politician Maia Sandu, who was part of the Liberal Democratic Party before forming the Party of Action and Solidarity, has also served her country as its prime minister and is now its president. She has previously also been the advisor to the World Bank executive director.

 34 
Cătălina Ponor
(Former Romanian Artistic Gymnast and 3-Time Olympic Gold Medal Champion)
Cătălina Ponor
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 20, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Constanța

Three-time Olympian Romanian former artistic gymnast Cătălina Ponor has 5 Olympic medals in her kitty, including 3 golds. He has also won a World Cup gold and 8 European Championship gold medals. The sports star started training at age 4 and was scouted by the national selectors during a nationwide talent search.

 35 
George Enescu
(Romanian Composer, Violinist and Conductor)
George Enescu
4
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 19, 1881
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: George Enescu
Died: May 4, 1955
 36 
Maia Morgenstern
(Romanian Actor Who Played Virgin Mary in 'The Passion of the Christ')
Maia Morgenstern
1
Birthdate: May 1, 1962
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bucharest

Romanian actor Maia Morgenstern is best known to fans as the Virgin Mary from the 2004 biblical drama The Passion of the Christ. She has also appeared in series such as Aniela and Las Fierbinți. She has also won multiple awards for her role in Balanța, or The Oak.

 37 
Dan Petrescu
(Former Romanian Football Player and Manager)
Dan Petrescu
3
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: December 22, 1967
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bucharest

Dan Petrescu is a Romanian former football player best known for winning the 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup for Chelsea. He also earned 95 caps for his national team between 1989 and 2000. Since his retirement, Dan Petrescu has worked as a manager and is currently managing CFR Cluj. Petrescu is the second-most successful Romanian manager.

 38 
Alexandru Ioan Cuza
(One of the Founders of the Modern Romanian State)
Alexandru Ioan Cuza
1
Birthdate: March 20, 1820
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bârlad
Died: May 15, 1873

Alexandru Ioan Cuza was the first ruler of the Romanian Principalities after the unification of Moldavia and Wallachia. He is credited with modernizing the Romanian society through a series of reforms. Today, Alexandru Ioan Cuza is regarded as a national hero of Romania. He is also counted among the founders of the modern Romanian state.

 39 
Laura Bretan
(Romanian-American Soprano)
Laura Bretan
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: April 7, 2002
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chicago

Laura Bretan is a Romanian-American soprano who came into prominence in 2016 when she won the sixth season of the popular TV show, Romania's Got Talent. In the same year, Laura Bretan also appeared in America's Got Talent where she finished sixth.

 40 
Mircea Lucescu
(One of the Most Decorated Managers and Successful Football Players of All Time)
Mircea Lucescu
2
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: July 29, 1945
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bucharest

Romanian former footballer Mircea Lucescu is known for his successful stint in the Romanian First League, having won 6 titles. He also led the Romanian team in the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Post-retirement, he had a successful stint as a manager, especially with the Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv.

 41 
Ingrid Bisu
(Romanian Actor, Screenwriter, and Producer)
Ingrid Bisu
7
Birthdate: September 15, 1987
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bucharest

Romanian actor Ingrid Bisu is best known for playing Anca in the Palme d'Or-nominated comedy-drama Toni Erdmann. She made her debut with one of Romania’s first sitcoms, Casatorie de proba. She has also appeared in the horror films The Nun and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and has co-written Malignant.

 42 
Béla Károlyi
(Gymnastics Coach Known for Developing the Romanian Centralised Training System for Gymnastics)
Béla Károlyi
5
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: September 13, 1942
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Cluj-Napoca

Bela Karolyi is a prominent gymnastics coach who developed the Romanian centralized training system for gymnastics.  His wife, Márta Károlyi, is also a gymnastics coach and together they have trained numerous Olympic, European, and World champions. The couple has been credited with transforming gymnastic coaching in USA. Many gymnasts have called him out for his abusive coaching style. 

 43 
Helen of Greece and Denmark
(Queen Mother of Romania During the Reign of Her Son King Michael I (1940–1947).)
Helen of Greece and Denmark
3
Birthdate: May 2, 1896
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Athens
Died: November 28, 1982

Considered a Romanian hero, Helen of Greece and Denmark is remembered for her selfless act of saving Romanian Jews during World War II. The daughter of Greek king Constantine I, Helen served as the queen mother of Romania during the rule of her son, King Michael I.

 44 
Adrian Mutu
(Professional Football Manager & Former Player)
Adrian Mutu
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 8, 1979
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Călinești

Known for his “bad boy” image, Romanian former footballer Adrian Mutu has played for teams such as Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Juventus. Controversy’s favorite child, he was once banned by Chelsea for consuming cocaine. He also made headlines for drinking the blood of porn star Laura Andresan.

 45 
Ion Țiriac
(Former Romanian Tennis Player)
Ion Țiriac
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 9, 1939
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Brașov

Ion Tiriac is a Romanian businessman and retired tennis and ice hockey player. He is best known for winning the men's doubles event at the 1970 French Open. In 2013, he was made an inductee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As an ice hockey player, Tiriac played for his national team as defenseman at the 1964 Winter Olympics.

 46 
Ion Antonescu
(Conducător of Romania (1940 - 1944))
Ion Antonescu
10
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: June 14, 1882
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Pitești
Died: June 1, 1946

Ion Antonescu was a Romanian marshal who served as a dictator during World War II. Appointed the prime minister in 1940, he formed a military dictatorship in Romania and joined hands with the Axis powers. His regime was ended by a coup d’etat led by King Michael, and he was sentenced to death.

 47 
Paul Celan
(One of the Most Important and Influential German-Language Poets of the Post-Second World War Era)
Paul Celan
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: November 23, 1920
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Chernivtsi
Died: April 20, 1970

Paul Celan was a Romanian-born poet who wrote in the German language. One of the most important and influential German-language poets of the post-Second World War era, Celan was awarded the Bremen Literature Prize and the Georg Büchner Prize in 1958 and 1960 respectively. Paul Celan is also remembered for his work as a translator.

 48 
Mădălina Diana Ghenea
(Romanian Model and Actress)
Mădălina Diana Ghenea
6
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: August 8, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Slatina

Mădălina Diana Ghenea is a Romanian model and actress. Apart from acting and modeling, Ghenea also participates in fashion shows around the world. She achieved international fame in 2016, when she became the face of a luxury brand called Vanitas.

 49 
Herta Müller
(German-Romanian Author, Who Received the 2009 Nobel Prize in Literature for Her Novel 'The Hunger Angel')
Herta Müller
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 17, 1953
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Nitchidorf

Nobel Prize-winning author Herta Müller grew up under the dictatorial regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu in Romania. She was fired from her first job for not co-operating with the Romanian secret police. Her works, such as Oppressive Tango and The Passport, mirror the oppression of Germans she has witnessed in Romania.

 50 
Lucian Bute
(Romanian-Canadian Former Professional Boxer and IBF Super-Middleweight Title Champion from 2007 to 2012)
Lucian Bute
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 28, 1980
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Pechea

Romanian-Canadian former professional boxer Lucian Bute is best known for winning the IBF super-middleweight title for the first time in 2007 and then defending it successfully for nine consecutive times before losing it to Carl Froch in May 2012. He was given the number one ranking in the division by the American boxing magazine called The Ring.