 During his career as a player, Bumbescu won the Liga I with three clubs, in an unparalleled feat.His first appearances came during 1978–79 with hometown's FC Universitatea Craiova and, after winning the league in his second season, he signed with FC Dinamo București and conquered another championship in 1982.After two years at FC Olt Scornicești, Bumbescu moved to national powerhouse FC Steaua București, where he won a further five leagues – being instrumental in four of those – and three domestic cups.