Considered a veritable talent in his early playing years, he had his career hindered by numerous knee injuries.

Petre began his professional career at FC National Bucharest during the 1999–00 season, making his first team debut in a 3–2 defeat to Rapid București on 22 April 2000.

After one season spent at FC Timişoara, the coach that properly launched Ovidiu Petre's career, Cosmin Olăroiu, left Poli and signed a contract with Steaua București.

Petre proved he's not mature yet and he made public his intentions to cancel his contract with Poli in order to play for the new team of his favourite coach.

In the 2007–08 season, he scored two consecutive goals, one with Pandurii Targu-Jiu in a 1–0 win and the other one in the derby with CFR Cluj, which Steaua won with 3–1.

After the contract with Al-Nassr ended, Petre took an offer to join Italian Serie B side Modena.