Famous Bulgarian Football Players

Hristo Stoichkov is a legendary Bulgarian footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities and fiery on-pitch temperament. He achieved great success at club level, notably with CSKA Sofia and Barcelona, where he was part of the renowned "Dream Team" under Johan Cruyff. Stoichkov was a top goalscorer in Europe, won the European Golden Shoe, and received prestigious awards such as the Ballon d'Or. Internationally, he excelled at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, finishing as the tournament's top scorer and earning accolades for his performances.

Dimitar Berbatov is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer known for his exceptional technique and ball control. He played as a striker for various clubs, including CSKA Sofia, Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Fulham, Monaco, PAOK, and Kerala Blasters. Berbatov achieved success with Manchester United, winning two Premier League titles and the Golden Boot. He also represented Bulgaria in international competitions, serving as captain and earning accolades such as the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year award seven times.

Aleksandar Antonov Tonev is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer who primarily played as a winger. He started his career at CSKA Sofia before moving to Lech Poznań in Poland and later joining Aston Villa. Tonev also had stints at Celtic, Frosinone, and Crotone. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to his teams, including inspiring Lech Poznań to a runners-up finish in the league. Tonev represented Bulgaria at the international level, earning over 30 caps for his national team.

Martin Petrov is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer known for his skill as a winger. Throughout his career, he played for notable clubs such as VFL Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Bolton Wanderers. Petrov also represented the Bulgarian national team, earning 90 caps. Known for his pace, dribbling ability, and precise crossing, he was a key player for both club and country. Petrov's successful career saw him compete at the highest levels of European football, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Stiliyan Petrov is a former Bulgarian professional footballer known for his career at Celtic and Aston Villa. He won numerous trophies during his time at Celtic Park, including Scottish Premier League titles. Moving to Aston Villa in 2006, he became club captain and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Petrov holds the record for the most appearances for the Bulgarian national team. Despite a leukemia diagnosis in 2012, he successfully underwent treatment, returned to coaching, and made a brief comeback to playing in pre-season matches.

Valeri Bojinov, a retired Bulgarian professional footballer and coach, played as a striker for Kostenets. Bojinov had a diverse career, representing eighteen different clubs across Italy, England, Portugal, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, China, and Switzerland. He also made appearances for the Bulgaria national team. Known for his versatility and goal-scoring ability, Bojinov's surname is occasionally seen as Bozhinov in transliteration. Throughout his professional journey, he left a mark with his skills and contributions to the teams he played for.

Ivelin Popov is a skilled Bulgarian professional footballer known for his role as an attacking midfielder for Botev Plovdiv in the Bulgarian First League. With impressive abilities on the field, Popov has showcased his talent and dedication to the sport throughout his career. He is recognized for his strategic playmaking, goal-scoring prowess, and leadership qualities on the field. Popov's contributions to his team have helped elevate their performance in various competitions, making him a valuable asset in the world of professional football.

Nikola Spasov was a prominent figure in Bulgarian football, known for his contributions as both a professional footballer and coach. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional skills on the field, earning respect and admiration from fans and peers alike. As a coach, he shared his expertise and passion for the game, guiding players to reach their full potential. Spasov's dedication to the sport left a lasting impact on the football community, solidifying his legacy as a respected and influential figure in Bulgarian football.

Stanimir Stoilov is a former Bulgarian footballer turned successful football manager. Throughout his career, he has managed various teams including Levski Sofia, the Bulgaria national team, FC Astana, and the national team of Kazakhstan. Currently, he serves as the manager of Turkish Süper Lig side Göztepe. Stoilov is known for his tactical prowess, leadership skills, and ability to develop young talent. His experience at both club and international level has cemented his reputation as a respected and accomplished figure in the world of football management.

Evdokiya Popadinova is a Bulgarian professional footballer known for her role as a forward for Italian Serie B club Lazio and the Bulgaria women's national team. With a strong presence on the field, Popadinova showcases exceptional skills and strategic gameplay, contributing significantly to her team's performance. Her dedication and passion for the sport have earned her recognition as a valuable asset in both domestic and international football competitions. Popadinova's talent and determination continue to inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike in the football world.