Famous Bulgarian Sportspersons

Hristo Stoichkov is a legendary Bulgarian former professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities. He achieved great success at club level, notably with CSKA Sofia and Barcelona, where he was part of the famous "Dream Team" under Johan Cruyff. Stoichkov received prestigious awards such as the Ballon d'Or and was named in the FIFA 100 list of greatest players. Internationally, he excelled at the 1994 World Cup, finishing as the tournament's top scorer and earning accolades for his performances. His on-pitch temper and nickname "The Dagger" added to his iconic status in football history.

Grigor Dimitrov is a highly accomplished Bulgarian professional tennis player, known for his impressive career achievements. He has reached the world No. 3 ranking in singles, the highest ever for a Bulgarian player. With nine ATP Tour singles titles under his belt, he has also won prestigious tournaments like the ATP Finals and the Cincinnati Masters. Dimitrov has set records as the first Bulgarian to achieve various milestones in tennis, such as winning an ATP Tour singles title and qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Kubrat Pulev is a successful Bulgarian professional boxer known for challenging for various heavyweight titles throughout his career. He has competed at both regional and international levels, winning multiple championships and medals. Pulev has held titles such as the WBA International heavyweight title and the European heavyweight title. As an amateur, he achieved gold at the 2008 European Championships and bronze at the 2005 World Championships in the super-heavyweight division. Pulev also represented Bulgaria in boxing at the 2008 Olympics.

Veselin Topalov is a Bulgarian chess grandmaster and former FIDE World Chess Champion. He won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2005 but lost the title in 2006. Topalov challenged Viswanathan Anand in 2010 and has been ranked world number one at various times. He has a peak rating of 2816 and is joint-tenth on the list of highest FIDE-rated players. Topalov has competed in numerous Chess Olympiads and has won several prestigious tournaments throughout his career.

Tsvetana Kirilova Pironkova is a retired Bulgarian tennis player known for her prowess on grass courts and quick hardcourts. She made history by reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2010, becoming the first Bulgarian to achieve such a feat in a Grand Slam singles tournament. Pironkova also won the Sydney International in 2014 and made a successful comeback in 2020 at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals. She has defeated numerous top-10 ranked players and has a strong presence both on and off the court with her clothing and lifestyle brand, Pironetic.

Stefka Kostadinova is a retired Bulgarian high jumper known for her exceptional athletic achievements. She held the world record in high jump for almost four decades until it was surpassed in 2024. She is a decorated athlete, having won the Olympic gold medal in 1996, along with multiple World and World Indoor championships. In addition to her successful athletic career, Kostadinova has been serving as the president of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee since 2005, further contributing to the world of sports.

Julian Kostov is a versatile Bulgarian actor, filmmaker, and talent manager. He has garnered recognition for his impressive performances in various TV shows and films. Kostov is widely known for his recurring role in the popular Netflix series Shadow and Bone, as well as for portraying Vladimir Makarov in the acclaimed video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. His television credits also include roles in A Discovery of Witches and Berlin Station, while his film appearances in Another Mother's Son, The Toxic Avenger, and The Last Front have showcased his range and talent.

Ivet Lalova-Collio is a Bulgarian athlete known for specializing in the 100 metres and 200 metres sprint events. She is recognized as the 13th-fastest woman in the history of the 100 metres. Lalova-Collio has competed in multiple Olympic Games, finishing fourth in the 100 metres and fifth in the 200 metres at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Her career was briefly interrupted due to a leg injury sustained in 2005. She has achieved success at various European Athletics Championships, winning gold in the Women's 100 metres in 2012 and two silver medals in 2016.

Jared Homan is an American professional basketball player known for his versatility as both a power forward and center. He has played for various teams around the world, with his most recent stint being with Maccabi Ashdod in the Israeli Premier League. Homan's skills on the court have earned him recognition as an accomplished player in both positions. Throughout his professional career, he has showcased his talent and contributed to the success of the teams he has played for.

Kotoōshū Katsunori, a Bulgarian-Japanese former sumo wrestler, debuted in 2002 and quickly rose to the top division by 2004. Achieving the rank of ōzeki in 2005, he made history in 2008 by becoming the first European sumo wrestler to win an Emperor's Cup. Maintaining his ōzeki status for 47 consecutive tournaments, he obtained Japanese citizenship in 2014 to pursue a coaching career. In 2017, he established his own training stable, Naruto, marking a new chapter in his professional life.

Aleksandar Antonov Tonev is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer who played as a winger. Starting his career at CSKA Sofia, he later played for clubs such as Sliven 2000, Lech Poznań, Aston Villa, Celtic, Frosinone, and Crotone. Tonev made significant contributions during his time at Lech Poznań, helping the team secure a runners-up position in the league. He has represented Bulgaria in international competitions, earning over 30 caps for the national team since 2011.

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 in both domestic and international competitions, winning titles such as the Premier League and representing Bulgaria at Euro 2004. He is regarded as one of the greatest Bulgarian players of all time, with numerous accolades and records to his name.

Serafim Simeonov Todorov is a former Bulgarian Olympic boxer known for his impressive achievements in the sport. He secured three consecutive gold medals at both the World and European Championships, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication. Todorov also earned a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics, where he made history by being the only boxer to defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr. through a controversial decision. His professional career is marked by remarkable success and significant contributions to the boxing world.

Viktoriya Tomova is a Bulgarian professional tennis player known for her impressive career achievements. She has achieved a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 46 and a doubles ranking of No. 254. Tomova is currently the No. 1 Bulgarian female player, showcasing her dominance in the sport. Competing for Bulgaria, she has a balanced win-loss record in Billie Jean King Cup competitions. With her determination and skill on the court, Tomova continues to make a mark in the world of professional tennis.

Martin Petrov is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer known for his career as a winger. He achieved success playing for clubs such as VFL Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Bolton Wanderers. Throughout his career, Petrov showcased his skills and versatility on the field, earning recognition for his contributions. He also represented Bulgaria in international competitions, making 90 appearances for the national team. Petrov's performances and dedication to the sport left a lasting impact on the football community.

Aleksandar Vezenkov, known as Sasha Vezenkov, is a Bulgarian professional basketball player for Olympiacos in the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. Standing at 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in), Vezenkov is a versatile stretch power forward. He has been recognized with two All-EuroLeague First Team selections and was named EuroLeague MVP in 2023. Vezenkov played a key role in helping Olympiacos reach the EuroLeague final in the same year, showcasing his skills and contributing significantly to the team's success.

Valentin Yordanov is a retired Bulgarian freestyle wrestler renowned for his exceptional achievements in the up to 52 kg weight class. Throughout his career, he secured numerous prestigious titles, including Olympic gold medalist, seven-time World Champion, and seven-time European Champion. Yordanov holds a unique record of being the sole wrestler to attain 10 medals from the World Wrestling Championships, consisting of seven gold, two silver, and one bronze. His professional legacy is marked by unparalleled success and dominance in the sport of wrestling.

Dee Bost is a versatile professional basketball player who currently plays for Indios de Mayagüez in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league. Known for his skills on both ends of the court, he has also represented the Bulgarian national team in international competitions. Bost honed his talents during his college career at Mississippi State University before making the transition to the professional ranks. With a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit, he continues to make an impact in the world of basketball with his consistent performance and leadership abilities.

Magdalena Maleeva, a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria, had a successful career on the WTA Tour from 1989 to 2005. She achieved an impressive singles ranking of world No. 4 and won ten career singles titles during her time on the tour. Maleeva competed in both singles and doubles matches, showcasing her versatility and skill on the court. Known for her strong performances and competitive spirit, she left a lasting impact on the world of professional tennis.

Yordan Yovchev is a retired Bulgarian gymnast with a remarkable career spanning six consecutive Olympic Games. He holds the record for the most Olympic appearances by any Bulgarian athlete. Yovchev is currently serving as the president of the Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation, where he plays a crucial role in promoting and developing gymnastics in the country. In addition to his administrative duties, he also works as a sports commentator, sharing his expertise and insights with audiences during various sporting events.

Blagoy Ivanov is a professional mixed martial artist and Sambo practitioner known for competing in the Heavyweight division. He has a successful career, having previously fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and achieving significant accomplishments such as being the 2008 Combat Sambo World Champion and the former World Series of Fighting Heavyweight champion. Ivanov's skills and achievements in the world of MMA have solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor in the sport, earning him recognition and respect from fans and peers alike.

Dan Kolov, born Doncho Kolev Danev, was a renowned Bulgarian professional wrestler who achieved significant success in the sport. He made history by becoming the first European freestyle wrestling champion from Bulgaria. Kolov's remarkable career included winning the European gold medal in 1936 in Paris, adding to the prestige of Bulgarian wrestling. His contributions to the sport were further recognized when he was posthumously inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2020, solidifying his legacy as a legendary figure in wrestling history.

Miroslav Petrov Barnyashev, known professionally as Miro, is a Bulgarian wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He started his career in WWE in 2010 and gained fame under the ring name Rusev, becoming the first Bulgarian wrestler to work for WWE. During his time in WWE, he held the United States Championship three times. In 2020, he transitioned to AEW where he has continued to showcase his talent, winning the AEW TNT Championship.

Isabella Shinikova is a Bulgarian tennis player with a successful career in both singles and doubles competitions. She achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 133 in February 2017 and peaked at No. 159 in the WTA doubles rankings in May 2019. Shinikova is a valuable member of the Bulgaria Fed Cup team, boasting a win-loss record of 19-24 as of May 2024. Her consistent performances on the court have solidified her reputation as a skilled and dedicated professional player.

Yordanka Donkova is a Bulgarian former hurdling athlete known for her remarkable achievements in track and field. She has won multiple medals at the Olympic Games, European championships, and other major athletics tournaments. Donkova set numerous world records in the 100m hurdles, with one of her records standing for almost 28 years. Her impressive career includes a total of 16 medals from prestigious competitions, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest hurdlers in the sport's history.

Keydren "Kee-Kee" Clark is an American former professional basketball player known for his skills as a point guard. Standing at 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), he played with agility and precision on the court. Clark's career also involved holding Bulgarian citizenship, showcasing his versatility and international experience. Throughout his professional journey, he demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball community with his talent and dedication to the sport.

Antoaneta Stefanova is a Bulgarian chess grandmaster and former Women's World Chess Champion, holding the title from 2004 to 2006. She has been a prominent figure in the world of chess, representing Bulgaria in various prestigious events such as the Chess Olympiad and the Women's Chess Olympiad. With a successful career spanning several decades, Stefanova has showcased her strategic prowess and exceptional skills on the international chess stage, earning recognition and respect from fellow players and enthusiasts worldwide.

Atanas Kolev, known by his stage name Nasko, is a multi-talented Bulgarian singer and basketball player hailing from Varna. With a notable presence in the music industry, he gained recognition as a finalist on X Factor Bulgaria in 2013. His skills extend beyond music, showcasing his prowess on the basketball court as well. Kolev's professional life is marked by a versatile combination of talents, allowing him to make a mark in both the music and sports domains.

Vladimir Dimitrov Stoychev was a prominent Bulgarian Colonel General, diplomat, and Olympic equestrian. He had a distinguished military career, participating in the Balkan Wars and World War I. Stoychev represented Bulgaria in equestrian events at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics. He served as a Bulgarian attaché in France and the UK and later became head of the Sofia Cavalry Academy. Stoychev held various positions within the Bulgarian government, including leading the Bulgarian First Army during World War II. He also played key roles in international organizations like the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee.

Armen Nazaryan is a highly decorated Greco-Roman wrestler who has achieved significant success in his career. He is a two-time Olympic Champion and a three-time World Champion. Nazaryan has also won the European Championship six times. He made history by becoming Armenia's first Olympic gold medalist after the country regained independence. Recognized as the best wrestler of the year by FILA in 1998 and 2003, Nazaryan was later inducted into the FILA Hall of Fame in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to the sport.

Maria Petrova is a renowned Bulgarian rhythmic gymnast known for her exceptional achievements in the sport. She has held the title of triple World All-around champion in 1993, 1994, and 1995, showcasing her dominance on the global stage. Additionally, she has claimed the title of triple European All-around champion in 1992, 1993, and 1994, further solidifying her status as one of the top rhythmic gymnasts in the world. Maria Petrova's professional career is marked by her outstanding performances and numerous accolades in the sport.

Cedric Simmons is a professional basketball player for SeaHorses Mikawa in the Japanese B.League. He holds Bulgarian citizenship and has represented the senior men's Bulgarian national basketball team. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Simmons plays as a power forward-center. He was selected by the New Orleans Hornets in the first round (15th overall pick) of the 2006 NBA draft. Simmons has had a diverse career playing for various teams and showcasing his skills both domestically and internationally.

Stiliyan Petrov is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He had successful stints at Celtic, winning multiple trophies including Scottish Premier League titles. He later joined Aston Villa in the Premier League, where he became club captain and was inducted into the Aston Villa Hall of Fame. Petrov is Bulgaria's most-capped player, with 105 appearances for the national team. His career was briefly interrupted in 2012 due to acute leukaemia, but he successfully underwent treatment and returned to training with Aston Villa before retiring in 2013.

Nurgyul Salimova is a highly accomplished Bulgarian chess player, holding the prestigious titles of International Master and Woman Grandmaster awarded by FIDE. Her professional success includes winning the Bulgarian Women's Chess Championship in 2017 and securing the silver medal in the Bulgarian Chess Championship in 2023. Notably, she was the sole woman competitor in the open section during this tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination in the male-dominated field of chess. Salimova's career is marked by impressive achievements and a strong presence in the competitive chess world.

Boyanka Kostova is a renowned weightlifter who has represented Azerbaijan in international competitions. She made her mark at the 2012 Summer Olympics, where she competed in the women's 58 kg category and secured a commendable fifth-place finish. With impressive strength and skill, Kostova has earned recognition for her dedication to the sport of weightlifting. Her professional journey is characterized by perseverance and passion for achieving excellence in her athletic pursuits, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike with her remarkable performances.

Bianka Panova is a former Bulgarian individual rhythmic gymnast who has achieved significant success in her career. She is a World and European champion, known for being part of the Golden Girls of Bulgaria who dominated rhythmic gymnastics in the 1980s. Panova has won numerous World Championship gold medals and has a strong track record in international competitions. After retiring from competitive gymnastics, she transitioned into coaching and currently works as a rhythmic gymnastics coach, sharing her expertise and knowledge with aspiring athletes.

Valeri Emilov Bojinov is a retired Bulgarian professional footballer and coach known for his versatility as a striker. He has had a diverse career, playing for numerous clubs across Italy, England, Portugal, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, China, and Switzerland. Bojinov also represented the Bulgaria national team on the international stage. With a surname that is occasionally transliterated as Bozhinov, he has showcased his skills and dedication throughout his professional journey, leaving a lasting impact on the football world.

Borislav Ivanov is a Bulgarian chess player whose professional career has been marked by controversy. From 2012 to 2013, he achieved notable success by defeating several grandmasters, but these accomplishments were overshadowed by cheating allegations. As a result, he was banned by the Bulgarian Chess Federation in December 2013, stripped of his FIDE Master title, and removed from FIDE's rating list in January 2014. Ivanov's career is a cautionary tale of the challenges and consequences faced by those involved in competitive chess.

Ivan Abadjiev was a prominent Bulgarian weightlifter and coach known for his innovative training methods. He achieved success as both an athlete and coach, leading the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation and later the Turkish Weightlifting Federation. Throughout his career, Abadjiev produced numerous Olympic, world, and European champions, earning him the nickname "The Pope of Weightlifting." His coaching prowess was recognized with multiple Coach of the Year awards and the title of Coach of the 20th Century in Bulgaria. Abadjiev's unique training system, influenced by Soviet Professor Felix Meerson, revolutionized the sport during his time.

Evdokiya Popadinova is a talented Bulgarian professional footballer who excels as a forward for Italian Serie B club Lazio. With her skills and determination, she has made a significant impact on the field, showcasing her versatility and goal-scoring prowess. Popadinova's presence on the Bulgaria women's national team further demonstrates her commitment to the sport and her ability to compete at the highest levels of international football. Her impressive performance and contributions have solidified her reputation as a key player in both club and national team settings.

Miroslav Petrov Barnyashev, known professionally as Miro, is a Bulgarian wrestler with a successful career in both WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Starting in 2010 with WWE's FCW, he transitioned to NXT and later the main roster, achieving success as a three-time WWE United States Champion. Following his release in 2020, he debuted in AEW as Miro, quickly becoming the AEW TNT Champion. With a decade-long career in WWE and continued success in AEW, Miro has solidified his status as a top-tier wrestler.

Stefani Stoeva is a highly accomplished Bulgarian badminton player known for her expertise in doubles play. She has achieved significant success alongside her sister and doubles partner, Gabriela Stoeva, with victories at prestigious events like the European Games and European Championships. Stoeva has also demonstrated her skill in women's singles competition, clinching several individual titles. Her professional career is marked by consistent excellence and a strong competitive spirit, making her a respected figure in the world of badminton.

Manuela Maleeva is a retired Bulgarian professional tennis player who also represented Switzerland during her career. She was known for her consistency on the WTA Tour, achieving a career-high singles ranking of No. 3 in the world. With 19 WTA singles titles and four doubles titles, she reached 14 Grand Slam quarterfinals, including two US Open semifinals. Maleeva won a bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and claimed Switzerland's first Hopman Cup title in 1992.

Darius Anthony Adams is a professional basketball player known for his skills at the point guard position. He currently plays for the Shenzhen Leopards in the Chinese Basketball Association. With a height of 6 ft 1 in, Adams has showcased his talent and athleticism on the court, earning recognition for his performance. His career highlights include playing for various teams in different leagues, where he has consistently demonstrated his basketball prowess. Adams remains a valuable asset to his team, contributing to their success with his dedication and talent.

Ivelin Ivanov Popov is a Bulgarian professional footballer known for his role as an attacking midfielder. He currently plays for the Bulgarian First League club Botev Plovdiv. Popov has gained recognition for his skill and performance on the field, showcasing his abilities as a key player for his team. With his experience and talent, he has made significant contributions to the sport, earning a reputation as a skilled and versatile midfielder in the football community.

Matey Kaziyski is a Bulgarian professional volleyball player known for his successful career with Italian club Trentino Volley and the Bulgaria men's national volleyball team. He has been a key player in various international tournaments, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, and European Championships. Kaziyski has achieved notable success, winning bronze medals in several major competitions and multiple CEV Champions League titles. His contributions to the sport have solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished player in the world of volleyball.

Stiliana Nikolova is a highly accomplished Bulgarian rhythmic gymnast, excelling at both the national and international levels. She has secured numerous prestigious titles, including European and World championships. Nikolova's achievements include being the European all-around champion, World all-around bronze medalist, and medalist in various apparatus categories. She has also demonstrated her talent at the junior level, winning titles such as the European Junior ribbon champion and Bulgarian Junior all-around champion. Nikolova's professional career is marked by consistent success and a strong dedication to her sport.

Nikola Spasov was a prominent figure in Bulgarian football as both a professional player and coach. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. As a player, he displayed remarkable talent on the field, earning recognition for his contributions to various teams. Transitioning to coaching, Spasov continued to make significant impacts, guiding players and teams towards success. His passion for football and wealth of experience made him a respected figure within the Bulgarian football community.

Tsvetan Nikolaev Sokolov is a prominent Bulgarian professional volleyball player known for his role as an opposite spiker for Dynamo Moscow. He has represented Bulgaria at various international competitions, including the Olympic Games in London 2012. Sokolov has achieved significant success in his career, having won multiple titles in prestigious tournaments such as the CEV Champions League and Club World Championship. His exceptional skills and contributions to the sport have earned him a reputation as a highly skilled and accomplished athlete in the world of volleyball.

Tervel Venkov Pulev, a Bulgarian professional boxer, has made a name for himself in the world of boxing. He currently holds the WBA International cruiserweight title, a significant achievement he attained in December 2019. Prior to this, Tervel Pulev also held the European Union cruiserweight title in 2018, showcasing his skill and determination in the sport. With a successful track record in various championships, Tervel Pulev continues to impress fans and critics alike with his talent, dedication, and promising future in boxing.

Adrian Andreev is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria. He has achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 183 and a doubles ranking of World No. 584. Notable accomplishments include winning the 2018 US Open Junior doubles title with Anton Matusevich. As of now, he holds the position of the No. 2 Bulgarian player in the tennis world. Adrian Andreev continues to strive for success and make his mark in the professional tennis circuit.

Dimitar Kuzmanov is a Bulgarian professional tennis player known for his participation in the ATP Challenger Tour. With a highest singles ranking of No. 159, he has showcased his skills and talent on the court. Additionally, he has achieved a best doubles ranking of No. 438. Kuzmanov's dedication and hard work have enabled him to compete at a high level in the tennis world, demonstrating his passion for the sport and his commitment to success.

Halil Mutlu is a former professional Turkish weightlifter known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. He has won multiple World and Olympic championship titles, making him one of the most successful weightlifters in history. Mutlu is renowned for winning three consecutive gold medals at the Olympic Games, a feat achieved by only a few athletes. Throughout his weightlifting career, he has secured numerous World and European championships, as well as setting over 20 world records across different weight categories.

Priest Lauderdale is a retired professional basketball player who had a successful career in the sport. Known for his strong presence on the court, Lauderdale played at a high level, showcasing his skills and contributing to various teams throughout his career. With a combination of talent and hard work, he made a name for himself in the basketball world, earning recognition for his performance and dedication to the game. After his time as a professional player, Lauderdale left a lasting impact on the sport and its fans.

Karlos Nasar is a Bulgarian weightlifter who has made a significant impact in the sport at a young age. He holds multiple world records in different weight categories and has achieved remarkable success in various championships. Known for his exceptional Clean & Jerk performances, Nasar has cemented his reputation as one of the most talented weightlifters in the world. With a string of impressive accomplishments, he continues to push the boundaries of his sport and inspire others with his dedication and skill.

Christo Popov is a highly accomplished French badminton player affiliated with Fos club. He has achieved significant success in his career, including winning multiple titles at the European and World Junior Championships. Popov reached the number 1 ranking in boys' singles in January 2020 and continued his success by winning the boys' singles title at the 2020 European Junior Championships. In 2024, he made history by becoming the first Frenchman to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious All England Open.

Stanimir Stoilov is a prominent figure in Bulgarian football, having excelled both as a player and a manager. With a successful career transitioning from player to coach, he has made significant contributions to various teams. Stoilov notably managed top clubs like Levski Sofia and international teams such as the Bulgaria national team. His coaching journey also extended to foreign clubs like FC Astana and the Kazakhstan national team, showcasing his versatility and tactical acumen in different footballing environments. Currently, he leads Göztepe in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Ivet Goranova is a successful Bulgarian karateka known for her exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. She made a significant impact by winning the gold medal in the women's 55 kg event at both the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and the 2019 European Games in Minsk, Belarus. Her dedication, talent, and hard work have propelled her to the top of her field, earning her recognition and respect in the karate community on both national and international levels.

Albert Popov is a Bulgarian alpine skier known for his professional achievements in the sport. He has demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication in the field of alpine skiing, showcasing his talent on various competitive platforms. Popov has participated in numerous skiing events, representing Bulgaria with pride and determination. His career highlights include notable performances and successes that have solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished alpine skier in the international sports community.

Gabriela Stoeva is a highly accomplished Bulgarian badminton player known for her expertise in doubles play. She has achieved significant success in her career, notably as a three-time European Champion and two-time European Games gold medalist. Stoeva has competed at the highest level, representing her country at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics. With her younger sister Stefani Stoeva as her current partner, Gabriela has demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and a strong competitive spirit throughout her professional career.

Ivan Cheparinov is a highly accomplished Bulgarian chess grandmaster, having secured the Bulgarian championship title four times. He has competed in multiple editions of the FIDE World Cup, showcasing his skills on the international stage. Cheparinov made notable moves in terms of his chess affiliations, transitioning from Bulgaria to FIDE and later to Georgia before returning to represent Bulgaria once again. His professional career is marked by strategic prowess, dedication to the game, and a strong presence in competitive chess tournaments worldwide.

Sesil Karatantcheva is a Bulgarian tennis player known for her notable career achievements. She reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 35 and peaked at No. 154 in doubles. Throughout her career, she won nine singles titles on the ITF Women's Circuit. Karatantcheva gained recognition for her impressive performance at the 2005 French Open, where she reached the quarterfinals and defeated seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. Her success on the court solidified her reputation as a talented and competitive player in the tennis world.

Sergei Mureiko is a retired heavyweight Greco-Roman wrestler who represented Moldova and Bulgaria. He competed in multiple Olympics and won a bronze medal in 1996. Mureiko achieved success between 1993 and 2004, earning a total of 11 medals at world and European championships. Despite facing tough competition from his main rival Aleksandr Karelin, Mureiko managed to secure an international title in 1997. Karelin considered Mureiko his most challenging opponent, acknowledging his luck in their bouts.

Stanislav Nedkov is a Bulgarian professional mixed martial artist, political scientist, and philosopher. He began his professional MMA career in 2006 and has competed for renowned organizations such as the UFC, World Victory Road, and Pancrase. Known for his diverse skill set and strategic approach to fighting, Nedkov has gained recognition in the MMA world for his impressive performances and contributions to the sport. His multidisciplinary background in political science and philosophy adds depth and unique perspective to his professional endeavors.

Daisy Lang, formerly known as Dessislava Kirova, is a former professional boxer who competed from 1996 to 2004. She achieved significant success in her boxing career, becoming a three division world champion. Lang made history as the first Bulgarian woman to capture a world title in boxing. Throughout her career, she held the WIBF super-flyweight, bantamweight, and super-bantamweight titles between 1999 and 2004, showcasing her skill and determination in the ring.

Katerina Georgieva Maleeva is a former top 10 Bulgarian tennis player known for her successful career on the WTA Tour. She has secured eleven singles and two doubles titles during her time as a professional player. Maleeva achieved her highest ranking of No. 6 in the WTA rankings in 1990. Her skill and determination on the court have left a lasting legacy in the world of tennis, making her a respected figure among fans and fellow players alike.

Stefan Petrov Topurov is a former Bulgarian weightlifter, Olympian, and World Champion known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He made history by being the first lifter to clean & jerk three times his body weight with a 180 kg lift in the 60 kg division at the 1983 World Weightlifting Championships. Topurov's exceptional performance and dedication to weightlifting have solidified his legacy as one of the sport's most accomplished athletes, inspiring future generations of weightlifters worldwide.

Boryana Kaleyn is a highly accomplished Bulgarian rhythmic gymnast with an impressive list of achievements. She has excelled both on the world stage and at the European level, winning multiple championships and medals in various events. Her successful career includes being a World champion in the team event, as well as a silver medalist in clubs and ribbon. She has also competed at the Olympics and consistently performed well at the national level, securing multiple Bulgarian National Championship titles.

Maria Dimitrova is a highly skilled martial artist specializing in karate. With Bulgarian and Dominican heritage, she has gained recognition for her exceptional abilities in the sport. Through dedicated training and participation in numerous competitions, Maria has established herself as a formidable force in the martial arts community. Her technical precision, agility, and strategic prowess have earned her a reputation as a top competitor in the field. Maria continues to inspire others with her passion for karate and commitment to excellence in her professional pursuits.

Katrin Yankova Taseva is a retired Bulgarian individual rhythmic gymnast with an impressive professional career. She has achieved notable success in various competitions, including winning medals at the European Games and becoming a European Silver medalist with Ribbon. Taseva has also excelled in the World Cup series, winning titles in different categories such as All-around, Ball, and Ribbon. Her achievements extend to being a Bulgarian National Champion and securing multiple silver medals in the National All-around competitions.

Rosen Dimitrov is a highly accomplished Bulgarian Sambo practitioner and mixed martial artist. As a three-time world champion in Combat Sambo, he has showcased his exceptional skills and expertise in the sport. Alongside his twin brother, Rumen Dimitrov, he co-founded the organization TWINS MMA, further establishing his influence in the martial arts community. Notably, Dimitrov serves as the trainer for the Bulgarian national team of combat sambo, demonstrating his commitment to developing and nurturing talent within the sport.

Neviana Vladinova is a retired Bulgarian individual rhythmic gymnast known for her achievements in the sport. She earned the title of World bronze medalist with the ball in 2017 and placed seventh in the all-around competition at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Throughout her career, she showcased exceptional talent and dedication, garnering respect and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Vladinova's performances on the international stage solidified her reputation as a skilled and accomplished rhythmic gymnast.

Kiril Georgiev is a Bulgarian and Macedonian chess grandmaster, known for his impressive career as a seven-time Bulgarian Chess Champion. He has been affiliated with both the Bulgarian and Macedonian Chess Federations at different points in his career. Georgiev played under the FIDE banner before rejoining the Macedonian Chess Federation in July 2018. Throughout his professional life, he has showcased exceptional skill and strategic prowess in the world of chess, earning him a reputation as a highly respected and accomplished player.

Angel Hriskov Rusev is a renowned Bulgarian weightlifter, known for his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Throughout his professional career, he has achieved significant milestones and garnered recognition for his achievements in weightlifting competitions. Rusev's commitment to training and discipline has enabled him to excel in the sport, earning him a reputation as a formidable competitor. His performances on the international stage have solidified his status as a top athlete in the world of weightlifting.

Elizabeth Omoregie is a talented female handball player who has had a successful professional career playing for both the Slovenian national team and CSM București in Romania. She made headlines in 2017 when she obtained Slovenian citizenship and joined the national team. Omoregie's skills and dedication to the sport have been evident as she represented Slovenia at the European Women's Handball Championship in both 2020 and 2022. Her signing with CSM București further solidified her status as a top player in the handball world.