20 Best Football (Soccer) Players from Bulgaria

20 Best Football (Soccer) Players from Bulgaria

Originally published by Hamisi in September 2022 and Updated by Ian S in May 2024.

In soccer, Bulgaria’s best achievements are reaching the final at the 1968 Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 1994. They have also competed at the Balkan Cup, winning three titles. However, Bulgaria has failed to qualify for any major tournament since UEFA Euro 2004.

1. Hristo Stoichkov

Hristo Stoichkov in 2016. Author Biser Todorov. WikimediaCommons

Hristo Stoichkov is one of the most decorated soccer players and the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time. Born on 8 February 1966, he is currently a football commentator for TUDN.  

He had a successful career at club level, spending six years at CSKA Sofia to become the top goal scorer in Europe in 1990. At this time, he also received the European Golden Shoe. Later year, he joined Barcelona where he earned the Spanish nickname “El Pistolero” (“The Gunslinger”) and was part of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team” that won four consecutive La Liga titles and the 1992 European Cup.

He received runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1992 and 1994, and the Ballon d’Or in 1994. In 2004, he was also named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.

As a player with on-pitch temper, he was part of the Bulgaria national team that finished fourth at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, becoming the top scorer with six goals and received the World Cup Golden Boot. He was ranked the third best player at the World Cup, after Romário and Roberto Baggio, and received the World Cup Bronze Ball.

2. Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov. Author Flickr user nasmac. WikimediaCommons.

Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov, born 30 January 1981, is a former Bulgarian striker who captained the Bulgaria national team from 2006 to 2010, and is the country’s all-time leading goal scorer. He is regarded as one of the greatest Bulgarian players of all time.

He began his career at his home-town club Pirin before joining CSKA Sofia as a 17-year-old in 1998. He later signed for Bayer Leverkusen of Germany in January 2001 and played in his first Champions League final 18 months later.

In the English Premier League, he played for Tottenham Hotspur before joining Manchester United for four seasons, during which time he won two Premier League titles in 2008–09 and 2010–11, as well as the Premier League Golden Boot in 2010–11. While here, he scored several hattricks including the most famous 3-2 win over their rivals Liverpool.

At national team level, Berbatov made his debut for Bulgaria on 17 November 1999, aged 18 representing his country at Euro 2004 which was the only major tournament he played at, owing to the team’s failure to qualify for other tournaments. He captained the team from 2006 until May 2010 when he retired from international football. He scored 48 goals from 78 matches. He also won the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year a record seven times.

3. Ivan Turitsov

 Ivan Turitsov is a defensive back and currently plays for CSKA Sofia. He is 23 years old (1999/07/18) and his height is 190cm. He is a right footed player and wears jersey number 19. He has also been used as an inverted wing back and as a wing back.

It is estimated that his current transfer value is between €0.6M and €1M. His last transfer was from CSKA Sofia to Litex Lovetch in 2017. Litex Lovetch loaned Ivan Turitsov for free from CSKA Sofia.

4. Kristiyan Malinov

Kristiyan Malinov. Author Litexfan. WikimediaCommons

 Kristiyan Malinov is known as a ball winning midfielder and currently plays for OH. He is 28 years and is considered a right footed player. His jersey number is 4. He has also been used as a holding midfielder and as a box-to-box midfielder.

He is estimated to be worth between €0.3M and €0.6M. His last transfer was from CSKA Sofia to OH in 2020. 

5. Valentin Antov

Valentin Antov’s brilliance is as a ball winning defender and currently plays for Monza. He is 21 years, and his preferred foot is Right while wearing jersey number 26. He has also been used as a stopper and as a ball playing defender.

 Antov’s current transfer value is between €0.9M and €1M. His last transfer was from CSKA Sofia to Monza in 2022. 

6. Kiril Despodov

Kiril Despodov is a classic winger who currently plays for Ludogorets and The Bulgarian National Team. He is 25 years, and his preferred foot is Right. His jersey number is 11. Kiril Despodov has also been used as a wide playmaker.

Kiril Despodov’s current transfer value is between €3M and €4M. His last transfer was from Cagliari to Ludogorets in 2021.

7. Bozhidar Kraev

The 25-year-old Bozhidar Kraev is known to be a shadow striker and currently plays for Wellington and the Bulgarian National Team. With the right foot he plays very well. His jersey number is 11.

Bozhidar Kraev’s current transfer value is between €0.9M and €2M. His last transfer was from Midtjylland to Wellington in 2022 on a free transfer.

8. Dominik Yankov

 Dominik Yankov is referred to as an advanced playmaker and currently plays for Ludogorets and Bulgarian National Team. Dominik Yankov is 22 years old, and his preferred foot is Right. His jersey number is 64. As a multi-faceted player, he has also been used as a box-to-box midfielder, a shadow striker and as a deep lying playmaker.

Dominik Yankov’s current transfer value is between €3M and €4M. His last transfer was from Ludogorets to Botev Vratsa in 2019. Botev Vratsa loaned Dominik Yankov for free from Ludogorets.

9. Trifon Ivanov

Trifon Marinov Ivanov, born 27 July 1965, was a Bulgarian professional footballer who played as a defender.  He began his career for Bulgaria in 1988, earning 76 caps and scoring 6 goals over a ten-year international career.

He also played in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 1996 UEFA European Championship.

10. Dimitar Penev

Dimitar Dushkov Penev was a Bulgarian football coach and former player and central defender of CSKA Sofia. He played 90 games for Bulgaria national football team and scored two goals.

 He is considered as one of his country’s best ever defenders, winning Bulgarian footballer of the year in 1967 and 1971. He also played in three world cups for his country in 1966, 1970 and 1974. He is Honorary President of CSKA Sofia and semi-pro side Nottingham United FC.

11. Adalbert Zafirov

Biser Todorov, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

They say legends are forged through resilience and unwavering determination, and Adalbert Zafirov embodied these qualities as one of the best football players from Bulgaria.

A towering center-back, his commanding presence on the pitch was matched only by his resolute spirit. Zafirov’s journey reached its pinnacle when he earned a coveted spot in Bulgaria’s 1998 World Cup squad, though he remained an unused substitute.

Nevertheless, his impact reverberated through the nation, inspiring generations with his unyielding commitment to the beautiful game. Adalbert Zafirov’s captivating tale serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

12. Georgi Minchev

Biser Todorov, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A few possess the innate talent and drive to etch their names into sporting folklore, and Georgi Minchev’s rise as one of the best football players from Bulgaria is a captivating tale.

From the humble beginnings at Litex Lovech to the grandeur of CSKA Sofia, Minchev’s journey has been a testament to unwavering determination. His prolific goal-scoring prowess earned him a permanent move to Tsarsko Selo Sofia, where he continued to dazzle.

However, Minchev’s ascent reached new heights when he joined Lokomotiv Plovdiv and received his first call-up to the Bulgarian national team in 2021, making his debut against Slovakia.

With each stride, this dynamic forward has proven his mettle, captivating fans with his skill and cementing his status as a rising star in the beautiful game.

13. Georgi Rusev

Biser Todorov, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

No one could have predicted the meteoric rise of Georgi Rusev, a young talent who has captivated the hearts of Bulgarian football fans. His journey began in the youth academies of DIT Sofia and Elche CF, where he honed his skills as a dynamic right-winger.

Undeterred by early setbacks, Rusev’s determination shone through as he made his mark with Septemvri Sofia. But his true potential was unleashed when Swiss club Sion secured his services, recognizing the raw talent within this Bulgarian prodigy.

On the international stage, Rusev’s impact was equally profound, representing his nation at various youth levels, culminating in his senior debut against Gibraltar in 2022.

With each game, this rising star continues to dazzle, leaving spectators in awe of his electrifying pace and pinpoint delivery. 

14. Ivaylo Chochev

Biser Todorov, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It goes without saying that Ivaylo Chochev’s name resonates among the best football players from Bulgaria. His captivating journey began with the Under-21 national team, where he showcased his immense potential. 

But it was his call-up to the senior squad in 2014 that truly set the stage for his remarkable rise. 

Chochev’s debut against Turkey in 2015 was just the beginning, as he etched his name in the history books by scoring his first international goal against Japan the following year.

His prowess reached new heights when he netted the winning strike against Sweden in 2017, solidifying his status as a talismanic figure for the national team.

Despite a setback from injury in 2019, Chochev’s resilience shone through as he earned a recall in 2023, ready to captivate fans once again with his midfield mastery and undeniable flair.

15. Georgi Kostadinov

Дмитрий Садовников, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

Very few players possess the grit and determination that define Georgi Kostadinov’s captivating journey as one of the best football players from Bulgaria.

This defensive midfield maestro’s rise to prominence was marked by unwavering resilience, earning his first senior call-up for a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg. 

However, it was his full international debut against France that truly showcased his mettle, battling valiantly despite a 1-4 loss. Kostadinov’s crowning moment came against Sweden, where his goal proved pivotal in a thrilling 3-2 victory, etching his name into Bulgarian football lore.

Plying his trade for Cypriot giants APOEL, this resolute midfielder continues to inspire with his tenacity and composure, cementing his status as a talismanic presence for club and country alike.

16. Aleksandar Aleksandrov

Biso, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Who did Bulgaria look to for inspiration on the football pitch? It was none other than Aleksandar Aleksandrov, a midfield maestro whose captivating career etched his name among the nation’s finest.

Hailing from Plovdiv, Aleksandrov’s talents caught the eye of Levski Sofia, where he ignited a four-year love affair with “The Blues” faithful. His prowess was recognized when he claimed the prestigious Bulgarian Footballer of the Year accolade in 1999, a testament to his artistry on the pitch.

Aleksandrov’s journey then took him to Turkey, where he continued to dazzle, guiding Kocaelispor to the Turkish Cup triumph in 2002. Though his impact may not have reverberated globally, his trophy-laden career, including a Bulgarian double with Levski in 2000, solidified his status as a true Bulgarian icon.

Aleksandrov’s flair, vision, and unwavering commitment to the beautiful game captivated fans and cemented his legacy as one of the best to grace the nation’s football landscape.

17. Atanas Bornosuzov

Litexfan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Unrivaled in his mastery of the midfield, Atanas Bornosuzov etched an indelible mark as one of the best football players from Bulgaria.

Hailing from the youth ranks of Maritsa Plovdiv, his journey took him through the lower echelons before his talents caught the eye of Litex Lovech, where he blossomed into a force to be reckoned with, claiming the 2001 Bulgarian Cup.

Bornosuzov’s prowess soon drew international attention, as he ventured to Naftex Burgas, Tom Tomsk in Russia, and even graced the Kuwaiti league with Al Salmiya. 

Yet, it was his homecoming to Levski Sofia and Cherno More Varna that truly solidified his legacy, captivating fans with his unrivaled vision, composure, and relentless spirit on the pitch.

18. Atanas Kurdov

Biso, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Watching Atanas Kurdov weave his magic on the pitch is a captivating experience that reminds us why he stands among the best football players from Bulgaria.

A product of Levski Sofia’s famed youth academy, Kurdov’s journey took him on trials with European giants Celtic and Tottenham before landing at Bayern Leverkusen, where he honed his predatory instincts. 

His prolific goalscoring prowess was on full display at Botev Plovdiv, where he became the third tier’s top marksman with a staggering 46 goals in 2010-11, including a sensational three-goal burst within minutes. 

Kurdov’s talents transcended borders, earning him moves to Ludogorets Razgrad, Lokomotiv Plovdiv, and even Kazakhstan’s Astana, where he continued to torment defenses.

19. Atanas Vargov

Atanas is a maestro whose artistry on the pitch has elevated him to the ranks of the best football players from Bulgaria.

Hailing from the youth ranks of Sokol’96, this gifted left midfielder honed his craft, captivating audiences with his pinpoint delivery and unwavering determination.

Vargov’s journey took a transcontinental turn when he joined TV Askania Bernburg in Germany, showcasing his versatility and adaptability on foreign soil.

With every touch, this Bulgarian sensation weaves a tapestry of skill and passion, leaving fans spellbound by his mastery of the beautiful game.

20. Borislav Hazurov

Football is like a stage, and Borislav Hazurov has graced it with his talents, cementing his place among the best Bulgarian soccer players.

This prolific striker has showcased his skills for esteemed clubs like Pirin Blagoevgrad, Litex Lovech, Marek Dupnitsa, Lokomotiv Mezdra, and Bansko. Hazurov’s goal-scoring prowess has not gone unnoticed, earning him call-ups to the Bulgaria U21 national side.

With his unwavering determination and clinical finishing, he has etched his name in the hearts of Bulgarian football fans, inspiring a new generation to chase their dreams on the pitch.