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05 / Bulgaria · 1988–2003

Krasimir Balakov

CM box-to-boxleader
Caps · Bulgaria
92
Goals · Bulgaria
16
Life
1966
Clubs
FC Etar 1924 Veliko Tarnovo, F.C. Etar, VfB Stuttgart
#5
Editorial rank of 33 for Bulgaria
–
The people's rank, live from duel votes

The elegant midfielder orchestrated Bulgaria's famous 1994 World Cup run with his exceptional vision and pinpoint passing. Career record: 92 caps and 16 goals for Bulgaria; club career at FC Etar 1924 Veliko Tarnovo, F.C. Etar, VfB Stuttgart.

Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q313380
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Career record

1982–1990FC Etar 1924 Veliko Tarnovo
1983–1990F.C. Etar
1991–1995Sporting CP
1995–2003VfB Stuttgart
2005–2005VFC Plauen
Bulgaria92 caps, 16 goals

Sources

Shared the era

Bulgaria legends whose careers overlapped Balakov's

The world's great CMs

Around Balakov in the almanac

One rank above: Hristo Bonev at #4.

One rank below: Emil Kostadinov at #6.

Bulgaria's editorial top five: Hristo Stoichkov · Dimitar Berbatov · Georgi Asparuhov · Hristo Bonev · Krasimir Balakov.

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