33·Legends
‹ Bulgaria's 33
Bulgaria

Nikolay Iliev

Stalwart CB, also CDM Right-footed leader
Rating
80
Caps
53
Goals
5
Life
1964
Clubs
Bologna F.C. 1909, Hertha BSC, Stade Rennais
#30
Editorial rank of 33 for Bulgaria
–
The people's rank, live from duel votes

A stalwart at the back, he was a key component of Bulgaria's strong defensive units in the late 80s and early 90s, known for his leadership and organisational skills. Career record: 53 caps and 5 goals for Bulgaria; club career at Bologna F.C. 1909, Hertha BSC, Stade Rennais.

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Career record

1974–1977PFC Levski Sofia
1982–1989PFC Levski Sofia
1989–1991Bologna F.C. 1909
1991–1992Hertha BSC
1992–1993PFC Levski Sofia
1993–1995Stade Rennais
Bulgaria53 caps, 5 goals

The world's great CBs

Around Iliev in the almanac

One rank above: Andrey Zhelyazkov at #29.

One rank below: Petar Hubchev at #31.

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