How many caps did Nikolay Iliev win for Bulgaria?

Nikolay Iliev won 53 caps for Bulgaria, scoring 5 goals.

Which clubs did Nikolay Iliev play for?

Levski Sofia (1982–1989), Bologna (1989–1991), Hertha BSC (1991–1992), Levski Sofia (1992–1993), Stade Rennais (1993–1995).

Where does Nikolay Iliev rank among Bulgaria's greatest footballers?

The 33 Legends almanac ranks Nikolay Iliev #30 of Bulgaria's 33 greatest players of all time.

‹ Bulgaria's 33

No verified career portrait available.

30 / Bulgaria · 1986–1994

Nikolay Iliev

CB leader

Caps · Bulgaria

Goals · Bulgaria

Life

1964

Clubs

Levski Sofia, Bologna, Hertha BSC, Stade Rennais

#30

Editorial rank of 33 for Bulgaria

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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 Levski Sofia, Bologna, Hertha BSC, Stade Rennais.

Career sources

Career dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q1339029

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Career record

1982–1989	Levski Sofia
1989–1991	Bologna
1991–1992	Hertha BSC
1992–1993	Levski Sofia
1993–1995	Stade Rennais
Bulgaria	53 caps, 5 goals

Sources

Senior international years checked 5 October 2026
Caps · Bulgaria checked 4 October 2026
Goals · Bulgaria checked 4 October 2026

Shared the era

Bulgaria legends whose careers overlapped Iliev's

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.

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