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Bulgaria
A team across generations. Build your eleven, then explore the careers.
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A team across generations
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The 330 on the pitch
The duels
Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Bulgaria.
VS
The 33 of Bulgaria.
Editorial order, with a career scene and sources behind every name.
02
Dimitar Berbatov 78 caps (Bulgaria) · 48 goals · Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Tottenham HotspurThe silkiest of strikers, his sublime first touch, effortless control, and clinical finishing made him a joy to watch for club and country.
SS1999–2010
Dimitar Berbatov 78 caps (Bulgaria) · 48 goals · Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Tottenham HotspurThe silkiest of strikers, his sublime first touch, effortless control, and clinical finishing made him a joy to watch for club and country.
SS1999–2010
03
Georgi Asparuhov 50 caps (Bulgaria) · 19 goals · PFC Levski Sofia, Botev PlovdivA true legend, his elegant style, clinical finishing, and incredible aerial ability made him one of Bulgaria's greatest ever forwards.
RM1961–1971
Georgi Asparuhov 50 caps (Bulgaria) · 19 goals · PFC Levski Sofia, Botev PlovdivA true legend, his elegant style, clinical finishing, and incredible aerial ability made him one of Bulgaria's greatest ever forwards.
RM1961–1971
04
Hristo Bonev 96 caps (Bulgaria) · 48 goals · PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv, PFC CSKA SofiaA prolific attacker and captain for Bulgaria, his goal-scoring prowess lit up the 1970s, making him a national icon.
CM1967–1979
Hristo Bonev 96 caps (Bulgaria) · 48 goals · PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv, PFC CSKA SofiaA prolific attacker and captain for Bulgaria, his goal-scoring prowess lit up the 1970s, making him a national icon.
CM1967–1979
05
KB
Krasimir Balakov 92 caps (Bulgaria) · 16 goals · FC Etar 1924 Veliko Tarnovo, F.C. EtarThe elegant midfielder orchestrated Bulgaria's famous 1994 World Cup run with his exceptional vision and pinpoint passing.
CM1988–2003
06
EK
Emil Kostadinov 70 caps (Bulgaria) · 26 goals · PFC CSKA Sofia, FC PortoA key attacker known for his crucial goal against France that sent Bulgaria to the 1994 World Cup, making him a national hero.
CAM1988–1998
08
YL
Yordan Letchkov 45 caps (Bulgaria) · OFC Sliven 2000, PFC CSKA SofiaThe audacious midfielder soared above the German defence to famously score the winning header in the 1994 World Cup quarter-final, a cult hero moment for Bulgaria.
CDM1989–1998
10
TI
Trifon Ivanov 76 caps (Bulgaria) · F.C. Etar, PFC CSKA SofiaThe 'Wolfman' was a truly iconic, no-nonsense centre-back whose wild hair and uncompromising style endeared him to fans as Bulgaria reached the 1994 World Cup semi-finals.
CB1988–1998
11
Martin Petrov 90 caps (Bulgaria) · 19 goals · Servette, VfL WolfsburgA dynamic winger with blistering pace and a powerful shot, he terrorised defences in the Premier League and for the Bulgarian national team.
CAM1999–2011
Martin Petrov 90 caps (Bulgaria) · 19 goals · Servette, VfL WolfsburgA dynamic winger with blistering pace and a powerful shot, he terrorised defences in the Premier League and for the Bulgarian national team.
CAM1999–2011
12
NS
Nasko Sirakov 79 caps (Bulgaria) · 23 goals · FC Haskovo, Real ZaragozaA versatile and prolific forward, he was Bulgaria's top scorer at the 1994 World Cup, converting chances with intelligent movement and instinct.
SS1983–1996
13
BI
Bozhidar Iskrenov 50 caps (Bulgaria) · 5 goals · PFC Levski Sofia, FC Lausanne-SportA lightning-quick winger with dazzling dribbling skills, he was a fan favourite for Levski Sofia and a crucial part of Bulgaria's attack in the 1980s.
RM1983–1993
14
DB
Daniel Borimirov 66 caps (Bulgaria) · 5 goals · FC Bdin, PFC Levski SofiaA tireless engine in midfield, this Bulgarian represented his country with distinction at two World Cups, including the iconic 1994 tournament.
CM1993–2005
15
AS
Ayan Sadakov 80 caps (Bulgaria) · PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv, C.F. Os BelenensesA commanding presence in midfield, known for his robust tackling and shielding the defence with Bulgarian grit.
CDM1981–1991
16
BM
Borislav Mihaylov 102 caps (Bulgaria) · C.F. Os Belenenses, FC MulhouseA shot-stopping hero for Bulgaria, captaining them to the 1994 World Cup semi-finals with his commanding presence and leadership.
GK1983–1998
17
Dimitar Rangelov 40 caps (Bulgaria) · 6 goals · PFC Slavia Sofia, FC LuzernA physical and powerful Bulgarian striker, Rangelov enjoyed spells across Europe, notably in Germany with Energie Cottbus and Borussia Dortmund.
ST2004–2016
Dimitar Rangelov 40 caps (Bulgaria) · 6 goals · PFC Slavia Sofia, FC LuzernA physical and powerful Bulgarian striker, Rangelov enjoyed spells across Europe, notably in Germany with Energie Cottbus and Borussia Dortmund.
ST2004–2016
18
DY
Dimitar Yakimov 9 goals · Septemvri Sofia PFC, PFC CSKA SofiaGoodison Park, 12 July 1966: he started against Brazil in Bulgaria's opener, one of six World Cup starts across three tournaments, and he was still scoring enough from midfield to top the Bulgarian league's charts in 1970-71.
LM1959–1973
19
GN
Georgi Naydenov A legendary figure for Bulgaria, his brilliant reflexes and imposing presence between the sticks defined an era of goalkeeping.About the editorial selection
GK
20
GS
Georgi Sokolov 14 caps (Bulgaria) · 5 goals · FC Spartak Plovdiv, PFC Levski SofiaDubbed "the Little Garrincha" for his dazzling dribbling skills, he was a creative force for Bulgaria in the 1960s, bewitching defenders with ease.
CM1959–1967
21
ID
Ivan Dimitrov 72 caps (Bulgaria) · FC Lokomotiv 1929 Sofia, Spartak SofiaA resolute and commanding presence in the heart of Bulgaria's defense, he was renowned for his aerial dominance and robust tackling.
CB1957–1970
22
LP
Luboslav Penev 62 caps (Bulgaria) · 13 goals · PFC CSKA Sofia, Valencia CFA powerful and commanding striker, he led the line for Bulgaria with his aerial threat and predatory instincts, scoring consistently at the highest level.
ST1987–1998
23
SD
Spas Dzhevizov 20 caps (Bulgaria) · 3 goals · Botev Plovdiv, PFC CSKA SofiaA quick and incisive attacker, he provided width and goals for CSKA Sofia and was part of the Bulgarian squad at the 1986 World Cup.
LM1976–1983
24
AS
Aleksandar Shalamanov 42 caps (Bulgaria) · PFC CSKA Sofia, PFC Slavia SofiaA versatile defender of the 1960s, he offered both defensive strength and attacking impetus from the left-back position for the Bulgarian national team.
LB1964–1971
25
DP
Dimitar Penev 90 caps (Bulgaria) · FC Lokomotiv 1929 Sofia, PFC CSKA SofiaA highly influential player and later manager, he provided defensive solidity and intelligent play from the left-back position for Bulgaria in the 1960s and 70s.
LB1965–1974
26
GD
Georgi Dimitrov 77 caps (Bulgaria) · PFC Beroe Stara Zagora, PFC CSKA SofiaA formidable centre-back, he anchored the Bulgarian defense with authority and precision, excelling in aerial duels and man-marking.
CB1978–1987
28
Valeri Bojinov 43 caps (Bulgaria) · 6 goals · US Lecce, ACF FiorentinaOnce a prodigious talent, Bojinov burst onto the scene in Italy as a teenager, showcasing a lethal left foot and a poacher's instinct for goal.
ST2004–2015
Valeri Bojinov 43 caps (Bulgaria) · 6 goals · US Lecce, ACF FiorentinaOnce a prodigious talent, Bojinov burst onto the scene in Italy as a teenager, showcasing a lethal left foot and a poacher's instinct for goal.
ST2004–2015
29
Andrey Zhelyazkov 54 caps (Bulgaria) · 14 goals · Minyor Radnevo, Slavia SofiaA true Dynamo Sofia legend, Zhelyazkov was an elegant and prolific goalscorer who dominated the Bulgarian league throughout the 1970s and early 80s.
ST1974–1986
Andrey Zhelyazkov 54 caps (Bulgaria) · 14 goals · Minyor Radnevo, Slavia SofiaA true Dynamo Sofia legend, Zhelyazkov was an elegant and prolific goalscorer who dominated the Bulgarian league throughout the 1970s and early 80s.
ST1974–1986
30
NI
Nikolay Iliev 53 caps (Bulgaria) · Levski Sofia, BolognaA 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.
CB1986–1994
31
PH
Petar Hubchev 35 caps (Bulgaria) · FC Lovech, PFC Levski SofiaThe experienced right-back provided crucial defensive stability and tireless work rate for Bulgaria during the 1990s, including their memorable 1994 World Cup run.
RB1984–1996
32
IK
Ilian Kiriakov 53 caps (Bulgaria) · FC Etar 1924 Veliko Tarnovo, F.C. EtarA solid and dependable defender, he brought resilience and tactical awareness to the Bulgarian backline throughout the 1990s, including their great 1994 World Cup adventure.
CB1988–1996
33
ZY
Zlatko Yankov 79 caps (Bulgaria) · PFC Neftochimic Burgas, PSFC Chernomorets BurgasA combative and physical defender, he added bite and tenacity to Bulgaria's midfield and defence, playing a crucial role in their 1994 World Cup success.
CB1990–1999
About this XI
At the head of Bulgaria's pool stand Hristo Stoichkov, Dimitar Berbatov and Georgi Asparuhov. The 33 covers 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 15 midfielders and 6 forwards, with sourced senior international careers spanning the 1950s to the 2020s. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then explore the careers and settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.
Left out, and why
A 33 is a set of decisions, and these are the players who lost their place in the last revision of Bulgaria's list. Every one of them has a case.
- Strahil PopovThe place went to Ivan Kolev.
Disagree? That is the point. Settle it in the duels above.
Who is the greatest Bulgaria footballer of all time?
The editorial collection starts with Hristo Stoichkov. Its first five careers: Hristo Stoichkov, Dimitar Berbatov, Georgi Asparuhov, Hristo Bonev, Krasimir Balakov. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Bulgaria players chosen?
The collection covers every position across Bulgaria's football history. Honours, international records and career achievements inform the editorial order. Each entry opens a career note and its sources. Fan votes in the duels build a separate ranking.
Where can I read about the careers?
Open a player page from the collection to read the career scene, club record and recorded honours. The source links show where the available records come from.
Can I build and share my own Bulgaria all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of 8 formations, place any of the 33 players onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.