33·Legends

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Bulgaria

The thirty-three greatest. Build your eleven, then settle the duels.

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The 330 on the pitch

The duels

Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Bulgaria.

The 33 of Bulgaria

Ranked by the almanac. Vote in the duels to build the people's version.

1 HS 93 Hristo Stoichkov 84 caps · 38 goals · PFC CSKA Sofia, FC Barcelona · Ballon d'Or 1994The fiery left-footed genius led Bulgaria to the 1994 World Cup semi-finals and won the Ballon d'Or with his explosive talent at Barcelona. CAM1990s

89 Dimitar Berbatov 78 caps · 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. SS

89 Georgi Asparuhov 50 caps · 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. RM

88 Hristo Bonev 96 caps · 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. CM

5 KB 88 Krasimir Balakov 92 caps · 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. CM1990s

6 EK 86 Emil Kostadinov 70 caps · 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. CAM1990s

86 Stiliyan Petrov 105 caps · PFC CSKA Sofia, CelticA dynamic and influential midfielder, he was a tireless engine for Aston Villa and Celtic, earning over 100 caps for Bulgaria and often wearing the captain's armband. CDM

8 YL 86 Yordan Letchkov 45 caps · 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. CDM1990s

9 IK 85 Ivan Kolev On 17 October 1956 the left winger opened the scoring against Dinamo Bucharest, the first European Cup goal by any Bulgarian club, and finished with three in an 8-1 win. Melbourne brought Olympic bronze that same year, with two World Cups in 1962 and 1966, eleven Bulgarian titles and four cups at CSKA Sofia, and Footballer of the Year in 1956 and 1962. LM1945–1968

10 TI 85 Trifon Ivanov 76 caps · 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. CB1990s

84 Martin Petrov 90 caps · 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. CAM

12 NS 84 Nasko Sirakov 79 caps · 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. SS1990s

13 BI 83 Bozhidar Iskrenov 50 caps · 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. RM

14 DB 83 Daniel Borimirov 66 caps · 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. CM1990s

15 AS 82 Ayan Sadakov 80 caps · PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv, C.F. Os BelenensesA commanding presence in midfield, known for his robust tackling and shielding the defence with Bulgarian grit. CDM

16 BM 82 Borislav Mihaylov 102 caps · 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. GK1990s

82 Dimitar Rangelov 40 caps · 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. ST

82 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. He took seven league titles and four cups with CSKA Sofia, where he scored 141 goals in 287 games, and won the European Under-18 Championship in 1959 on the way to 67 caps. LM1959–70

19 GN 82 Georgi Naydenov A legendary figure for Bulgaria, his brilliant reflexes and imposing presence between the sticks defined an era of goalkeeping. GK

20 GS 82 Georgi Sokolov 14 caps · 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. CM

82 Ivan Dimitrov 72 caps · 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. CB

22 LP 82 Luboslav Penev 62 caps · 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. ST

23 SD 82 Spas Dzhevizov 20 caps · 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. LM1980s

81 Aleksandar Shalamanov 42 caps · 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. LB

81 Dimitar Penev 90 caps · 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. LB

26 GD 81 Georgi Dimitrov 77 caps · PFC Beroe Stara Zagora, PFC CSKA Sofia · national Player of the YearA formidable centre-back, he anchored the Bulgarian defense with authority and precision, excelling in aerial duels and man-marking. CB

81 Nikolay Mihaylov PFC Levski Sofia, FC TwenteHe was the third Mihaylov to keep goal for Levski Sofia, after his grandfather Biser in the 1960s and his father Borislav, and he took the shirt for a full ninety minutes at seventeen in a UEFA Cup tie against Auxerre. Bulgarian Footballer of the Year and Dutch goalkeeper of the year in the same 2011, an Eredivisie title, KNVB Cup and two Johan Cruijff Shields at Twente, two Bulgarian championships and three cups with Levski, and 46 caps. GK2010s

81 Valeri Bojinov 43 caps · 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. ST

80 Andrey Zhelyazkov 54 caps · 14 goals · PFC Slavia Sofia, Feyenoord RotterdamA true Dynamo Sofia legend, Zhelyazkov was an elegant and prolific goalscorer who dominated the Bulgarian league throughout the 1970s and early 80s. ST

30 NI 80 Nikolay Iliev 53 caps · Bologna F.C. 1909, Hertha BSCA 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. CB

31 PH 80 Petar Hubchev 35 caps · 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. RB1990s

32 IK 79 Ilian Kiriakov 53 caps · 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. CB1990s

78 Zlatko Yankov 79 caps · 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. CB1990s

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, spanning the 1980s to the 2010s. Hristo Stoichkov leads the pool at 93 overall. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then 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 PopovRated 80 in the almanac. The 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?

In the 33 Legends editorial ranking, Hristo Stoichkov leads Bulgaria with an overall rating of 93. The editorial top five: 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 pool covers every position across Bulgaria's football history. Ratings weigh peak level, longevity, honours and historical standing, then the full methodology page explains the tiers. Fan votes in the duels build a second, independent ranking.

Which Bulgaria players reach the Immortal tier or higher?

None yet. Hristo Stoichkov leads the Bulgaria pool at 93, in the Mythic tier.

Can I build and share my own Bulgaria all-time XI?

Yes. Pick one of eight formations, drag any of the 33 onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.