33·Legends

Ivan Kolev vs Trifon Ivanov

Bulgaria against Bulgaria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

IK

Ivan Kolev

Bulgaria · 1945–1968 · LM

Almanac rating
85
Rank in Bulgaria
#9 of 33

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.

vs
TI

Trifon Ivanov

Bulgaria · 1990s · CB

Almanac rating
85
Rank in Bulgaria
#10 of 33
Caps
76 · 6 goals
Clubs
F.C. Etar, PFC CSKA Sofia, SK Rapid Wien

The '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. Career record: 76 caps and 6 goals for Bulgaria; club career at F.C. Etar, PFC CSKA Sofia, SK Rapid Wien.

The verdict

The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 85.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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