Text size

Very few Bulgarians play in elite football leagues

published on 5/9/22 1:28 PM

Petko Hristov

Photo: BGNES - archive

In the report of CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland, Bulgaria ranks an unimpressive 62nd place out of 80 countries, as the number of Bulgarian football players in foreign clubs has decreased by 9 places in the last 5 years, a drop of 15%.

Bulgaria currently has only 50 players playing in foreign leagues and almost no Bulgarians in the elite Top 5 leagues, according to the CIES Observatory's weekly report. At the moment, only defender Petko Hristov plays in the Italian elite Spetzia, while Ilia Gruev Jr. is about to return with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

The leading country in terms of player exports is Brazil with 1,219 players, followed by France with 978 players and Argentina with 815 players abroad.

Last in the ranking are Peru, Zambia and Uzbekistan.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Sport Bulgaria CIES Football Observatory football ranking

More from category

Photo finish determines winner in Sofia Marathon

Just 3 tenths of a second determined the champion in the 2025 Sofia Marathon. Kenyan runners Shedrack Kimaiyo and Abraham Kiplimo crossed the finish line at the same time and the use of photo finish was needed. Last year's winner..

published on 10/13/25 11:42 AM

42nd Sofia Marathon set to begin with record turnout

The 42nd edition of the Wizz Air Sofia Marathon 2025, Bulgaria’s largest athletics event, will take place on 11–12 October, with the capital’s streets set to host thousands of runners. Organisers have reported a record level of interest this year,..

published on 10/11/25 7:05 AM

Nearly 20,000 football fans expected to attend World Cup qualifier between Bulgaria and Turkiye in Sofia

Nearly 20,000 football fans are expected to attend the World Cup qualifier between Bulgaria and Turkiye. The match will be played on Saturday, October 11, at 9.45 pm at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia. The game will mark the debut of..

published on 10/10/25 9:46 AM

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Mostly Cloudy
Min: 0 | Max: 12

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

Nikola Tsolov to make debut in Formula 2 in Qatar

Bulgarian racing driver Nikola Tsolov is to make his debut before the end of the season in Formula 2, his team Campos Racing has announced. He will..

published on 11/12/25 10:49 AM

Boryana Kaleyn vies for the EOC Athletes' Commission

The Olympic silver medalist in rhythmic gymnastics from the Paris Games and 2023 European champion Boryana Kaleyn is the Bulgarian candidate for member..

published on 11/12/25 9:05 AM

Share