Metodi Stoyanov, Pirin football legend, dies at 77

Metodi Stoyanov, known as ‘Mecho’, a legendary figure for the Pirin Blagoevgrad football club, has passed away at the age of 77. Born in 1949 in the village of Levunovo, Stoyanov played as an attacking midfielder for 16 years, wearing the number 10 jersey and participating in over 200 matches in the ‘A’ group.

Stoyanov is notably remembered for a career highlight on April 24, 1979, at the River Plate stadium in Buenos Aires. During that match, he was tasked by national team selector Danko Roev to guard a 19-year-old Diego Maradona, successfully preventing the player from scoring in front of a crowd of over 80,000 spectators.

Following his playing career, Stoyanov dedicated himself to coaching, specifically within the youth academy of Pirin Blagoevgrad, where he helped develop new talents. His legacy continues through his grandson, also named Metodi, who is currently a member of the city’s first team. Blagoevgrad Mayor Metodi Baikushev expressed condolences, honoring Stoyanov’s memory and his lasting impact on the local football community.