Vladimir Nikolov celebrates birthday

Bulgarian volleyball legend Vladimir Nikolov is celebrating his birthday today, October 3. Born in Sofia in 1977, Nikolov enjoyed a distinguished professional career spanning nearly two decades with the Bulgarian national team from 1997 to 2016.

His club career included successful stints in Turkey, Japan, Italy, and France. Notable achievements include winning five Bulgarian championships with Levski, the Champions League title with Tours in 2005—where he was named MVP—and various domestic titles in France and Italy. With the national team, he secured bronze medals at the 2006 World Championship, the 2007 World Cup, and the 2009 European Championship.

Following his retirement from active play, Nikolov has remained involved in the sport as the president and co-founder of the Levski Sofia volleyball club and through the establishment of a youth volleyball school. He has also entered politics, serving as a member of the 52nd National Assembly representing Progressive Bulgaria in Plovdiv.