Nikolay Iliev

Nikolay Iliev, born on March thirty-first, nineteen sixty-four, is a distinguished former Bulgarian professional footballer renowned for his role as a defender. His career is marked by significant achievements, including being a vital member of the Bulgarian national team that made an impressive run to the semi-finals of the nineteen ninety-four World Cup.

Iliev's professional journey was largely defined by his time at Levski Sofia, where he made a remarkable one hundred ninety-six appearances and scored twenty-five goals in the A PFG. His contributions extended beyond domestic competitions, as he participated in nineteen European matches, netting two goals and showcasing his talent on an international stage.

In addition to his success in Bulgaria, Iliev also had a notable stint with Bologna in Serie A during the late nineteen eighties and early nineteen nineties. This period was particularly significant as he became the first Bulgarian footballer to compete in Italy's top league, paving the way for future generations of Bulgarian athletes in international football.