Bulgaria is a contender for the gold at the Volleyball World Championship

Alexander Nikolov: We are returning home as medalists, tomorrow we go out to paint the medal in gold!

published on 9/27/25 2:25 PM

Photo: FB/volleyBUL.official

The Bulgarian national volleyball team is making history in the Philippines and after 55 years the Bulgarian team is again in the final of the World Championship. The Bulgarians are the youngest team at the World Championship, but this did not prevent them from making a furore, reaching a bronze medal with a 3:1 win in a battle with the Czech team.

"Guys, calm down! We have already won a medal, but now we have to attack the gold" - said the coach of the Bulgarian team Gianlorenzo Blengini to the players immediately after the boys won the last point in the fourth set of the contested battle with the Czechs.

"I want to thank you for the work, for the improvement, for what everyone was able to give in the process of work!" - pointed out to the media the Italian coach of the Bulgarian national team.

"I can't believe it! Thank you all! We will try to turn this medal we won into gold tomorrow!" – said the undisputed leader of the team, Alexander Nikolov, who scored decisive points that brought about a turnaround in the game of our team.

The dreams of the Bulgarian volleyball players are coming true, and Bulgaria is rejoicing. The Bulgarian team showed exceptional volleyball qualities in Manila, overcoming the opponent with a diverse game, but it also has more to show in terms of technique.

The Nikolov brothers at the heart of the Bulgarian Lions

"The special thing about our team is that we are very young. We are all the same age and we are really good friends off the field. I have known half of the team for over ten years. You always know that you can trust these people more than just only teammates. Playing with your brother is not only a pride, but also a responsibility. This is something we knew would happen one day because we planned it from a very young age. We wanted it to happen and now we feel great," commented earlier the top scorer of the championship, Alexander Nikolov, for whom this is his second appearance at the World Cup.

Brothers Alexander Nikolov and Simeon Nikolov

Together with his brother, 18-year-old Simeon Nikolov, they attracted the attention of commentators, writes gong.bg, citing the specialized publication fivb.com, where we read:

"Their influence is obvious both in terms of statistics and presence. Alex, 21, is among the best scorers and attackers in the tournament, leading Bulgaria's attack with consistency against some of the best defenses in the world. Moni, only 18, is one of the youngest distributors, but demonstrates a calmness rarely seen in players of his age. The two gave Bulgaria a new identity, built on youthful energy, charisma and confidence."

One step away from a historic achievement

For the second time in its history, the Bulgarian national team is in the fight for gold at the World Cup. The previous such achievement was in 1970, when the Bulgarian team played a heart-stopping final with the team of the German Democratic Republic.

"The match on October 2, 1970 was extremely competitive, lasting five sets, then played according to the service/point system. At the moment when the Bulgarian team almost touched the title, the electricity stopped, and after the game resumed, the GDR made an incredible turnaround, which has no analogue in history. The opponent won the game with 16:14, and with that the final victory with 3:2 game," recalls BTA.

But the year now is 2025, the Bulgarian boys are in excellent volleyball shape and show exceptional mentality. One step away from the top, the youngest team of the championship in the Philippines has the chance to fulfill the biggest volleyball dream and make all Bulgarians rejoice.

One decisive match remains - the final on Sunday, September 27, is at 1.30 pm Bulgarian time. Good luck!!!

Photos: AP/BTA, FB/volleyBUL.official

Edited by Elena Karkalanova
English publication: R. Petkova

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Bulgaria is a contender for the gold at the Volleyball World Championship

Alexander Nikolov: We are returning home as medalists, tomorrow we go out to paint the medal in gold!

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