One of the most iconic figures of Bulgarian volleyball in the last two decades A Boyan Yordanov A officially ended his competitive career. The news was personally announced by him through a heartfelt message on social media, in which he thanked his coaches, teammates, fans, journalists, and the closest people in his life.
"I did it my way. With all my heart and all my soul, out of love for the game," wrote Yordanov, who bids farewell to volleyball after nearly three decades dedicated to the sport.
The journey of one of the strongest Bulgarian opposite hitters of the 21st century began at the Levski academy. It was there that his talent was noticed by his first coach Bozhidar Goranov, to whom Yordanov extended special thanks in his farewell message.
His career ended impressively at Aris Thessaloniki. Last season, he helped the club win promotion to the elite Greek Volley League, putting the final touch on an extremely rich sports biography.

One of the heroes of the bronze generation

For Bulgarian fans, Boyan Yordanov's name will forever be associated with one of the most successful generations of the national team. He is a bronze medalist from the World Championship in Japan in 2006 and a bronze medalist from the World Cup in 2007.

The quarterfinal against France at the 2006 World Championship remains particularly memorable. Bulgaria was losing 0:2 in sets, but after Yordanov's inclusion, the national team achieved a famous comeback and a 3:2 victory, which paved the way for the historic medal.
Furthermore, he was also part of the Bulgaria U21 team that won silver medals at the Youth World Championship in 2003 in Iran.

A career that spanned several countries

After starting at Levski, Yordanov built a serious name abroad. He played for Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Patras, Genoa, Tomis Constanța, Kifissia, Foinikas Syros, Calcit Kamnik, Milon, Pafiakos, Pigasos Polichnis, and Aris Thessaloniki.
His biggest club successes came in Greece, where he became one of the most respected foreign volleyball players. With Olympiacos, he won two championship titles, two Greek Cups, and two League Cups.
Among his individual accolades are the awards for Most Valuable Player of the Greek championship in the 2012/13 season, as well as numerous recognitions for top scorer and best opposite hitter in the local championship.

From Levski to the top

With Levski, Yordanov won four Bulgarian championship titles and four national cups before embarking on his international journey.
The left-hander established himself as one of the most dangerous scorers in his position, and his strong serve and powerful attack made him a nightmare for opposing blocks for more than two decades.

The end of his career coincided with the beginning of a new life

The final months of Boyan Yordanov's competitive path were marked not only by success with Aris Thessaloniki and the club's return to the elite of Greek volleyball but also by one of the happiest events in his personal life.
Early this year, the legendary opposite hitter became a father for the first time, as his daughter Tea was born. Thus, while preparing for his last matches as a professional volleyball player, Yordanov also embraced the most important role in his life A that of a father.
In a unique way, fate brought together the end of a remarkable sports career with the beginning of an entirely new chapter in life.

"Mr. Volleyball, thank you for the adventure"

At the end of his emotional address, Yordanov turned to the sport that made him one of the most recognizable Bulgarian volleyball players in the last 25 years.

"That was all from me as a competitor! It was a unique privilege, honor, and responsibility for me to be a professional volleyball player!

Mr. Volleyball, thank you for the adventure! I will miss you, but we still have unforgettable memories together, don't we?!

I LOVE YOU!"

Thus, at 43 years old, Boyan Yordanov closes an extremely successful chapter of his life. A chapter that began in the Levski hall, went through the strongest championships in the Balkans and Europe, brought bronze medals with the Bulgarian national team, and ended the same way it was lived - with heart, character, and endless love for volleyball.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov and bulphoto