Cucine Lube Civitanova has officially secured one of its biggest stars for an even longer period. Bulgarian international Alex Nikolov extended his contract with the Italian club for a second time and is now tied to the Italian vice-champions until 2029. The new agreement extends the previous contract, which was valid until 2028.

The outside hitter, born in 2003, arrived in Civitanova in the 2022/23 season as the successor to the legendary Osmany Juantorena. In four seasons, the Bulgarian became one of the team's emblems, and last season he finished as the top scorer in the regular season of the Italian SuperLega.
The extension of Alex's contract is another step in Lube's long-term strategy. The club has already announced that Mattia Bottolo and libero Francesco Bisotto will also stay until 2029, and head coach Gianpaolo Medei will lead the team through the 2026/27 season. Meanwhile, starting next season, Alex's younger brother – national team setter Simeon Nikolov, who comes from Lokomotiv Novosibirsk – will join the team.

Alex Nikolov: "We're missing just a little for the final step"

After signing the new contract, the Bulgarian international spoke openly to the club's website about his ambitions and the team's future.

"I thank President Fabio Giulianelli, the management, and the entire staff for their trust. I also thank my teammates for their constant support. I play for a team that is always among the main contenders, but I am convinced that we can achieve even more. We're missing just a little for the final step."

Nikolov emphasizes that he already feels like one of the team's leaders, but he still has things to improve.

"I feel like a leader at Lube, but on an individual level, I need to take another step forward. It's good to score many points, but I feel I need to have more influence off the court. I want to be a reference point in the locker room."

"I don't see a better place for development"

The Bulgarian international did not hide how good he feels in Civitanova.

"Lube is a club that suits me perfectly because it shares my ambitions and has the ability to bring out the best in its players. Here I can continue to grow. I look around and don't see a better environment for development."

According to Nikolov, the fans' support is one of the main reasons he is so attached to the club.

"The fans were always by our side, and I want to repay their love by giving my all for this jersey."

On the lost finals: "We shouldn't dwell on regrets"

In recent seasons, Lube was repeatedly close to major trophies but fell short. According to Nikolov, however, these disappointments should be used as motivation.

"We often showed spectacular volleyball, but we need to be more decisive in crucial moments. It would be a mistake to focus on regretting the lost finals. Merely reaching the finals is not a given. To develop, you have to go through such experiences."

The World Championship final changed his life

Alex admits that the silver medal from the World Championship with Bulgaria has changed his daily life.

"I cannot deny that I feel different after the World Championship final. It's part of human nature. I was overwhelmed by a huge wave of love and emotions."

Despite his increased popularity, the outside hitter is adamant that he has no intention of losing focus.

The most important thing is not to neglect the work ethic and to continue pursuing victories, without losing your humility. On and off the court, there is always more to learn.

Alex Nikolov's contract extension until 2029 is another sign that Lube is building a long-term project around its most important players. After the club has already secured Mattia Bottolo and libero Francesco Bisotto until 2029, the logical question arises whether, after his arrival in Civitanova in the 2026/27 season, the other Bulgarian national, Simeon Nikolov, will also receive similar trust. Although there is currently no official information regarding a new contract for the young setter, Lube's consistent policy suggests that the club is planning its team's core in the long term.
With Simeon Nikolov's upcoming arrival in Civitanova in the 2026/27 season, the Bulgarian presence in one of the biggest Italian clubs will become even stronger.