When we told you about Aleksandra Uzelac and Simeon Nikolov after Bulgaria's first match at EuroVolley 2026, we also mentioned the lady who was next to the Serbian national player in the stands of "Arena 8888" – Derya Cebecioğlu. It turns out that the presence of the Turkish national player and European champion in Sofia also has its Bulgarian connection.
Cebecioğlu is in Sofia because of Denis Bârdarov. During Bulgaria's victory over Portugal, she was again in the stands.
Derya followed the performance of the Bulgarian national player with particular interest. She was taking videos with her phone, especially when Bârdarov was serving, and visibly enjoyed every successful play of his.

After the last point and Bulgaria's second victory at the European Championship, the two met near the stands and greeted each other.
The story between them also has an interesting volleyball geography. Last season, both played in Istanbul – Bârdarov defended the colors of IBB Istanbul, and Cebecioğlu was part of VakıfBank. It is entirely possible that their stay in the same city helped them get closer, although when and how exactly their relationship began remains their story.
In the 2026/27 season, both will continue their careers in Turkey, but will no longer be in the same city. Bârdarov is moving to Halkbank and will play in Ankara, while Cebecioğlu is switching from VakıfBank to Türk Hava Yolları and staying in Istanbul.
Derya's presence in Sofia is another continuation of a curious story that began back in the summer. Then, Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov were in the stands in Belgrade during the Women's Nations League tournament. Later, the brothers also "hopped" to Brno during the group stage of the Women's EuroVolley, where the Serbian national team was also playing.
Now the roles are reversed. The Men's European Championship brought the volleyball players to Sofia, and the stands of "Arena 8888" turned out to be an interesting place not only for following what was happening on the court.
In the new season, Denis and Derya will remain relatively close to each other – he in Ankara, and she in Istanbul. For Simeon Nikolov and Aleksandra Uzelac, geography will be a more serious challenge – Moni continues his career at Cucine Lube Civitanova in Italy, while the Serbian national player is moving to Eczacıbaşı Istanbul.
It is interesting that Derya and Aleksandra will find themselves rivals in the same city and in the same league – one with the Türk Hava Yolları team, the other with Eczacıbaşı.
And as for distance – there are no boundaries for love.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov