Alex Nikolov posted an extensive statement on his personal Instagram profile – @alex11nikolov, following the reactions to Bulgaria's victory over Poland at EuroVolley 2026.
The Bulgarian national player addressed volleyball fans, and most notably Polish supporters, explaining his perspective on what happened and unequivocally rejecting interpretations of violence or disrespect towards the opponent.

"I want to address a 'problem' that arose after our victory over Poland yesterday. This is a message to all volleyball fans, but especially to the Poles," Nikolov wrote.

"Your volleyball culture is at the highest level"

At the beginning of his statement, Nikolov expressed his respect for Polish supporters and the country's volleyball culture.
"Polish fans have a reputation as some of the best, if not the most understanding and intelligent fans in the world. Your volleyball culture is at the highest level, and I am sure that the support your team feels is unparalleled."
According to Nikolov, it is precisely people with such an understanding of volleyball who also know the emotional side of the sport.
"For this reason, I believe you are aware of the emotional side of the sport – celebrations, provocations, and everything else."
The Bulgarian national player pointed out that the Polish team is also known for its strong emotions on the court, emphasizing that he has nothing against such behavior.
"On the contrary. I enjoy the technical competition at the highest level just as much as the so-called 'psychological warfare' or the psychological side of the sport."

"I don't hide my feelings"

Nikolov also commented on his own temperament on the court, admitting that over the years he has been criticized for the way he expresses his emotions.
"I have been criticized and called all sorts of names over the years because I don't hide my feelings and I show the raw passion and energy I feel when I play this sport. I fully realize that this is not to everyone's taste, nor do I want or expect everyone to like me as a player."
For him, however, rivalry has clear boundaries.
"Regardless of the scenes on the court during the match, I am always the first to shake hands with my opponent, because at least in our sport, we are rivals only from the first to the last whistle."

"Calling a 22-year-old boy an 'assassin' is absurd"

Alex Nikolov then specifically addressed the interpretations of his celebration and explicitly stated who it was directed at.
"Here's what I cannot accept, however. Calling a 22-year-old boy an 'assassin' or 'throat-cutter' for a celebration directed at OUR OWN audience/substitute players, in the heat of a tie-break, when emotions are at their peak, is, quite frankly, ABSURD."
The Bulgarian then asked:
"Do you even realize how FAR out of context you are going?"

“Not a single thought of violence has ever crossed my mind”

Nikolov categorically rejects any connection between his actions and any intention of violence.
“Needless to say, NOT A SINGLE thought of any violence whatsoever, let alone 'killing' someone over a volleyball match, has even remotely crossed my mind.”
He is just as categorical regarding any potential disrespect:
“ZERO – and I mean ZERO – intention of disrespect or any demonstration of 'brutality' was present. ESPECIALLY towards my fellow volleyball players.”
After which he adds:
“Let's keep such ideas as far away from sports as possible.”

“Do not question my human side”

Nikolov states that he accepts people's right not to like him as a player, but draws a line when the assessment shifts from his on-court behavior to him as a person.
“Dislike me as a player as much as you want, but never question my HUMAN side and do not put my name and the word 'killer' in the same sentence.”
He then calls for impartiality when evaluating players:
“Let's all maintain some impartiality, even when we view players through a certain prism. Especially when deep down you all know that there was no ill intention whatsoever.”

“Hopefully we will have another historic match”

At the end of his message, Alex Nikolov also talks about the possibility of Bulgaria and Poland meeting again later in the tournament.
“If, by God's will, we meet again later in the tournament, I hope we will have another historic match for the entire volleyball world to enjoy.”
The Bulgarian national player concludes his post with a message to everyone:
“With the greatest respect, I wish everyone health and success.”