One of the most successful Bulgarian volleyball players in history, Tsvetan Sokolov, officially returns to the squad of the Turkish grand Halkbank, with whom he will participate in the CEV Champions League in the 2025–2026 season. Even more interesting is the fact that this will happen under the guidance of his compatriot – Radostin Stoychev, who also returns to lead the club after an 11-year absence.
Second stint in Ankara for Sokolov
Born on December 31, 1989, in Bulgaria and standing 206 cm tall, the opposite hitter will once again wear the blue-and-white jersey, with which he has already won the title in the Turkish championship, the Turkish Cup, and the Super Cup during his first stint between 2014 and 2016.
After a nearly nine-year break, Sokolov returns to Ankara, having successively defended the colors of some of the biggest clubs in the world:
Trentino Volley (Italy)
Halkbank (Turkey)
Cucine Lube Civitanova (Italy)
Zenit Kazan and Dinamo Moscow (Russia)
In his career he has:
3 CEV Champions League titles
3 FIVB Club World Championship titles
Numerous individual awards, including Best Scorer and Best Opposite Hitter in various international tournaments
Club statement
“Our club has started its preparations for the 2025–2026 season by including one of the most experienced and successful opposite hitters in world volleyball in its squad. Bulgarian star Tsvetan Sokolov will play for Halkbank again after 9 years…“
Bulgarian connection at the helm of the project: Stoychev and Sokolov together again
Parallel to Sokolov's return, Halkbank appointed Radostin Stoychev as head coach, who also led the club in the 2013–2014 season, when he guided them to three trophies and a Champions League final – a historic achievement for a Turkish men's volleyball club. Matey Kaziyski was then part of the Halkbank squad.
Expectations for the 2025–2026 season
With the revival of the Bulgarian core in Ankara, Halkbank seems determined to attack the top of the Turkish League and return among the best in Europe. Sokolov and Stoychev have already worked together in the past – both in club and national contexts – and now have a chance to repeat their successes in the prestigious CEV Champions League.
