When the balls fly in Manila this week, many will follow the clashes of the favorites with interest. But among the dozens of national teams, there is one whose roster features a familiar face for us. A Bulgarian will orchestrate Qatar's attacks – a fact that sounds both incredible and completely logical if one traces his path.

The beginning was in his home clubs – first with Levski Sofia, then Slavia and Montana. Then came the big step: a move to the Qatari championship, where he has been among the leading figures for more than a decade. His many seasons with Police Union, followed by Qatar S.C. and his current presence at Al Arabi S.C., clearly show how permanently he is connected with local volleyball.

He applied for citizenship in 2016. And now, as part of the national team of the Persian state, he will face the elite of world volleyball.

His name is Borislav Georgiev – the setter who, 15 years ago, led Bulgaria to silver at the U20 European Championship in Belarus under the leadership of Nikolay Zhelyazkov.

From the 'silver generation' to the World Championship in Manila – this is a path few could have predicted.

The chronology shows how consistently Georgiev has become a part of Qatari volleyball – to the extent of even wearing their national jersey.

Qatar's Group

At the World Championship in Manila (September 12–28, 2025), Qatar is in Group B, where they will face:

• Poland – World No. 1 in the rankings

• Netherlands – always an inconvenient opponent

• Romania – a team on the rise

To see a Bulgarian setter playing for Qatar at a World Championship is a curious and somewhat sad story. On one hand, it's proof of the quality of our school, on the other – a reminder that sometimes our talents find a way to shine far from their homeland.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov and Facebook