The interview for the Bulgarian National Television show "Speak Now" with Maya Nikolova - the mother of brothers Alex and Moni Nikolov, stars of the Bulgarian national volleyball team - became an emotional and human story about the price of success, the joy and pain of parenthood, and the maturity of the young generation that is already writing the history of our sport.

Presence in the Philippines – "now or never"

Maya Nikolova admits that the decision to travel to the Philippines for the final phase of the World Championship was not easy: "I didn't want to go, I have a fear of flying. But Vlado nudged me – now or never. Both your sons are playing." Although she initially hadn't considered attending to support the entire team, her maternal instinct prevailed – to see her sons in the most important moment of their careers.

Emotions in the stands and tears backstage

After the national team's historic success, tears were not late to come. "I cried, but not on the court – in the hotel, alone. From joy. Vlado didn't, at least not in front of people, but I'm sure he shed a tear too."
The mother also describes one of the most touching scenes – the reaction of her younger son Moni after the match: "On my shoulder, he allowed himself a sigh of relief. It wasn't crying, but it was an emotion he couldn't show in front of the cameras."

Modesty and upbringing – a deliberate choice

Maya Nikolova admitted that she deliberately held back in her public appearances during the tournament: "I didn't want it to seem like I was highlighting my sons. They already get enough attention. And this is a team sport – success isn't just one person's."
According to her, modesty and good upbringing are values that the two brothers carry from their family, and they will be key to dealing with the increasing media attention.

Fame, pressure, and dreams

Asked if she fears the negative side of fame, Nikolova is categorical: "There will always be negatives. People will invent things unseen. But my task as a mother is to protect them as much as I can."
She also reveals details about their character: Alex, even as a child, dreamed of being "the best," while Moni was calmer, but lately he too has been repeating that he wants to become the best setter in the world.

The parental journey – between pride and pain

Parting with her sons was not easy. "When Alex left for America, I didn't enter his room for two months. It was so hard for me," the mother admits. Now the family is preparing for the next step – Moni's departure for Russia, where he will play for Lokomotiv Novosibirsk.
"He is still a child – he will turn 19 in November. But I believe he will manage. There are other Bulgarians there who will help him."

About Russia, division, and the sports profession

Maya Nikolova also commented on the reactions surrounding Moni's transfer to Russia: "I cannot understand how someone can make politics out of a boy going to work there. He is not a Russophile, nor is he interested in politics – he simply plays volleyball."
She is categorical that division in society only hinders us: "When we are divided, it is harder to move forward."

Popularity and attention – the new daily life

The family is now facing the other side of fame – the hysteria surrounding Moni abroad. "In America, he was guarded by bodyguards. Girls proposed marriage to him after matches," the mother laughs. But he doesn't seek this attention – "he's charismatic, but he doesn't try to look that way."

Parental philosophy – to discover talent

Maya Nikolova believes that parents should follow their children's talents and desires: "I didn't push them to become doctors or lawyers. I wanted them to do what they love – only then will they do it with desire."
Now the younger Filip and Daria are also embarking on a sports path – Daria with enthusiasm, while Filip is still searching for his calling.

The final – pride and generational hope

At the end of the conversation, Nikolova talks about the greatest achievement: "The pride is not just in the medal. These young boys showed character, upbringing, and culture. They are an example that things are falling into place."

She describes the welcome of the national team members as fully deserved: "They didn't expect it, but they deserved it. Team sport is the most difficult – and that's precisely why this success is so great."

One mother, one team, one Bulgaria

The story of the Nikolovi brothers is not just about sport. It is a story of family, love, sacrifices, and pride. A story of a generation that no longer dreams – it fulfills its dreams.

And as Maya Nikolova said at the beginning of the conversation:
"Bulgarians, heroes!"– words that summarize not only the success of two brothers, but of all Bulgaria.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov