The legend of Bulgarian and European volleyball, Lyubomir Ganev, turns 60 today. Born in Ruse on October 6, 1965, he rose from a youth player at "Dunav" to one of the most recognizable figures in world volleyball — both on the court and in sports management.
Key facts at a glance
Born: October 6, 1965, Ruse
Height: 210 cm
Position: opposite hitter (star attacking profile and formidable serve)
Nickname in Italy:Lupo("The Wolf")
Measured serve: ~130 km/h (Italy)
National team: 13 years (1985–1998), bronze medal at the 1986 World Championship (France)
Club highlights: CSKA (5 titles), Italy (Cuneo, Agrigento, Spoleto, Fano), champion with "Aris" (Greece)
Post-career: entrepreneur; president of BFV (Bulgarian Volleyball Federation); vice-president of BOC (Bulgarian Olympic Committee); member of CEV Executive Board; member of FIVB board
Club career — highlights
| Period | Club | Country | Achievements/notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| until the late 80s | Dunav (Ruse) → CSKA | Bulgaria | 5 titles with CSKA; becomes a star for the "reds" |
| 1991 → | Cuneo | Italy | Record transfer for the time (~600,000 USD) |
| 1990s | Agrigento, Spoleto, Fano | Italy | Italy becomes a "second home"; cult figure status |
| last season | Aris | Greece | Championship title together with Plamen Konstantinov |
The trajectory from dominance in Bulgaria to elite Italy shows not only sporting talent but also market value for the era — the transfer to Cuneo is a watershed that opens doors for the next generation of Bulgarian legionnaires.
| Period | Tournament | Achievement | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–1998 | National team (men) | 13 seasons, an indispensable figure | Key opposite hitter and leader |
| 1986 | World Championship, France | Bronze medal | Major contribution in attack and serve (~130 km/h) |
The long national cycle and the 1986 medal solidified Ganev's place in the 'core' of a historic generation — valued for his points and character in big matches.
1998: end of competitive career; successful transition to business.
Today: President of BFV; Vice-President of BOC; Member of the Executive Committee of CEV; Member of the Administrative Board of FIVB.
Significance
His presence at a management level in BFV, BOC, CEV, and FIVB is a rare concentration of influence — a bridge between Bulgarian volleyball and global decisions.
"Did you know..."
NicknameLupogiven to him by fans in Italy; a song was written in his honor.
His serve, around 130 km/h, was an emblem of the then 'power of the Balkans' in attack.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
