Bulgarian middle blocker Nikolay Kolev delivered a true volleyball recital in the match, where PAOK crushed Finikas Syros 3-0 in sets at the "PAOK Sports Arena" in Pylea. The 27-year-old national team player became a driving force for his team and was deservedly chosen asMVP of the round in Volley League, with this being hisfirst such award in the Greek elite.
Net dominance and attack efficiency
Kolev finished asPAOK's top scorerwith 14 points – an impressive achievement for a middle blocker. Of these:
7 pointscame from brilliant blocking actions
6 successful attacks out of 11 attempts–55% efficiency
1 ace
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Total points | 14 |
| Blocks | 7 |
| Attacks | 6 of 11 (55%) |
| Aces | 1 |
The statistics clearly show how much Kolev's presence changed the match. His seven blocks are an indicator of complete dominance over Finikas's centers, and his attacking efficiency highlights his maturity as a player who chooses the right moments to attack.
Historic Award for PAOK
Kolev's selection as MVP "Vikos Cola" is also important for the club. He becomes:
the first PAOK player, awarded as MVP in the 2025/26 season
recipient ofthe 66th MVP awardfor PAOK since the introduction of the award in 1998.
These data emphasize that the Bulgarian is increasingly confidently becoming a key figure in the project of the Thessaloniki team.
Biographical Profile
| Data | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Nikolay Kolev |
| Born | 16.12.1997 |
| Height | 2.04 m |
| Position | Middle blocker |
| Club | PAOK |
| Number | 12 |
His physical attributes and experience in international championships explain why Kolev adapted so quickly to the Greek league and became one of the most stable middle blockers there.
Club career
| Season | Team |
|---|---|
| 2025–26 | PAOK (Greece) |
| 2024–25 | PAOK (Greece) / Montana (Bulgaria) |
| 2023–24 | Narbonne Volley (France) |
| 2022–23 | Narbonne Volley (France) |
| 2021–22 | Neftochimic Burgas (Bulgaria) |
| 2020–21 | Neftochimic Burgas (Bulgaria) |
| 2019–20 | Cherno More BASC (Bulgaria) |
| 2018–19 | Cherno More BASC (Bulgaria) |
| 2017–18 | Cherno More BASC (Bulgaria) |
Comment:Kolev's consistent development across various championships – Bulgarian, French, and now Greek – builds the profile of a player who constantly upgrades and expands his arsenal.
Volley League Team of the Round
The Greek Federation also announced the ideal team of the round, in which Kolev logically occupies one of the two spots for middle blockers.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| MVP | Nikolay Kolev (Bulgaria, PAOK) |
| Setter | Mihajlo Mitić (Serbia, OFI) |
| Opposite Hitter | Casey Schouten (Canada, Milon) |
| Libero | Spiros Veloudis (Milon) |
| Outside Hitters | John Perrin (Canada, Olympiacos), Spiros Chakas (Milon) |
| Middle Blockers | Nikolay Kolev (Bulgaria, PAOK), Patrick Gasman (Panathinaikos) |
Kolev's presence in the ideal team, alongside proven names like Perrin and Gasman, highlights his high level of play and the authority he has established in the Greek league.
Nikolay Kolev's phenomenal performance against Finikas not only secured an important victory for PAOK but also established him as one of the best middle blockers in the championship. His first MVP award is fully deserved, and it seems only a matter of time before we see more such accolades for the Bulgarian throughout the season.
