The FrenchMarmara Spike Leagueis entering the decisive part of its autumn stage, and Bulgarian volleyball players are leaving a distinct mark on the season. Venislav Antov continues to be one of the brightest stars in the championship, Vladimir Garkov is establishing himself as a key scorer for Saint-Nazaire, and Vasiliy Molotkov – well-known in Bulgaria after his season in Montana – is fitting in steadily with the Paris squad and demonstrating the school of Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, where he worked under the guidance of Plamen Konstantinov and Georgi Petrov.
Antov – the leading opposite hitter who is changing Tourcoing's ambitions
With each passing round, Venislav Antov reinforces the opinion that he is among the highest-quality opposite hitters in France. After a series of matches where he surpassed the 20-point mark, he not only keeps Tourcoing in the fight for the top but also earns the respect of local media and fans.
As of today, Antov isthe third highest scorer in the leaguewith:
210 points
10 matches
39 sets played
He is the leader in Tourcoing's attack, possesses stable execution in decisive rallies, and radiates calmness, which often decides matches. The press in France describes him as an "acclimatized, confident, and hard-to-stop opposite hitter," and coaches – as a player who directly influences the team's psychology.
Vladi Garkov – a stable scorer and a key component in Saint-Nazaire's game
The Bulgarian influence doesn't end with Antov.Vladimir Garkov, playing for Saint-Nazaire, is also among the best scorers in France.
Garkov is:
8th in the overall ranking
167 points
10 matches
41 games played
Molotkov's name – well-known in Bulgaria, even better known in Novosibirsk
Another name stands out in the rankings, one that Bulgarian volleyball fans know well – Vasily Molotkov.
The Russian spent last season in Montana, where he established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers among foreign players in the country.
His stay in Bulgaria helped him adapt to a more physical and dynamic style, and now Molotkov is performing very consistently in Paris, where he is:
7th among the top scorers
170 points
10 matches
37 games played
Particularly interesting is the fact that Molotkov is a youth player of Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, a club with strong ties to Bulgarian volleyball expertise. It was there that he worked under the guidance of Plamen Konstantinov and his assistantGeorgi Petrov, which are an important part of the development of a number of talents in Russia.
Top Scorers is the presence of Bulgarian volleyball players among the elite
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Sets | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Dulski | Nice | 10 | 42 | 233 |
| 2 | Nick Mujanovic | Tours | 10 | 39 | 228 |
| 3 | Venislav Antov | Tourcoing | 10 | 39 | 210 |
| 4 | Timo Beriot | Toulouse | 10 | 38 | 181 |
| 5 | Xander Ketrzynski | Cannes | 10 | 37 | 179 |
| 6 | Joevin Ouabala | Plessis-Robinson | 10 | 39 | 174 |
| 7 | Vasily Molotkov | Paris | 10 | 37 | 170 |
| 8 | Vladimir Garkov | Saint-Nazaire | 10 | 41 | 167 |
| 9 | Philip John | Saint-Nazaire | 9 | 36 | 160 |
| 10 | Tristan Schlinger | Sète | 10 | 37 | 160 |
| 11 | Thomas Pujol | Poitiers | 10 | 40 | 158 |
| 12 | Nathan Canopas | Plessis-Robinson | 10 | 39 | 157 |
Antov is unequivocally among the leading figures in the championship – his third place among top scorers is proof of his consistency and class as a finisher. Garkov establishes himself as a stable and reliable scorer, who maintains a high level even during tough series of matches. Molotkov, on the other hand, shows that the season in Bulgaria was a valuable stage in his development, and the Novosibirsk academy – built with Bulgarian participation – provides him with a stable foundation to perform strongly in France.
The 2025/26 season in France already has a clearly expressed Bulgarian dimension.
Antov is the driving force behind ambitious Tourcoing, Garkov is a key factor for the stability of Saint-Nazaire, and Molotkov – a player who has passed through the Bulgarian championship and was "shaped" by famous Bulgarian coaches – leaves a significant mark with the Paris team.
All of them prove that the French league is not just a professional challenge, but a territory where Bulgarian players and personnel connected with Bulgaria influence, dominate, and inspire.
