Volleyball World placed Bulgarian setter Simeon (Moni) Nikolov at №6 in its prestigious ranking "The Best of 2025". The recognition comes from the Volleyball World social media team and summarizes an impressive season for the national team's barely 18-year-old playmaker.
With a height of 209 cm and an uncompromising playing style, Nikolov brought boldness to the setter's role. Characteristic of him were unconventional and daring decisions, as well as a complete lack of hesitation — factors that changed the rhythm of matches and gave new impetus to the Bulgarian game.
Beyond being the orchestrator of the offense, Moni Nikolov also distinguished himself with a significant scoring contribution. He didn't just organize the game, but regularly appeared in the score sheet as a scorer of attacks, blocks, and direct points from serves.
| Tournament | Total Points | Attacks | Blocks | Ace Serves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Championship (Philippines) | 44 | 26 | 6 | 12 |
| VNL 2025 | 50 | 25 | 11 | 14 |
The numbers clearly show Nikolov's unusual profile for a setter. The high number of attack points indicates active participation in offense, while the 26 direct points from serves in both tournaments highlight his aggressive serve. The 17 blocks are further proof that his height and excellent game sense are a serious weapon in net defense as well.
Simeon Nikolov's presence on the court also had a historical dimension. With him as the main setter, Bulgaria reached the World Championship finals for the first time in 55 years — an achievement that places 2025 among the most significant years in the history of our men's volleyball.
It is important to note that Bulgaria has another representative in this prestigious ranking. National team captain Alex Grozdanov holds №8 in "The Best of 2025" — news we have already reported. The double Bulgarian presence in the top 10 is a clear sign of a strong generation and the growing influence of the national team on the world stage.
In Volleyball World's "The Best of 2025" ranking, five positions still remain unannounced, which logically maintains interest and expectations regarding the final standings. Among the names legitimately mentioned as potential participants in the remaining five is another Bulgarian national player — Aleksandar Nikolov.
Aleksandar Nikolov entering the top 5 would mean a historical moment for Bulgarian volleyball — three national players in the top eight, and potentially two brothers among the absolute elite on the world stage within the same ranking.
It remains to be seen how Volleyball World will arrange the cards, but one thing is certain: the Bulgarian presence in "The Best of 2025" is already among the strongest highlights of the year, and expectations for Aleksandar Nikolov are fully justified.
The ranking was compiled by Volleyball World's Social Media Team and once again confirms that Bulgarian volleyball players are establishing themselves among the elite of world volleyball.
