Volleyball World placed Alex Nikolov in the prestigioussecond placein its annual ranking“THE BEST OF 2025!”, evaluating his overall performance at both club and international levels. The ranking was compiled by the Volleyball World social media team and reflects the most influential and consistent players over the past year.
Strong and consistent season with Civitanova
At club level, Alex Nikolov was aconstant presencein the squad of the Italian giantCivitanova, having made a key contribution to winning theItalian Cupand reaching theSuperLega finals. The team finished the seasonsecondin the 2024–2025 campaign, and the Bulgarian outside hitter cemented his status as a player who can be relied upon in the most crucial moments. Nikolov also played in the Challenge Cup final against another top 10 participant - Alex Grozdanov.
Leadership role in the national team
On the international stage, Alex Nikolov, along with his brotherSimeon (Moni) Nikolov, broughtenergy, confidence, and self-esteemto Bulgaria's game. His performance inVNL 2025brought several key victories over higher-ranked opponents, which secured valuable points for the world ranking and brought attention back to Bulgarian volleyball.
The culmination came at the2025 World Championship in the Philippines, where Alex Nikolov finished the tournament as:
top scorer,
recipient of the individual award forBest Receiver,
and played a leading role in Bulgaria's historic qualificationfor the final for the first time in 55 years.
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Assessment and Outlook
Alex Nikolov's placement at No. 2 in the Volleyball World ranking is a logical recognition ofhis overall impact in 2025. He is no longer just a talent with potential, but a complete player who sets the rhythm of the game both in his club team and in the national team.
Considering his age and rate of development, 2025 might turn out to be not a peak, butthe beginning of even stronger seasons, in which Alex Nikolov's name will be increasingly present among the absolute elite of world volleyball.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
