Moni Nikolov leads the vote in Russia

Bulgarian setter Simeon Nikolov is on the verge of receiving one of the most significant individual recognitions in Russia – a place in the symbolic team of the first half of the season in the men's Super League. With days remaining until the end of fan voting, Nikolov is leading in his position, but the battle is far from over.

What is this about?

By decision of the All-Russian Volleyball Federation, a selection for the symbolic team of the first half of the season in the men's Super League is being held during the 2025/2026 season. The procedure includes several stages – selection of candidates by Super League experts, fan voting on the league's official channel, and a final decision by the head coaches of the 16 teams, with the head coach of the Russian national team having the final say in case of a tie.

That is precisely why fan support carries real weight and is not just a formality.

The current situation: Nikolov is #1 among setters.

As of now, Simeon Nikolov leads the ranking among setters with over half of all votes, leaving behind names of the caliber of Konstantin Abaev (Zenit-Kazan) and Pavel Pankov (Dynamo Moscow).

The lead is significant but does not guarantee final success – especially with the mobilization of fan bases of the giants in the final days of voting.

Why is this recognition important?

Moni Nikolov's season at Lokomotiv Novosibirsk is more than indicative. The Bulgarian has established himself as the main conductor of the game – calm, rational, with an excellent sense of tempo and situation. Under his leadership, the team demonstrates stability and variability in attack, and his decisions in key moments often tip the scales.

Selection for the symbolic team of the half-season is not just statistics. It is a public recognition from Russian volleyball, which carries weight in a league where competition for the setter position is among the fiercest in the world.

For a Bulgarian player, such a ranking is also a clear signal: "You are among the best here and now."

The mother's voice: "Give Monkata a hand."

On social media, Moni's mother, Maya Nikolova, made a short but strong appeal:

"Give Monkata a hand!"

Words that summarize the essence of the moment – behind the dry percentages stand hard work, perseverance, and a Bulgarian volleyball player establishing himself in an elite environment far from home.

Our appeal

This is a moment when the Bulgarian volleyball community can truly help. Not with slogans, but with concrete action. Every vote is support not only for Simeon Nikolov but also for the name of Bulgaria in one of the leading volleyball leagues in the world.