The Bulgarian Association of Sports Journalists announced the final top ten in the 68th edition of the "Athlete of the Year" poll, and volleyball deservedly holds a leading place among the most successful sports in the country in 2025. The sport is represented by two athletes in the top 10, a strong presence immediately after it, and two national teams that will determine Bulgaria's Team No.1.

Volleyball among the best individually

Among the top ten, in alphabetical order, are Aleksandar Nikolov and Simeon Nikolov " two of the key figures in the historical journey of the Bulgarian men's national team in 2025. Their presence among the best is a logical consequence of their consistency, leadership, and crucial role in the national team's most successful season in modern history.

Alex Grozdanov also remained immediately after the final top ten, which once again emphasizes the scale of volleyball achievements and the depth of quality in the national team.

Team No.1 ", different paths to great success

Both contenders for the Team No.1 of Bulgaria award for 2025 come from volleyball ", a rare situation that is indicative of the sport's standing in our country.

The U19 World Champions achieved exceptional success, which speaks to quality work in the youth sector, proper selection, and sustainable development. This is a result that outlines prospects and instills confidence for the future of Bulgarian women's volleyball.

The men's national team, a world vice-champion, achieved its distinction amidst the highest level of competition, against established forces in world volleyball, and under maximum athletic pressure. This is an achievement that carries the weight of experience and the maturity of performance at the absolute elite level.

Without seeking opposition or making direct comparisons, both successes are naturally viewed through a different prism, and their common denominator is clear ", 2025 was a year in which Bulgarian volleyball solidified its positions both in the present and in the future.

The Poll and the Context

In the 68th edition of the "Athlete of the Year" poll, 117 sports journalists participated, who determined Bulgaria's most deserving athletes and teams for 2025. The official awards ceremony will be held after the end of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, with the assistance of WINBET, who will once again present the special "Inspiration" award.

During the event, it will also become clear who is Bulgaria's Coach No.1 in the 42nd edition of the "Trud" newspaper poll, as well as the recipient of the award for Athlete No.1 with disabilities. Special awards from the sports journalists will also be presented to deserving Bulgarian athletes.

Here are all nominees for "Athlete of the Year" 2025, listed in alphabetical order:

Final Top Ten:

• Albert Popov (Alpine Skiing)

• Aleksandar Vezenkov (Basketball)

• Aleksandar Nikolov (Volleyball)

• Bozhidar Saraboyukov (Athletics)

• Ivan Ivanov (Tennis)

• Karlos Nasar (Weightlifting)

• Nikola Tsolov (Motorsport)

• Simeon Nikolov (Volleyball)

• Stiliyana Nikolova (Rhythmic Gymnastics)

• Tervel Zamfirov (Snowboarding)

Immediately after the final ten:

• Alex Grozdanov (Volleyball)

• Aleksandar Vasilev (Tennis)

• Vladimir Zografski (Ski Jumping)

• Gabriela and Stefani Stoevi (Badminton)

• Grigor Dimitrov (Tennis)

• Dimana Ivanova (Volleyball)

• Ivan Ivanov (Tennis)

• Yoana Ilieva (Fencing)

• Kiril Milov (Wrestling)

• Magomed Ramazanov (Wrestling)

• Malena Zamfirova (Snowboarding)

• Milena Todorova (Biathlon)

• Miroslava Mincheva (Sport Shooting)

• Petar Mitsin (Swimming)

• Radoslav Rosenov (Boxing)

• Radoslav Yankov (Snowboard)

• Rami Kiwan (Boxing)

• Yuliana Yaneva (Wrestling)

Tradition and continuity and...historical breakthrough

Volleyball still does not have a winner of the 'Athlete of the Year' award, nor do sports such as skiing, snowboarding, rhythmic gymnastics, and motorsports. To date, the most prestigious individual award in Bulgarian sports remains unconquered for these disciplines.

In 2025, however, history could be rewritten. Albert Popov, Tervel Zamfirov, Stiliana Nikolova, and Nikola Tsolov, as well as one of the Nikolov brothers, have a real chance to become the first representatives of their sports to reach the top in the 'Athlete of the Year' poll.

This makes this year's competition not just a battle for individual recognition, but an opportunity for a historical breakthrough that could expand the map of sports that have left their mark on the most authoritative poll in our country.

The 'Athlete of the Year' poll has been held since 1958, when the first winner was basketball player Vanya Voynova. Over the years, the most prestigious individual award in Bulgarian sports has been won by names such as Stefka Kostadinova, Boyan Radev, Stanka Zlateva, Grigor Dimitrov, and Aleksandar Vezenkov.

In 2025, volleyball stands alongside this tradition with a year that will remain one of its strongest in history – with individual leaders, strong teams, and achievements that set a direction for the future.