Next week the final ranking in one of the most prestigious regional polls – "Balkan Athlete" for 2025, organized by the Bulgarian News Agency, will become clear.

The interest for Bulgarian sports is mainly focused on Alexander Nikolov's presence in the top 10 – an acknowledgment that comes just a week before the ranking in the national "Athlete of the Year" classification is also announced, where Nikolov was also among the ten nominees.

This places the volleyball national player in the spotlight during an extremely important period for Bulgarian sports. Nikolov became one of the brightest figures at the World Championship in the Philippines, where he was the tournament's top scorer. His performance played a key role in Bulgaria's historic success – winning silver medals, as well as his place in the championship's ideal team.

His inclusion among the top ten Balkan athletes is a sign that volleyball is once again bringing prestige to our country and that the new generation has the potential to establish itself among the big names in world sports.

Besides Nikolov, another Bulgarian talent is in the top 10 – weightlifter Karlos Nasar, who triumphed with a world title and set impressive records in 2025.

Top 10 in the BTA "Balkan Athlete" poll for 2025 (in alphabetical order)

Aleksandar Nikolov's presence in this company is indicative of his rise among the elite of Balkan sports. The ranking includes dominant figures from basketball and Olympic disciplines, which makes the breakthrough of a volleyball player even more significant.

It is particularly important that this recognition comes just before the announcement of the "Athlete of the Year" in Bulgaria, where Nikolov will logically be among the main contenders for the top positions. Volleyball once again has a strong argument to be represented at the top of the Bulgarian sports elite.