Bulgarian volleyball will experience one of its most emotional evenings at the beginning of September. On September 5, at the capital's "Arena 8888", Teodor Salparov will officially end his exceptional career with a testimonial match under the motto "One Career - One Legend".
The event is scheduled just four days before the start of the men's European Championship, which will be held in Bulgaria, Italy, Finland, and Romania – a symbolic gesture towards the new generation of national team players.
"Now I felt it was time"
"I refused a testimonial match twice over the years, but now I somehow felt it was time. We arranged it to be close to the European Championship so that the torch could be passed. To pass on the spirit to these young guys who surprised us with the silver medal," Salparov shared.
His words come in the context of the national team's latest major success and highlight the idea of continuity – between the golden generation and the current squad.
Bulgarian vs. World Stars
The organizers promise a real show. Two teams will take to the court – one composed of Bulgarian stars, and another featuring renowned players from world volleyball. Among the invited guests are champions and medalists from the planet's biggest forums, with names to be announced later.
The stands are expected to be filled with thousands of fans of "Favorite 13", as Salparov has often been called over the years.
The Path – From CSKA to the Top in Europe
The initiative was presented to the media in the presence of people with a key role in the libero's career. Among them were his first coach Stefan Hristov, the head coach of CSKA's men's team Aleksandar Popov, as well as legends Nikolay Ivanov and Evgeni Ivanov.
It was Aleksandar Popov who gave Salparov the chance to debut in men's volleyball with the CSKA team. In the following years, he established himself as one of the most consistent liberos in Europe – a symbol of persistence, professionalism, and exceptional defensive saves.
Born on August 16, 1982, in Gabrovo, Salparov inherited his sporting spirit from his mother – former volleyball player Todorka Simeonova. For more than 20 years, he has competed at the highest level.
The Russian Golden Period
He achieved his greatest club successes in Russia with the teams of Luch (Moscow), Gazprom (Surgut), Dinamo (Moscow), and Zenit Kazan.
In 2017, with Zenit, he achieved a historic quadruple – the Russian League title and Cup, the Champions League trophy, and the Club World Championship. In the previous two seasons, the team dominated the Super League and Europe, also adding silver medals from the Club World Championship.
After returning to Bulgaria, he won two championship titles with Neftochimic (2018 and 2019), and played his last matches with Hebar (Pazardzhik).
Part of the Golden Generation
With the national team, Salparov was part of one of the strongest generations in the history of Bulgarian volleyball. He won bronze medals from the 2006 World Championship and the 2007 World Cup, as well as from the 2009 European Championship.
He participated in the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, where Bulgaria finished in a prestigious fourth place. He was a semi-finalist in the World League and at European Championships in various years, establishing himself as a key figure in the national team.
On September 5, the spotlights will be on one of the most recognizable No. 13s in Bulgarian sports. The testimonial match at "Arena 8888" will not just be a game, but a symbolic end to a career that leaves a lasting mark – with hundreds of saved balls in defense, dozens of trophies, and countless emotions for Bulgarian fans.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
