Bulgarian international Simeon Nikolov continues to solidify his status as one of the new figures in world volleyball. After Bulgaria's historic silver medal from the 2025 World Championship, the setter made a key career choice and joined Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk). In an interview for "Championat" with Elena Kovalenko, he reveals his philosophy on the game, life in Russia, and his big goal.
"I came here to play"
Early in his professional career, Nikolov chose the difficult route. Instead of seeking a more comfortable environment, he opted for development through competition and responsibility.
"Russia was the only place where I was offered to be a starting setter. I wanted to play, not to be a second choice."
Despite interest from Italy, his decision was firm:
"I didn't want to go to a weaker team. I prefer to fight for medals in Russia."
Even the climate and conditions are not a factor.
"I knew it would be very cold and that there would be a lot of traveling, but that doesn't concern me. I came here to play volleyball – that's my priority."
Under pressure – and that's exactly what he likes
The Russian Super League proves to be a serious challenge not only physically, but also mentally.
"The season is very long and tough on the mind and body. You have to be focused in every match."
According to Nikolov, this is precisely the environment in which great players are built. The competition at the top is extremely balanced, and the battle for the title is completely open.
Lokomotiv's goal is clear:
"We need to be in excellent shape, play better in defense, and reduce mistakes. If we do that, we have a chance for the title."
A setter with a leader's mentality
Nikolov is not a typical setter – he scores points, takes responsibility, and directly influences the outcome.
"I like to score points. It helps the team and puts pressure on the opponent."
But his strongest asset is his attitude towards his teammates.
"In 95% of cases, I will go to the hitter and apologize to him. I will tell him that the next ball will be better."
This is behavior that speaks of maturity and leadership, rarely seen in such a young player.
And when it comes to mentality, Nikolov is perfectly clear:
"If you want to be good, you have to be like a dog – both on and off the court."
Unique, but with his own style
With his height of over two meters, he is changing perceptions of the setter's role.
"Yes, I am unique because there aren't many players like that. But I don't do anything crazy – I just have my own style."
Despite his self-confidence, he remains grounded and focused on development. He names Micah Christenson as the world's No. 1.
Bulgaria's path – from doubt to the final
According to him, the silver medal from the World Championship is no accident.
"We expected it. We knew that if we played well, we could reach the final."
A key moment was the reaction after the failure in the Nations League.
"We improved our game in a short time. Sometimes you just have to keep fighting."
An interesting detail from the tournament was the strict regimen:
"We only spoke to our parents. I didn't want to hear the outside noise."
And the memories remain strong to this day:
"When I watch the matches, I get goosebumps."
Life in Russia – between adaptation and loneliness
Nikolov finds similarities between Russia and Bulgaria, which facilitates his adaptation.
"Russia is similar to Bulgaria, so I got used to it quickly. I like the country."
At the same time, he admits that the beginning was not easy.
"I felt lonely because we didn't speak the same language. When we started communicating, everything got better."
The big city also gives him another advantage \u2013 anonymity.
"No one knows me here. I'm just like everyone else."
Family and the inevitable choice
Volleyball is a natural path for him, but not the only possible one.
"If it weren't for volleyball, I would have tried to reach the NBA."
Today, however, he shares the court with his brother -
Малките детайли, които правят разликата
Адаптацията включва и дребни, но показателни моменти – от различната топка до ежедневието извън залата.
„Това не е любимата ми топка, но трябва да се адаптирам.“
А извън игрището:
„Харесвам борш, но и други супи. И сирники.“
Без еуфория, с поглед напред
Въпреки бързия възход, Николов отказва да се възприема като звезда.
„Нищо не се е променило. Същият човек съм.“
Той отхвърля и идеята за късмет:
„Резултатите са от работа и воля.“
И остава фокусиран върху следващата цел.
„Мечтата ми е да играя на Олимпийски игри“
Това е целта, която стои над всичко останало.
Без украса. Без излишни думи. Само посока.
And after all he has already shown - it seems a matter of time.
