Marica
(Bulgaria), Juri Gagarin (Bulgaria), Hebros (Bulgaria), CSKA
(Bulgaria), Barcelona (Spain), Parma (Italy), Al Nasar (S.Arabia),
Kashiwa Reysol (Japan), Chicago Fire (USA), DC United (USA)
Honours
-
Bulgarian Championships : 1986-1987, 1988-1989, 1989-1990 (CSKA
Sofia)
- Bulgarian Cup : 1984-1985, 1986-1997, 1987-1988, 1988-1989 (CSKA
Sofia)
- Spanish Championships : 1990-1991, 1991-1992, 1992-1993,
1993-1994 (FC Barcelona)
- Spanish Cup : 1996-1997 (FC Barcelona)
- European Cup : 1991-1992 (FC Barcelona)
- Cup Winners Cup : 1996-1997 (FC Barcelona)
- Bulgarian League Top Scorer : 1988-1989, 1989-1990
- European Player of the Year : 1994
Biography
Hristo Stoitchkov born February 8, 1966, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
sometimes spelled Khristo and/or Stoichkov) is one of the most
renowned left-footed football (soccer) players. Stoitchkov has
already cemented his status as a sports legend. He is considered
among soccer's elite, arguably one of the top soccer players of
the 20th Century. Stoitchkov's extraordinary talent, fiery
temper and determination to succeed have led him to the heights
of personal and professional triumph.
At the 1994 World Cup, Stoitchkov was awarded the Golden Boot as
the top goal scorer of the tournament as he miraculously led
Bulgaria to the semi-finals. Apart from his numerous awards and
trophies, Stoitchkov gained much popularity because of his
aggressive on-pitch temper. He could often be seen mumbling
Bulgarian profanities at the referee and/or his opposing team.
His relentless attitude was known to irritate his opposition and
enthrall his fans who preserve his image close to their hearts.
Stoitchkov also played at Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup and
ended his international career with 37 goals in 83 appearances
for his country.
As a player, Stoitchkov played as a left attacker/winger. His
specialties included free kicks, penalties and taking
unpredictable shots on goal. Stoichkov was also known for his
explosive acceleration and speed dribbling.
Stoichkov began his career with Bulgarian football club Harmanli,
but soon moved to CSKA Sofia, before moving on to the more
prestigious Barcelona and Parma, and finally finishing his
career in Japan with Kashiwa Reysol and America with the Chicago
Fire and D.C. United.
In the 2003-04 season, Stoichkov started a coaching career,
serving as a forwards coach at Barça. After Bulgarian national
team coach Plamen Markov resigned in the wake of the team's
first-round exit from Euro 2004, the Bulgarian Football Union
named him as the new national team coach on 15 July.
