The roar of applause inside the elegant ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Sofia marked another golden moment for Bulgarian sport as world weightlifting champion Carlos Nassar was officially named Bulgaria’s Athlete No. 1 for 2025.
The announcement came during the 68th edition of the country’s traditional Athlete of the Year poll, one of the most prestigious annual recognitions in Bulgarian sport. For Nassar, the accolade confirmed what many already believed — that he remains the nation’s most dominant sporting figure.
Collecting an emphatic 1,040 points out of a possible 1,170, the weightlifting star won by a comfortable margin. It marked his second consecutive triumph in the rankings, further cementing his status as a leading force not only at home but also on the international stage.
The award was presented by Bulgaria’s Vice President, Iliana Yotova, who praised Nassar’s consistency, discipline and ability to inspire younger generations of athletes.
“This recognition belongs to everyone who supports me — my coaches, my family, and the fans,” Nassar said briefly on stage, lifting the trophy as cameras flashed. “I will continue working to bring more pride to Bulgaria.”
Finishing second was volleyball’s rising star Alexander Nikolov, who amassed 913 points after an impressive season that showcased his potential as the future of the national team. His performances both domestically and abroad have drawn attention from scouts and fans alike.
Third place went to alpine skier Albert Popov with 625 points. Popov’s consistent results on the World Cup circuit helped keep winter sports firmly in the national spotlight.
The ceremony brought together an array of prominent figures from Bulgarian sport and politics. Among those in attendance were Youth and Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev and the head of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, Vessela Lecheva.
Football legends Hristo Stoichkov and Dimitar Berbatov also attended, lending further prestige to the evening. Their presence highlighted the cross-sport respect the event commands.
Several federation presidents joined the gathering, including volleyball chief Lyubomir Ganev, basketball head Georgi Glushkov, skiing leader Tseko Minev and biathlon president Atanas Furnadzhiev.
Beyond individual honors, team achievements were also celebrated. Bulgaria’s national men’s volleyball team claimed top spot in the team category after a season of renewed competitiveness and promising international results.
Their Italian coach, Gianlorenzo Blenghini, was voted Coach No. 1, recognition of the tactical discipline and cohesion he has brought to the squad. His leadership has been widely credited for the team’s resurgence.
In the athletes with disabilities category, track and field competitor Rushdi Rushdi was named No. 1, celebrated for his perseverance and steady excellence year after year.
The broader top ten list reflected the diversity of Bulgarian sport. Snowboarder Tervel Zamfirov placed fourth, followed by motor racing talent Nikola Tsolov in fifth and volleyball player Simeon Nikolov in sixth.
Tennis player Ivan Ivanov ranked seventh, rhythmic gymnast Stiliyana Nikolova eighth, long jumper Bozhidar Saraboyukov ninth and basketball standout Alexander Vezenkov completed the list in tenth.
For many observers, the night underscored the healthy depth of talent across Bulgarian disciplines. Yet it was Nassar’s name that echoed loudest, reflecting a season where strength, precision and relentless ambition kept him ahead of the pack.
As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: Bulgaria’s sporting future looks bright, but for now, the crown firmly belongs to Carlos Nassar once again.