sports

Borislav Mihaylov, Bulgaria 1994 World Cup goalkeeper, dies aged 63

Former Bulgaria captain and long-serving football chief Borislav Mihaylov has died in Sofia at 63 after suffering a stroke months earlier; he was a central figure in Bulgaria's 1994 World Cup run.

Mar 31st 2026 · Bulgaria

Insights

  • Mihaylov died in Sofia at 63 after a stroke last November left him with lasting effects.
  • He was the captain of Bulgaria that reached the 1994 World Cup semifinal under coach Dimitar Penev.
  • He served as president of the Bulgarian Football Union from 2005 to 2024.
  • He played for Levski and multiple European clubs including Belenenses, Mulhouse, Reading and Zürich.
  • His wife is former rhythmic gymnastics world champion Maria Petrova and his son Nikolay retired from professional football last year.
  • In later years he appeared in social media videos showing signs of alcohol intoxication.