If you’re visiting Bulgaria and want to strike up a conversation with locals, football is a natural topic, just be careful how you approach it. Football in Bulgaria isn’t just a sport. It’s a deeply emotional, often fiery part of the national identity. Supporters can be fiercely loyal to their teams, and rivalries run deep, especially in major cities like Sofia and Plovdiv.
So, whether you’re a football fan yourself or just curious about local culture, here’s how to enjoy Bulgarian football conversations without accidentally starting a heated debate.
- Passion and Rivalries: The Local Landscape
- How to Know a Match Day is Brewing
- Talking About Football Without Stepping on Toes
- At the Stadium: Where to Sit and How to Behave
- Bulgaria’s National Football Team: A Source of Pride
- Famous Bulgarian Footballers: National Icons
- Football as Identity
Passion and Rivalries: The Local Landscape
In Sofia, the football scene is dominated by two major teams: Levski Sofia (“the blues”) and CSKA Sofia (“the reds”). Their rivalry is legendary and sometimes spills over into real-life tension. Matches between these two sides, known as The Eternal Derby, bring out thousands of supporters, and often a heavy police presence.
The second major football battleground is in Plovdiv, where fans of Botev and Lokomotiv Plovdiv (aka “Loko”) clash in their own city derby. Although the scale is smaller than in Sofia, the emotions are just as intense.
These rivalries aren’t just played out on the pitch. They live in barroom debates, street murals, and unfortunately, sometimes in the streets themselves. While hooliganism has declined in recent years, clashes between fan factions (especially involving “ultras,” the most zealous supporters) do still occur.
How to Know a Match Day is Brewing
In cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, match days come with their own atmosphere. As a tourist, you might not even need to check a schedule, the city often lets you know.
The increased police presence is the most obvious indicator. In Sofia, keep an eye around the Vasil Levski National Stadium, especially near Borisova Garden, Orlov Most, and NDK (National Palace of Culture). On these days, mounted police and riot units are not uncommon.
Mounted police patrol Borisova Garden during derby matches, and traffic may temporarily stop on Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev Blvd. While these precautions might look dramatic, they’re mostly preventive. If you’re a tourist, you’re unlikely to find yourself in real danger, unless you intentionally walk into a group of ultras (extremely passionate fans) wearing the opposing team’s colors.
You may hear chants, drums, or flares in the hours before a game, especially if fans are marching toward the stadium.
Plovdiv follows a similar pattern. On match days, police are stationed around key locations, especially near the stadiums and central avenues. It’s best to avoid large, boisterous groups wearing team colors if you’re unsure who they support.
Talking About Football Without Stepping on Toes
Football talk is a great way to bond with locals, if done with a bit of sensitivity. You might think casual football talk is harmless, but in Bulgaria, it can quickly get personal. Navigate these conversations tactfully.
Ask Questions Instead of Making Statements. Saying “Bulgarian football is weak” might be your opinion, but it’s not one locals will appreciate. Even if results suggest decline, that kind of comment can be seen as insulting or condescending. A better approach? Do you think Bulgarian football is on the rise again?” This shows interest and respect, and it invites people to share their passion.
Mention the 1994 World Cup with admiration. The Bulgarian team won fourth place on this event held in th USA. This remains a treasured moment in Bulgarian football history.
Compliment the passion of the fans. Bulgarians are proud of their dedication. Noticing the atmosphere, commitment, or emotion of a local derby can go a long way.
Avoid Political Comments. Some fan groups are associated with nationalist or political movements. It’s best to stay away from political discussions altogether. Even vague statements can be misinterpreted. Stick to sports talk, without the subtext. It’s best to avoid this topic altogether unless you’re truly informed and know your audience well.
At the Stadium: Where to Sit and How to Behave
If you’re attending a match, the energy can be unforgettable, but your seat matters. To have a good time without getting into trouble Avoid the ultras sections. These areas are loud and sometimes confrontational. They’re not ideal for tourists. Better choose a neutral sector, These are safer and better suited for casual fans or visitors.
Follow the crowd’s cues. Don’t cheer when others are silent, and certainly don’t mock the home team or its supporters, even in jest that can be vaguely misinterpreted. Even something seemingly lighthearted like a photo during a tense moment or an Instagram caption poking fun at the game could be misinterpreted.
Bulgaria’s National Football Team: A Source of Pride
While local teams spark rivalry, the Bulgarian national football team has moments that unite the nation.
The most celebrated achievement? The 1994 FIFA World Cup, when Bulgaria reached the semi-finals and finished in fourth place. For many Bulgarians, this was a defining moment. The team’s success brought joy during a difficult political transition period, and the memories remain vivid today.
Before that, Bulgaria reached the final at the 1968 Summer Olympics, and qualified for several World Cups and European Championships. Unfortunately, the national team hasn’t qualified for the World Cup since 1998, or for the European Championship since 2004.
When discussing the national team, you’ll rarely go wrong mentioning 1994. That summer is remembered fondly across generations.
Famous Bulgarian Footballers: National Icons
Hristo Stoichkov
Often regarded as the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time, Hristo Stoichkov is a household name. Born in 1966, he made his mark in the 1990s playing for Barcelona, where he was part of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team.” Known for his fierce personality and explosive temper, Stoichkov’s talent was undeniable. He wore the number 8 shirt during his glory days, and today he runs a football apparel brand, H8S, a nod to his iconic number. He is involved in sports commentary and business ventures.
Dimitar Berbatov
Another modern legend, Dimitar Berbatov is known for his elegant ball control and cool demeanor on the pitch. He became Bulgaria’s top scorer with 48 international goals. Berbatov played for top European clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Fulham. Born in 1981, Berbatov is now involved in philanthropic work through the Dimitar Berbatov Foundation, helping young Bulgarian talent in sports..
Georgi Asparuhov (“Gundi”)
A romantic figure in Bulgarian football, Gundi is remembered not only for his talent but also for his humility and spirit.
Tragically, his career and life were cut short in a car accident in 1971, at just 28 years old. Levski Sofia’s stadium bears his name, and in 2024, the biographical film Gundi was released, offering insight into the man behind the myth.
Football as Identity
In Bulgaria, football isn’t just about the game, it’s about loyalty, memory, and community. While it may seem intense at times, it’s also an entry point into Bulgarian life and passion. Whether you’re watching a match from a safe distance, talking to locals about their favorite players, or just enjoying the city’s vibe on game day, remember that respect goes a long way.
You don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the energy. So cheer along, enjoy the atmosphere, and when in doubt, stay neutral. Sometimes the best way to enjoy Bulgarian football is simply to be a witness to its raw, unfiltered spirit.