Bulgarian volleyball great Vladimir Nikolov called his sons' run to the FIV Men's World Championship final "very special," saying he was proud to see them achieve what he never did in his own career.
Bulgaria’s return to the FIVB Men’s World Championship Finals after more than half a century is a dream realized, not just for the team, but also for one of its most iconic figures.
Vladimir Nikolov, who captained Bulgaria during its mid-2000s peak, watched from the stands in Manila as his sons Aleksandar and Simeon helped propel the country to a four-set semifinal win over Czechia on Saturday, September 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The victory booked Bulgaria’s first Finals berth since 1970 and secured its first podium finish since 2006.
Proud of team and family
For the elder Nikolov, the moment went far beyond his children’s success.
“I’m proud of Team Bulgaria, not only about my kids,” he told reporters. “I’m proud because they worked hard, they worked really hard. They dreamed, and they dreamed big. This Final is probably the best thing they can achieve so far.”
Aleksandar Nikolov hugs his mom Maya Nikolova after Bulgaria's semifinal win over Czechia. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Aleksandar, who erupted for 31 points in the semifinal, and Simeon, who orchestrated the offense with 43 excellent sets, have been at the center of Bulgaria’s unbeaten campaign.
But their father was quick to remind that the accomplishment belongs to the whole squad.
A rare opportunity
Nikolov admitted that part of Bulgaria’s run has been shaped by the unusual nature of this year’s championship, where some volleyball heavyweights failed to advance.
“This Championship was very strange because in the world today, there are five teams which are better than Bulgaria. I mean, five teams which are definitely better,” he explained.
“These teams are Italy, France, Poland, Brazil, and Japan, and three out of five teams are not here. So when this happened, when Brazil was eliminated, we started to dream.”
Bulgaria celebrate after advancing to the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship Finals. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
That dream now has Bulgaria standing just one win away from history.
A family milestone
For Vladimir, who enjoyed a decorated playing career that included a fourth-place finish in the 2006 World Championship, watching his sons reach what he could not was especially meaningful.
“You know, I’ve had a pretty successful career and I never had a chance to play in the final of the World Championship,” he said. “So it’s very special.”
On Sunday, September 28, Bulgaria will face either world No. 1 Poland or defending champion Italy in the gold medal match.
Regardless of the outcome, Vladimir knows his sons — and the entire team — have already brought pride to their country and family legacy.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.