Borislav Mihaylov, the legendary Bulgarian goalkeeper who was a hero in the 94 World Cup, has died

The former captain of the Bulgarian national team was also president of the Bulgarian Football Union between 2005 and 2024.

In his country he was celebrated as one of the heroes of the World Cup. United States 1994where the Balkan team reached the semi-final under the direction of coach Dimitar Penev, who also recently passed away. There, in the group stage, They beat the Argentine National Team led by Alfio Basile 2-0which carried the weight of Diego Maradona’s recent suspension for doping.

“Our captain, our leader, our friend has left us! I can’t stop crying! You were a great man and a great archer! How sad!” lamented the former Bulgarian Barcelona player and Ballon d’Or winner, Hristo Stoichkov, in a message on social networks.

Stoichkov, top scorer of that World Cup along with the Russian Oleg Salenko, assured that Mihaylov has now been reunited “in a better world with Tunyo” (Trifon Ivanov, Bulgarian central defender, who died in February 2016).

“Take care of us, guide us! I hug you, my friend! A tribute to your memory!” Stoichkov posted.

Gymnast Maria Petrova, Mihaylov’s widow, also uploaded emotional messages to the networks lamenting the death of her husband.

“I thank fate for bringing me this great man! Thank you, Borislav, for sharing your life with me. I appreciate all the beautiful moments, the words, the support and the love that you gave me. You were my peace. A universe is gone,” wrote the three-time world rhythmic champion (1993, 1994, 1995).

At club level, the goalkeeper played not only for Levski, Botev and Salvia in Bulgaria but also for other clubs such as Belenenses (Portugal), FC Mulhouse (France), Reading FC (England) and FC Zurich (Switzerland).

His father, Biser Mihaylov, was also a goalkeeper for Levski, and his son, Nikolay, retired from professional football last year.

In November last year, Borislav Mihaylov suffered a stroke, from which he could not recover.

In previous years, the former Bulgarian football player and leader had appeared in several videos on social networks in compromising situations while clearly under the influence of alcohol.