Hristo Stoichkov

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Hristo Stoichkov (at times written Stoitchkov) is the most successful Bulgariasoccer player of all time. He debuted in professional football with CSKA Sofia and was later spotted by European giant FC Barcelona. Stoichkov earned global acclaim after winning the Spanish Primera Division four consecutive times and taking his club to Champions League glory in 1992. At World Cup 1994, Hristo Stoichkov was awarded the Golden boot as the top goal scorer of the tournament as he miraculously led his country to the semi-finals.
Apart from his numerous awards and trophies, Stoichkov gained much popularity because of his aggressive on-pitch temper. His relentless attitude was known to irritate his opposition and enthrall his fans who preserve his image close to their hearts.
As a player, Hristo Stoichkov plays as a left attacker/winger. His specialties include free kicks, penalties and taking unpredictable shots on goal. Stoichkov is also known for his explosive acceleration and speed dribbling.
Name Hristo Stoichkov (or Hristo Stoitchkov)
Starting Number: 8
Born 8 February 1966 in Plovdiv
Nationality: Bulgarian
Height: 176 cm / 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 82 kg / 181 pounds
Foot:Left
Family Status: Married his wife's name is Mariana with two daughters:
Michaela and Christina

TEAMS
Marica (Plovdiv)
Juri Gagarin (Plovdiv)
Hebros (Harmanli)
CSKA (Sofia)
Barcelona (Spain)
Parma (Italy)
Al Nasar (S.Arabia)
Kashiwa Reysol (Japan)
Chicago Fire (USA)
DC United (USA)
Nicknames: Stoitchkov
Christo or Cristo
Itzo or Itso
The Mad Bulgarian
The Dagger
El Pistolero
Raging Bull
The Modern Left
Skills Free kick expert, explosive speed

HONOURS

CSKA Sofia

* Bulgarian League: 3

1987, 1989, 1990

* Bulgarian Cup: 4

1985, 1987, 1988, 1989

* Bulgarian Supercup: 1

1989

Barcelona

* Spanish League: 5

1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998

* Spanish Super Cup: 3

1992, 1994, 1996

* European Cup (now called: Champions League): 1

1992

* European Super Cup: 2

1992, 1997

* Copa del Rey: 1

1997

* European Cup Winners' Cup: 1

1997

Al-Nassr

* Asian Cup Winners Cup: 1

1998

Chicago Fire

* U.S. Open Cup: 1

2000

Individual

* Bulgarian League: 2

Top Scorer 1989, 1990

* European Golden Boot: 1

1989

* Cup Winners' Cup Top Scorer: 1

1989

* European Footballer of the Year: 1

1994

* 1994 World Cup Golden Shoe - Top scorer: 1

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* Don Balón Award for Best Foreign Player in La Liga: 1

1994

* Golden Foot "All time" legends award: 1

2007

* FIFA 100: 1

In November 2003, to celebrate UEFA's Jubilee, he was selected as the Golden Player of Bulgaria by the Bulgarian Football Union as their most outstanding player of the past 50 years.

Mamelodi Sundowns

* Premier Soccer League: 1
Coach of the Month: December 2009