Trifon Ivanov

At a glance

Source: Wikipedia: Trifon Ivanov¹

Club career

Ivanov began his senior career at Etar Veliko Tarnovo, making his first-team debut in the 1983–84 A Group season. He joined CSKA Sofia in 1988, then moved to Spanish club Real Betis in January 1991. During his time at Betis, he had loan spells with Etar and CSKA before joining Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax in 1993.¹

In 1995, Ivanov signed for Rapid Wien. He later played for Austria Wien and Floridsdorfer AC, as well as returning to CSKA on loan. His senior club record was 353 league appearances and 45 goals. At Rapid, he was a runner-up in the 1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.¹

Bulgaria career

Ivanov made his Bulgaria debut in 1988 and played for the national side until 1998. He appeared at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and the 1996 UEFA European Championship. Bulgaria finished fourth at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.¹

He scored six goals in 76 appearances for Bulgaria. His goal against Russia on 10 September 1997 secured Bulgaria’s qualification for the 1998 World Cup. Ivanov was also noted for long-range shots and free-kicks, including attempts from 40–45 yards during Euro 1996.¹

Honours and legacy

With CSKA Sofia, Ivanov won Bulgarian A Group titles in 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1991–92, the Bulgarian Cup in 1988–89, and the Bulgarian Supercup in 1989. With Rapid Wien, he won the Austrian Bundesliga in 1995–96. He was named Bulgarian Footballer of the Year in 1996.¹

Ivanov died of a heart attack on 13 February 2016, aged 50, in Samovodene. In 2013, a Brazilian amateur football tournament was named after him.¹