HISTORY
At club level, Stoichkov spent six years at CSKA Sofia and became the player with the most goals in Europe in 1990, receiving the European Golden Boot. He won 3 titles and led the team to the semi-final of the World Club Championship against Barcelona in 1989, scoring 3 goals in two matches against the Spanish giant.
In 1990, Hristo Stoichkov signed with Barcelona, where he earned the nickname “El Pistolero” and became part of Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team, which won the Spanish league four times in a row, the European Cup once and the UEFA Super Cup once. While at the club, he formed his lethal partnership with Romário. Cruyff skilfully brought him to Barcelona, where he quickly became one of the best forwards in the world.
Stoichkov became the only Bulgarian to win the European Cup (now the Champions League). On 20 May at Wembley Stadium, Barcelona were crowned kings of Europe for the first time in their history after a 1:0 victory over Sampdoria.
Stoichkov was part of the Bulgarian national team that finished fourth at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He became the tournament’s top scorer with six goals and received the Golden Boot award.
Stoichkov was named the best footballer in Europe, winning the most prestigious individual award – the Ballon d’Or. That same year he was also ranked the world’s second best, after Romário.
On 31 May 2004, Stoichkov officially ended his career. Some of the greatest footballers of his generation took part in the impressive testimonial at Camp Nou.
On 8 February, Stoichkov turned 50. The real show came on 20 May: he organised a fantastic anniversary match at the Vasil Levski Stadium, inviting many great players. The match was played in front of 43,000 fans — the stadium had sold out weeks in advance.