First League

The Bulgarian First League, officially known as the efbet Liga for sponsorship reasons, stands as the pinnacle of professional football in Bulgaria. Founded in 1924, it is one of the oldest football competitions in Eastern Europe. Its history is deeply intertwined with the country's political shifts, having operated under various names and structures during the communist era, when clubs were often state-sponsored enterprises. Following the fall of communism, the league transitioned to a professional model in the 1990s. The competition format has evolved, currently featuring a 16-team structure. The season is divided into a regular season and a subsequent championship and relegation group phase. After 30 rounds, the league splits: the top six enter a championship playoff to decide the title and European qualification spots, while the bottom ten are divided into two groups to battle against relegation. This system ensures competitive matches until the final weeks. Historically, the league has been dominated by Sofia-based giants. PFC CSKA Sofia, with a record 31 titles, and PFC Levski Sofia, with 26, form the famed "Eternal Derby," one of the most intense rivalries in Balkan football. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad has disrupted this duopoly in recent years, winning an unprecedented 11 consecutive titles from 2012 to 2023, establishing a new era of dominance and regularly competing in UEFA Champions League and Europa League group stages. The First League has been a launchpad for some of Bulgaria's greatest talents. Legendary striker Dimitar Berbatov began his career at CSKA Sofia before starring for Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham, and Manchester United. Hristo Stoichkov, the 1994 Ballon d'Or winner, also emerged from the Bulgarian league system. Other notable alumni include Manchester United's former goalkeeper, Dimitar Ivankov, and Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov. Today, the league faces challenges with financial disparities and stadium infrastructure but remains fiercely competitive. Ludogorets' European adventures have raised its profile, while traditional powerhouses like CSKA and Levski strive to reclaim supremacy. An interesting fact is that the Bulgarian A Group, as it was known, was among the first European leagues to adopt a winter break, a practice now common across the continent. The league continues to be the heart of Bulgarian football culture, producing passionate derbies and nurturing talent for the international stage.