Botev Plovdiv

Founded in 1912, PFC Botev Plovdiv is one of Bulgaria's oldest and most storied football clubs, embodying the spirit of its namesake, the revolutionary poet Hristo Botev. Established in the city of Plovdiv, the club's identity is deeply intertwined with Bulgarian national pride and a tradition of resilience. The team plays its home matches at the modernized Hristo Botev Stadium, a 18,000-capacity arena that serves as a fortress for the passionate "Botevists." Botev's history is decorated with significant achievements, including two Bulgarian A Group league titles (1929, 1967) and four Bulgarian Cups. The club's golden era in the late 1960s and early 1970s saw it become a formidable force, reaching the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1962-63 and the semi-finals of the same competition in 1970-71, a remarkable feat for a Bulgarian club at the time. The club's identity is built on an attacking, passionate style of play, reflecting the fiery character of its supporters. Legendary figures who have worn the yellow-and-black jersey include Georgi Asparuhov, considered one of Bulgaria's greatest ever players, and the iconic Dinko Dermendzhiev. In the modern era, players like Todor Nedelev have become fan favorites. The fan culture is among the most vibrant in Bulgaria, with the ultras group "Botevists" creating an intimidating atmosphere. The club's most intense rivalry is the "Plovdiv Derby" against local foe Lokomotiv Plovdiv, one of the most fiercely contested derbies in Bulgarian football. Currently competing in the Bulgarian First Professional League, Botev consistently challenges for European qualification spots, aiming to restore its historic continental presence. An interesting fact is that Botev was the first Bulgarian club to defeat a team from the Soviet Union in European competition, symbolizing its underdog spirit. The club remains a cornerstone of Plovdiv's sporting life, representing a legacy of passion, history, and unwavering support.