Levski Sofia

Founded in 1914 in the capital city of Sofia, PFC Levski Sofia is one of Bulgaria's most storied and successful football clubs. Named after the national hero Vasil Levski, the club was established by a group of students and quickly became a symbol of Bulgarian sporting pride. Its iconic blue jersey has earned the team the nickname "The Blues" (Сините). The club's home is the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, a 25,000-capacity arena in Sofia's Poduyane district, named after its legendary striker. Levski's history is decorated with an impressive haul of 26 Bulgarian First Professional Football League titles and 26 Bulgarian Cups, making it one of the two dominant forces in the country's football landscape. On the European stage, Levski has had notable runs, including reaching the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2005-06 and the group stages of the UEFA Champions League in 2006-07. The club's identity is built on an attacking, passionate style of play, mirroring the fervent support of its fans. The Levski ultras, particularly the "Sofia West" group, are renowned for their intense and unwavering support, creating a formidable atmosphere at home. The club's most profound rivalry is the "Eternal Derby" against CSKA Sofia, a clash that divides the capital and is one of the most fiercely contested derbies in Eastern European football. Levski's legacy is defined by legendary figures like Georgi Asparuhov, considered one of Bulgaria's greatest ever players, and goalkeeper Borislav Mikhailov, who later became the president of the Bulgarian Football Union. An interesting fact is that the club is fan-owned, with its supporters holding a majority stake, a unique model in modern football. Currently competing in the First Professional Football League, Levski continues to strive for domestic glory while navigating the financial challenges of modern football, forever driven by its motto: "Levski is eternal!"