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Borislav Michajlov, Bulgaria’s 1994 World Cup Goalkeeper, Dies at 63

His 1994 World Cup heroics made him a national icon.

Overview

  • Borislav Michajlov, who suffered a severe stroke in 2025, died Tuesday at 63 in Sofia from complications of that illness.
  • He captained Bulgaria’s 1994 team, saved two penalties against Mexico, and helped topple Germany 2–1 on the way to a fourth-place finish.
  • The former keeper earned 102 caps from 1983 to 1998 and appeared at the 1986, 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
  • After retiring, he moved into leadership, serving more than a decade as Bulgaria’s federation president as reports cite 14 to 16 years, and eight years on UEFA’s executive committee.
  • Bulgarian outlets noted the national team’s 1–0 win over Indonesia the day before his death as a timely tribute to the era he defined.