11 Facts About Georgi Asparuhov

Georgi Asparuhov Rangelov, nicknamed Gundi, was a Bulgarian footballer who played as a striker.

Georgi Asparuhov was voted the best Bulgarian footballer of the 20th century and Europe's 40th best player of the century, a position shared with Paolo Rossi.

Georgi Asparuhov was nominated for the 1965 Ballon d'Or award, finishing eighth in the final standings.

In international football, Georgi Asparuhov made his Bulgaria debut on 6 May 1962 at the age of 19.

Georgi Asparuhov made 49 appearances in total, appearing at three FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 1962,1966 and 1970, and scoring 18 goals.

Georgi Asparuhov's career was cut short in 1971 at the age of 28 when he died in a vehicle accident.

Widely regarded as Levski's greatest ever player, Georgi Asparuhov played over 230 games for the club, winning three Bulgarian League titles and three Bulgarian Cups.

Georgi Asparuhov was wanted by Benfica themselves, as well as Italian giants AC Milan.

Georgi Asparuhov made his debut for the Bulgarian national team in a friendly match against Austria at Praterstadion in Vienna on 6 May 1962 and was named in the 22-man Bulgarian squad for the 1962 FIFA World Cup.

Georgi Asparuhov made his World Cup debut in the second group game against Hungary at Estadio Braden Copper Co.

Georgi Asparuhov died in a car crash in 1971 along with teammate Nikola Kotkov.