12 Facts About Hristo Bonev

One of the greatest Bulgarian men's footballers, Bonev was renowned for his vision and technique.

Hristo Bonev started his career at Lokomotiv Plovdiv in 1964 where he played until 1981 with a brief spell at CSKA Sofia in 1967.

Hristo Bonev stayed at AEK for 1 and a half years completing 10 official appearances.

Hristo Bonev left in the summer of 1982 suffering from a knee injury, although events proved that he wanted to try his luck in England and Oxford United offered him a trial but with a better-paying contract option.

The experiment in England did not catch on, as Hristo Bonev was betrayed by his knee and so he left Oxford with just 3 appearances in pre-season friendlies.

Hristo Bonev returned to Lokomotiv Plovdiv to end his career in 1984 at the age of 37.

Hristo Bonev has played in 404 games and has scored 180 goals in the A group for Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

Hristo Bonev has played 14 games and has scored 6 goals in the UEFA Cup with "The Smurfs".

Hristo Bonev won the Cup of the Soviet Army in 1983, he is vice-champion of Bulgaria for 1973, with two more bronze medals won - in 1969 and 1974.

Hristo Bonev played for the Bulgaria national team 96 times, scoring a record 48 goals, between 1967 and 1979.

Hristo Bonev played for his country at the 1970 and 1974 World Cups.

Hristo Bonev went back to his home country to become manager of Lokomotiv Sofia and then he was appointed as head coach to his country's national team for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.