Hristo Stoichkov is the most successful Bulgarian soccer player of all time. He debuted in professional football with CSKA Sofia and was later spotted by European giant FC Barcelona. Stoitchkov earned global acclaim after winning the Spanish Primera Division four consecutive times and taking his club to Champions League glory in 1992. At World Cup 1994, Hristo Stoichkov was awarded the Golden boot as the top goal scorer of the tournament as he miraculously led his country to the semi-finals.

Apart from his numerous awards and trophies, Stoichkov gained much popularity because of his aggressive on-pitch temper. His relentless attitude was known to irritate his opposition and enthrall his fans who preserve his image close to their hearts.
As a player, Hristo Stoitchkov plays as a left attacker/winger. His specialties include free kicks, penalties and taking unpredictable shots on goal. Stoichkov is also known for his explosive acceleration and speed dribbling.

Hristo Stoichkov was immortalized on a post stamp in the project "Legendary Bulgarian Football Players of the 20th century", actualised by Eurofootball in 2004. He, together with Georgi Asparuhov-Gundi, Krassimir Balukov and Nikola Kotkov were chosen as leaders of the past century in a national vote, first of its kind for Bulgaria.