Georgi Ivanov (footballer)

Football player infobox
playername = Georgi Ivanov
fullname = Georgi Aleksandrov Ivanov
nickname = "Gonzo"
dateofbirth = Birth date and age|1976|7|2|df=y
cityofbirth = Plovdiv
countryofbirth = Bulgaria
height = 1.85m (6ft 1in)
currentclub = Levski
clubnumber = 9
position = Forward
youthyears = 1986-1991
youthclubs = Lokomotiv Plovdiv
years = 1992-1997 1997-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006 2007-2008 2008-
clubs = Lokomotiv Plovdiv Levski Rennes Levski Samsunspor Gaziantepspor Levski NK Rijeka Levski
caps(goals) = 54 (15) 115 (69) 12 (0) 21 (9) 29 (4) 13 (1) 13 (7) 13 (4) 3 (3)
nationalyears = 1996-2004
nationalteam = Bulgaria
nationalcaps(goals) = 33 (4)

Georgi Ivanov, nicknamed "Gonzo" ( _bg. Георги Иванов - Гонзо), born July 2, 1976 in Plovdiv), is a Bulgarian football striker who currently plays for FC Levski Sofia.

Career

He started his career in his home town Plovdiv playing for local club Lokomotiv Plovdiv. His talent soon became apparent, and he received several call ups for the Bulgarian national football team. "Gonzo" as he was known among the fans signed for Levski Sofia in 1999, and immediately became a favorite of the crowds with his incredible skills and passion for the game. Furthermore, he was greatly appreciated by the club's supporters for his extraordinary efficiency in the games against rivals CSKA Sofia. With 14 goals in the derby games, Georgi Ivanov is all-time highest scorer in these games. He won the Bulgarian title in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and was voted Bulgaria's Player of the year in both 2000 and 2001. Considered by many at the time to be the best player in the Bulgarian league, Gonzo then joined French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais FC for a club record transfer fee of 100 000 euro in 2002 after being linked to several top clubs. However, his ability wasn't enough for a French top league side, and after only a year abroad he rejoined Levski. He later also played for several Turkish teams, before once again rejoining Levski Sofia on a free transfer from Gaziantepspor in 2006 and winning them the title for the fourth time in his career. In January 2007, Georgi Ivanov was transferred to Croatian club NK Rijeka. On 22 June 2008 he signed a contract with FC Levski Sofia for the fourth time

Accolades

* Champion of Bulgaria 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006
* Bulgarian Cup 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005
* Bulgarian Supercup 2005, 2007
* Bulgarian Footballer of the Year 2001, 2002

References