Bulgaria’s national football icon, Hristo Stoichkov, is the subject of a new biopic slated for release in 2027, and NOVA television is documenting the search for the actor to portray him in a reality series launching January 11th. “Your Playing… Stoichkov” will follow hopefuls as they compete for the role, with the production aiming to capture the essence of the 1994 Ballon d’Or winner both on and off the pitch. The film, supported by Winbet and the municipality of Plovdiv, promises an intimate look into the life of a national hero.
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A new reality show is set to launch in Bulgaria on January 11th, searching for the perfect actor to portray national football hero Христо Стоичков in an upcoming biopic. Titled “You’re Playing… Stoichkov,” the NOVA production will document the casting process for “Stoichkov – The Film,” slated for release in 2027. The film aims to bring the story of the iconic athlete to both Bulgarian and international audiences.
The search for someone to embody Stoichkov drew over 250 applicants, with a select group now moving forward in a rigorous training program designed to hone their skills. According to the show’s producers, the goal isn’t simply to find someone who looks like the legendary footballer, but to capture his spirit.
“It’s very important to get rid of the pressure that they have to play Hristo Stoichkov. No. Play what you can play. Don’t be afraid!” Stoichkov himself advised the hopefuls.
Actor Alexander Sano will host the documentary series, offering viewers an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of the aspiring Stoichkovs. “We all have some idea of who Hristo is, but in recent months, communicating with him more often, I’ve realized we actually know very little about him,” Sano shared. “The image that’s been imposed on him is likely a huge cliché. Because it seems his life is practically ready-made for a series.”
A panel of judges – actress Anya Pencheva, director Martin Makarieva, and journalist Vladimir Pamukov, Stoichkov’s biographer – will evaluate the candidates based on talent, appearance, and the ability to capture the footballer’s distinctive personality. Each episode will also feature guest appearances from individuals who have known Stoichkov personally, offering their insights and assessing the contestants’ potential.
The show will air every Sunday at 8:00 PM on NOVA, giving audiences a front-row seat to the intense competition. The winner will ultimately land the coveted role in “Stoichkov – The Film.”
Stoichkov’s legacy extends beyond the football pitch; he’s become a symbol of hope, determination, and the pursuit of victory. Hailing from Plovdiv, he achieved international acclaim, winning the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best footballer in 1994 and the Golden Shoe as top scorer at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
“At our first meeting with the film team, they provoked me with the words: ‘Hristo, you have one important unfinished job in this life!’ I looked at them first surprised, then angry. And they quickly explained: ‘You have a glorious history, but you don’t have a film!’ Then what are you waiting for, I replied! Make it! And make it good, because… the left-footer still has it!” Stoichkov recounted.
“Stoichkov – The Film” promises to delve beyond the public persona, revealing the most dramatic, intimate, and triumphant moments of a man who has become a national icon. The project, directed by Martin Makarieva with contributions from Alexander Sano and Vladimir Pamukov, and scripted by Georgi Angelov, is supported by Winbet and the municipality of Plovdiv, with international distribution handled by Cloud9 Studios.
