Aleksandar Shalamanov

Who is Aleksandar Shalamanov?

Aleksandar Stefanov Shalamanov is a former football player and professional alpine skier and is known as the only Bulgarian who has participated in the Winter Olympics and in the FIFA World Cup. The Summer Olympics saw him as reserve player of the volleyball team in 1964, but he did not play in a match.

Shalamanov began his career as a defender with CSKA Sofia in 1960-61, but moved to Slavia Sofia in 1961 to remain there until 1974, when he retired after 263 matches in the Bulgarian Championship, three Bulgarian Cup trophies and a Cup Winners' Cup semi-final in 1967. Shalamanov has twice been selected Best Bulgarian Footballer, in 1963 and 1966, and twice Best Bulgarian Sportsman, in 1967 and 1973. He has 42 caps for the Bulgarian national team, with which he participated in the World Cup 1966 and World Cup 1970.