site.btaPresident Radev Pays Tribute to Football Legend Dimitar Penev

President Rumen Radev has expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of prominent footballer and coach Dimitar Penev, as well as to the entire Bulgarian football community, the President’s press secretariat said on Monday. 

"Dimitar Penev will remain forever in the history of Bulgarian football," Radev wrote. With Lokomotiv Sofia and CSKA Sofia, Penev won multiple national titles and Bulgarian Cups, while his achievements as a coach are linked to some of Bulgaria’s most prestigious performances at both club and national level. The President highlighted Penev’s major contribution to discovering and supporting numerous young talents on their path to top-level football.

Radev recalled that Penev inscribed his name in Bulgaria’s sporting chronicles with the national team’s historic bronze medals at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, an achievement celebrated by the entire nation. He also noted that Penev was rightfully named Bulgaria’s Coach of the 20th Century in 1996.

"With patience, deep understanding of the game, and insight into the characters of some of Bulgaria’s greatest footballers, Dimitar Penev not only delivered the national team’s best-ever result, but also united the Bulgarian people at a time when they deeply needed it," the President said.

Dimitar Penev passed away on Saturday, January 3, at the age of 80, the Bulgarian Football Union announced. A public farewell ceremony will take place on Monday, January 5, from 10:00 a.m. at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, CSKA Sofia said.

The public will be able to pay their respects on the track in front of the central stand and the players’ tunnel. The ceremony will be open to all. Entry will be through Gate 26 of Sector A, with exit through Gate 1. In case of adverse weather conditions, the ceremony will be held in the central foyer of Sector A.