Valeri Bojinov, Bulgarian footballer
Valeri Emilov Bojinov (Bulgarian: Валери Емилов Божинов, pronounced [vɐˈlɛri ɛˈmiɫof boˈʒinof]), born on 15 February 1986, is a distinguished Bulgarian professional footballer renowned for his dynamic play as a striker. Currently, he lends his formidable talent to Septemvri Sofia, a club he joined as part of his extensive and storied career.
A Career of Global Reach: Valeri Bojinov's Extensive Club Journey
Bojinov's career is particularly notable for its incredible breadth and diversity, having spanned across an impressive seventeen different professional clubs. This makes him a true footballing journeyman, having experienced various league systems and cultures. His journey has taken him through some of Europe's and Asia's most competitive football environments, including multiple spells in football-rich Italy, the Premier League in England, the Primeira Liga in Portugal, the top divisions of Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia, as well as ventures into Chinese and Swiss football.
A prodigy from an early age, Bojinov made a significant impact in Italian football, debuting for Lecce in Serie A at just 15 years and 11 months old. This remarkable achievement positioned him among the youngest non-Italian players to ever feature in Italy's top flight, showcasing his immense potential. Following his promising start, he attracted the attention of major clubs, leading to moves to Fiorentina and Juventus, where he played alongside world-class talent and gained invaluable experience at the highest level of European football. His subsequent career saw him move to other notable clubs such as Manchester City in England and Sporting CP in Portugal, further diversifying his experience.
International Representation for Bulgaria
Beyond his extensive club career, Valeri Bojinov has also proudly represented his homeland on the international stage. He was a consistent presence in the Bulgarian national team, earning 43 caps and scoring 6 goals over his international career. His contributions were vital during various qualification campaigns, where his attacking prowess and experience offered significant value to the national squad.
Understanding the Name: Transliteration of Bojinov
It is common to encounter slight variations in the spelling of his surname; Valeri Bojinov is sometimes transliterated as Valeri Bozhinov. This difference typically arises from the various systems used to convert the Cyrillic alphabet (Валери Божинов) into the Latin script, where the Bulgarian letter 'ж' can be represented as either 'zh' or 'j' depending on the transliteration standard adopted.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Valeri Bojinov
- When was Valeri Bojinov born?
- Valeri Bojinov was born on 15 February 1986.
- What position does Valeri Bojinov play?
- He plays as a striker, known for his goal-scoring abilities and technical skills.
- How many clubs has Valeri Bojinov played for?
- Throughout his illustrious career, Valeri Bojinov has played for an impressive seventeen different professional clubs across various countries.
- Which countries has Bojinov played football in?
- His career has taken him to Italy, England, Portugal, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, China, and Switzerland, showcasing a truly global footballing journey.
- Did Valeri Bojinov play for the Bulgarian national team?
- Yes, he proudly represented the Bulgarian national team, earning 43 caps and scoring 6 goals.