 |
Valentin IlievBulgarian footballer
Date of Birth: 11.08.1980
Country:  Bulgaria |
Content:
- Career
- CSKA Sofia and UEFA Champions League Heroics
- Conflict and Departure from CSKA
- Terek Grozny
- Later Career
- National Team
- Achievements
Career
Early Career and "Metalurh"Valentin Iliev began his professional career at Botev Vratsa before signing with Ukrainian club Metalurh Zaporizhya in June 2001. During his three years at Metalurh, he made 21 appearances and scored one goal.
CSKA Sofia and UEFA Champions League Heroics
In November 2004, Iliev joined CSKA Sofia. He served as the team's captain for six months, contributing crucial goals such as the late winner against Vihren Sandanski and a crucial goal in a 2-2 draw with Turkish powerhouse Besiktas. Iliev's most notable achievement came on August 23, 2005, when he scored the only goal in an away match against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. Despite this historic victory, CSKA failed to reach the group stage.
Conflict and Departure from CSKA
Iliev's disciplinary issues, particularly a conflict with teammate Jose Emilio Furtado, led to his removal as CSKA captain.
Terek Grozny
In 2008, Iliev moved to Russian club Terek Grozny for a fee of €500,000. He established himself as a key defender, making regular appearances.
Later Career
Iliev left Terek in February 2010 and joined FC Universitatea Cluj. In 2011, he played for FC Steaua Bucuresti. He returned to Ukrainian football with Volyn Lutsk in 2012, before rejoining CSKA Sofia as a free agent in 2013.
National Team
Iliev made his debut for the Bulgarian national team in 2005. He earned a total of 19 caps.
Achievements
CSKA SofiaBulgarian Champion: 2004/05
Bulgarian Cup: 2005/06
FC Steaua Bucuresti
Romanian Cup: 2010/11
Personal Life
Valentin Iliev's father, Ilia Vylov, was a goalkeeper for CSKA Sofia and the Bulgarian national team. Iliev is married to Yoana and has two sons, Alexander and Teodor.
