Hristo Stoichkov

Explosive and beloved

Bulgarian striker who arrived at Barça from CSKA Sofia, famous for his fighting spirit and charisma. He had immense skill, a great shot and was a superb free kick taker, as well as having a very impulsive character. He usually played on the left wing, but could also play in other positions. He was a vital part of the Dream Team under Johan Cruyff, and enjoyed plenty of success at Barça. He also gathered individual accolades, including the Ballon d’Or and the Golden Shoe at the 1994 World Cup.

Full biography: 

A product of CSKA Sofia in his home country, Hristo Stoichkov arrived in Barcelona in the summer of 1990 aged 24 years. His commitment, quality, professionalism and most of all his explosive character meant he always had the crowd in his pocket. His first four years were spectacular in terms of football and titles as part of the Dream Team that offered such an awesome spectacle. He won 4 consecutive Ligas, a club record, and the famous European Cup at Wembley. In the 95/96 season he left for Parma in Italy but couldn’t get Barça and Barcelona out of his head and returned to the club following the arrival of Robson. In the following season, with Van Gaal as coach, he got less playing time due to the stiff competition and after 7 seasons as a blaugrana, he definitively departed his beloved club to go back where it all started, CSKA Sofia. His experience back in Bulgaria only lasted a year. Stoichkov was headed for more exotic climes. First he signed for Al Naser of Saudi Arabia and then had two seasons in the J League with Kashiwa Reysol and ended up in the United States. From 2000 to 2002 he wore the jersey of the Chicago Fire and in 2003 that of DC United, his last team before retiring.   

Honours:

5 Ligas (1990-1991, 1991-1992, 1992-1993, 1993-1994 and 1997-1998)
1 European Cup (1991-1992)
2 Copas del Rey (1996-1997 and 1997-1998)
1 Recopa (1996-1997)
2 European Super Cups (1992-1993 and 1997-1998)
4 Spanish Super Cups (1991-1992, 1992-1993, 1994-1995 and 1996-1997)

Other titles:

Ballon d’Or in 1994
Golden Shoe in 1994