Aleksandar Nikolov: Leaving His Mark with Lube and Bulgaria
Feature
From dazzling performances in Italy to carrying the hopes of his country on the international stage, Aleksandar Nikolov continues to leave an unmistakable mark wherever he plays. Still early in his career, the Bulgarian has already become a key figure for Cucine Lube Civitanova, while simultaneously emerging as one of the cornerstones of the Bulgaria men's national volleyball team - a rare blend of youth, consistency, and big-match impact that signals a player shaping both present results and future ambitions.
Nikolov continues to establish himself as one of the most impactful players in Cucine Lube Civitanova’s history. By surpassing the milestone of 1,500 points, the Bulgarian outside hitter has entered the Club’s all-time Top 10 scorers, a personal achievement that reflects both his consistency and his ambition.
Aleksandar Nikolov““For me, this milestone means a lot. It means that I am leaving my mark. I work hard to improve, but also to make history for my club.”
His words underline a mindset that goes beyond individual statistics, focusing instead on long-term growth and contribution to the team’s legacy.
“I am happy to have made it onto the all-time best scorers list of the Biancorossi,” Nikolov adds.
Lube’s return to the CEV Champions League has added further motivation to an already demanding season. After a year competing in the Challenge Cup, Nikolov relishes the opportunity to fight once again for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy.
Aleksandar Nikolov“Being back in the Champions League is special. Stepping onto the court for the opening match in Pool E was wonderful. Playing with the official Champions League ball is truly motivating.”
And Lube enjoyed the experience to the fullest, securing a 3-0 victory over Montpellier HSC VB, with Aleksandar earning the MVP award after recording an impressive 17 points.
The past summer was equally significant for the 22-year-old, who experienced an intense and emotional campaign with the Bulgarian national team, culminating in the World Championship, where Bulgaria claimed the silver medals. For Nikolov, who topped the Worlds best scorers individual rankings with 173 points and was also the convincing leader of the best attackers ranking with 154 spike kills, the experience provided lessons that go far beyond results and he will long remember the summer season.
Aleksandar Nikolov“I learned how important it is for young players to have confidence and to believe in the development process. I experienced that both with Lube and with Bulgaria. We raised expectations.”
Those expectations will be particularly high in 2026, when EuroVolley is hosted in Sofia. Playing a major international tournament on home soil is something Nikolov is eagerly anticipating. “Playing in Bulgaria is always incredible,” he says. “I can’t wait to experience another amazing moment in front of our fans.”
Despite growing international recognition and a fan base that spans the globe, Nikolov remains firmly grounded. He attributes this balance to a clear sense of purpose. “Since I was a kid, I’ve had a dream, that I could also describe as a mission,” he explains. “To me, it’s not difficult to stay grounded, especially because I’m still very far from my personal goals, which are extremely ambitious.”
A key influence in his career has been his father, Vladimir Nikolov, a former international and a respected figure in Bulgarian Volleyball. The advice that resonates most with Aleksandar is simple yet powerful: finish every match without regrets. “Always give your best and never give up,” his father says, words that continue to guide Aleksandar both on and off the court.
Family remains a central pillar in Nikolov’s life, especially his close bond with his younger brother Simeon Nikolov. “Family support is fundamental for any young athlete,” he notes.
Aleksandar Nikolov“My brother and I grew up as best friends, bound not only by blood but by a deep and lasting bond. Even though our paths have separated for professional reasons, we stay in touch and are always happy to see each other. The national team has given us valuable opportunities to share time together during the summer.”
Although having achieved a lot at a younger age, Aleksandar Nikolov is already combining tangible achievements with a mature outlook. With Lube back among Europe’s elite and Bulgaria looking ahead to a home EuroVolley, his journey appears to be only gaining momentum - and the milestones may just be getting started.