Biography
Who is Emil Kostadinov?
Early career in Bulgaria
Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Emil Kostadinov began his professional football career with CSKA Sofia in 1985. During the late 1980s, he was a key part of the team's attacking line, working alongside teammates Hristo Stoichkov and Lyuboslav Penev.
His time with the club resulted in multiple domestic honors. He contributed to the team winning the Bulgarian championship titles in the 1986–87 and 1988–89 seasons. Also, he helped the club secure Bulgarian Cup victories during the 1986–87, 1987–88, and 1988–89 campaigns. He also participated in European competitions, such as the European Cup and the UEFA Cup, while playing for the Sofia side.
International success
Emil Kostadinov first gained international experience with the Bulgaria youth national team at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship. He scored two goals during that tournament, including one against Spain in the quarter-finals. Between 1988 and 1998, he represented the Bulgaria senior national team, earning 70 international appearances and scoring 27 goals.
He became well-known for his performance during the 1994 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers. In a decisive match against France played in Paris on November 17, 1993, he scored twice. His goals, one in the 37th minute and another in the final minute, secured a 2–1 victory for Bulgaria. This result allowed Bulgaria to overtake France in the standings and qualify for the 1994 tournament.
European club career
In 1990, the forward transferred to Portugal to join FC Porto. His tenure there included winning the Primeira Liga titles in the 1991–92, 1992–93, and 1994–95 seasons. He also helped the club win the Taça de Portugal in 1990–91 and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 1991. He stayed with the Portuguese team until 1994.
In 1994, he joined the Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruña, where he played 9 matches and scored 2 goals. By January 1995, he moved to Germany to play for Bayern Munich. He contributed to the team winning the 1995–96 UEFA Cup, especially scoring in the second leg of the final against Bordeaux to help secure a 3–1 victory for his side.
Birthday and age
Emil Kostadinov was born on August 12, 1967, which makes Emil 59 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Emil shares the date with 59 other famous people.
Explore more
