Georgi Velinov

Georgi Velinov Velinov (; 5 October 1957 – 1 March 2026), nicknamed Johnny, was a Bulgarian professional football player and manager. A goalkeeper, he was elected Bulgarian Footballer of the Year in 1981.

Career Velinov played for Dunav Ruse (1974–75, four A PFG matches) and Cherno More (1976–1978, 37 A PFG matches) before joining CSKA Sofia, of whom he was part of from 1978 to 1987. During his first stay with CSKA, Velinov won the A PFG in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1987 and the Bulgarian Cup in 1981, 1983, 1985 and 1987. Velinov then moved to Portugal to play for Braga (1987–88), Atlético CP (1988–89) and O Elvas (1989–90). He returned to Bulgaria and played one more season with CSKA, 1991–92, winning the A PFG once more and setting his number of league appearances for CSKA at 285.

He continued his career in Slavia Sofa (1993–94, 12 A PFG matches), PFC Sliven (1994) and Botev Novi Pazar (1995). His career spanned 338 A PFG matches, 33 senior Bulgaria national team appearances, 21 under-21 features and 17 junior international games. He was awarded a Master of Sports honour in 1980 and won the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year prize in 1981.

In 1995–1996, Velinov was the manager of Lokomotiv Ruse; it was under his management that Lokomotiv first managed to defeat their local rivals Dunav, beating them 1–0. The defeat meant Dunav would be relegated to the amateur V AFG for the first time ever while Lokomotiv would remain in the B PFG. He also worked as a goalkeeper coach and as a coach in CSKA's youth teams.

Personal life and death In May 2007, Velinov became a liver transplant recipient. He died on 1 March 2026, at the age of 68.