Iliyan Kiryakov

Iliyan Ivanov Kiryakov (; born 4 August 1967) is a Bulgarian former professional footballer who played as a defender. A versatile player, he could be deployed as a full-back on either flank, or as a centre-back.

During a professional career which spanned nearly 20 years, he played for nine different clubs, including three in Scotland.

Kiryakov won 56 caps for Bulgaria and represented the nation at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1996.

Club career Kiryakov was born in the small town of Lesicheri. In his country, he represented Etar Veliko Tarnovo and PFC CSKA Sofia. In 1991, he moved abroad, signing with Deportivo de La Coruña. In his first season, he was first-choice (only missed three La Liga matches) but the Galicians barely avoided relegation, as 17th; subsequently, as Super Depor came to fruition, he became a fringe player and left.

Kiryakov continued in Spain for 1993–94, playing in the Segunda División with CP Mérida. He then returned to his country for one more year, with PFC CSKA Sofia, signing in the 1995 summer with Cyprus club Anorthosis Famagusta FC.

Kiryakov spent the following five years in Scotland, playing for Aberdeen (scoring once against Dundee United ), Airdrieonians (only five months ) and Raith Rovers. He finished his career in June 2003 at nearly 36: after a brief spell with lowly Akademik Svishtov, he retired at Etar, his first club.

A year later he returned to play for the amateur club Chumerna Elena. Same year he joined his birth city club CSKA Lesicheri in the regional divisions, then moved to other regional club Rositsa Polikraishte, before retiring again in Yantra 2002.

International career During eight years, Kiryakov played 53 times for Bulgaria, scoring five goals.

He appeared in six matches in the 1994 FIFA World Cup (four complete) as the national side finished in fourth position, and was also picked for the squad at UEFA Euro 1996, where he played in the group stage 1–1 draw against Spain.

Career statistics

Honours Etar Veliko Tarnovo A Group: 1990–91

Bulgaria FIFA World Cup fourth place: 1994