Zhivko Atanasov

Zhivko Atanasov (; born 3 February 1991) is a Bulgarian professional footballer who plays as a centre back for First League club Cherno More Varna and the Bulgaria national team.

Club career Atanasov began his career with Levski Sofia.

In the winter of 2012, Atanasov impressed Cherno More manager Stefan Genov as a trialist during Cherno More's training camp in Turkey. On 17 February 2012, he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Atanasov made his debut on 4 March, starting against Levski Sofia at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium in an A Group fixture, playing the full 90 minutes at centre-back in a 2–1 defeat. He scored his first Cherno More goal on 18 April, opening the scoring in a 7–1 home win over Kaliakra Kavarna.

When Aleksandar Aleksandrov was transferred in January 2014, Atanasov formed a partnership with Kiril Kotev in the centre of defence and has become an established first team player.

On 16 January 2020 he signed a 1.5-year contract with Serie C side Catanzaro.

On 4 August 2020, Atanasov returned to his boyhood club Levski Sofia on a 2-year deal. On 14 June 2021, Atanasov terminated his contract with Levski due to financial reasons.

On 16 June 2021, Atanasov returned to former club, Cherno More, on a two-year contract.

International career On 16 November 2023, Atanasov earned his first cap for the national team after coming on as a late first half substitute for Ivaylo Chochev in a 2–2 home draw against Hungary in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Family Atanasov's mother, Yordanka Donkova, is a former hurdling athlete notable for winning an Olympic gold medal and bronze medal as well as 9 medals at European indoor and outdoor championships.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Club Cherno More Bulgarian Cup: 2014–15