PFC Ludogorets Razgrad explained

Clubname:Ludogorets
Current:2023–24 PFC Ludogorets Razgrad season
Fullname:Professional Football Club Ludogorets 1945
Nickname: (The Eagles)
Founded:[1]
Ground:Huvepharma Arena
Capacity:10,423[2]
Owner:Kiril Domuschiev
Chairman:Temenuga Gazdova[3]
Mgrtitle:Head coach
Manager:Zahari Sirakov (Interim)
League:First League
Season:2023–24
Position:First League, 1st of 16 (champions)
Website:http://www.ludogorets.com/en/
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Professional Football Club Ludogorets 1945 (Bulgarian: Професионален Футболен Клуб „Лудогорец 1945"|Profesionalen Futbolen Klub „Ludogorets 1945"), commonly known as Ludogorets Razgrad or simply Ludogorets, is a Bulgarian professional association football club based in Razgrad, which currently competes in the First Professional Football League, the top tier of the Bulgarian football league system.

In their inaugural 2011–12 season in A Group after promotion, Ludogorets won the double by capturing the league championship and the Bulgarian Cup. Subsequently, the club made a significant continental impact in the 2013–14 UEFA Europa League when they reached the Round of 16 in only their second European run. To date they have reached the knockout stages of the Europa League four times, more than any other club in Bulgaria. Ludogorets are also only the second Bulgarian team after Levski Sofia to enter the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, a feat which they achieved in the following 2014–15 season. During that same campaign, they became the first Bulgarian team to score points in the modern Champions League group stage following a 1–0 win over Basel in Sofia.

Since their introduction to the Bulgarian top-flight in 2011, Ludogorets have established themselves as a dominant force in Bulgarian football, claiming every possible league title since then.[4] They have also won the Bulgarian Cup three times, as well as the Bulgarian Supercup on seven occasions.[5] The latter is a record in Bulgarian football.

The club's traditional home colours are green and white. The club's home ground is the Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad, a stadium with a capacity of 10,423 spectators.[6] Their current manager is Georgi Dermendzhiev.

History

Foundation and beginning

Established in November 1945[7] after the merging of several rural football clubs from the Ludogorie Region, Ludogorets Razgrad was initially participating in the Third football division of Bulgaria. They promoted to the Second division in 1961. In 1997 the club merged with FC Antibiotic Razgrad and was renamed to FC Antibiotic-Ludogorets. In 2005 the club was defunct. The rise of Ludogorets started in season 2009/10 when Aleksandar Aleksandrov, director of FC Razgrad 2000, inherited the history and traditional club records of the former Antibiotic-Ludogorets, returning the name to PFC Ludogorets 1945 Razgrad. The team managed to enter Second division when Ivaylo Petev was designated as a Head Coach.[8]

Domuschiev era (2010–present)

In September 2010 the club was purchased by a Bulgarian pharmaceutical entrepreneur Kiril Domuschiev, with the clear intention of bringing Ludogorets to the top division. This happened in May 2011 with Ivaylo Petev as a Head Coach when the team promoted to top division for the first time in the club's history.[9]

First title

In May 2012, Ludogorets completed the domestic double when they won their first Bulgarian Cup title following a 2:1 victory against Lokomotiv Plovdiv at Lazur Stadium in Burgas,[10] and in August 2012, they won the Bulgarian Supercup, defeating Lokomotiv 3:1, thus becoming the first team to win a treble in its first season in A Group and one of the few in the history of international football to do so.

Second title

Ludogorets started the 2012–13 season with eight straight wins and nine matches without a loss, and finished the half-season in first place, as in the previous season, with just one loss and seven goals conceded out of 15 matches. However, in the 2012–13 Bulgarian Cup, the club was eliminated in the round of 32 by CSKA Sofia 2:2 on aggregate, losing on away goals. In the spring half-season, Ludogorets occupied the first place with just three matches to play before the end of the season. Nevertheless, they were defeated 1:0 by Levski Sofia and they took the lead of A Group. On the final day of the season, Ludogorets had to beat the already relegated team of Montana and hope that Slavia Sofia would prevent Levski from winning their match. In the last minutes of the Levski–Slavia match, Levski conceived an own goal which subsequently led to a 1:1 draw, allowing Ludogorets to win their second championship title in dramatic fashion again. In the 2013 Supercup, they lost 5:3 on penalties to Beroe Stara Zagora after a 1:1 draw in regular time.

Third title

In season 2013/14 Ludogorets became a hegemon in the Bulgarian club football. The "Eagles" earned their third consecutive title two rounds before the end of the championship on 7 May 2014. On 15 May 2014 Ludogorets achieved a treble after winning the Cup of Bulgaria against Botev (Plovdiv) 1-0 and the Super Cup. Both matches were played at the "Lazur" stadium in Burgas.[11]

Fourth title

Ludogorets' fourth title came after a home win against Lokomotiv (Sofia) with 4:1 on 15 May 2015. A new tribune, named after their defender Cosmin "Moti", and the 70th anniversary of the "Eagles" were celebrated at that time.

Fifth title

On 11 May 2016 Ludogorets became the Bulgarian Champion for the fifth time in a row.

Sixth title

The 2016/2017 season was the most successful in the history of Ludogorets. They became champions of Bulgaria for the sixth consecutive time with 16 points advantage over the runner-up. For the second time in the Bulgarian's football history the team entered the Champions League groups with Georgi Dermendzhiev as a Head Coach. They ranked third in the groups by winning 2 points and continued their European tournament participation in Europa League.

Seventh title

The 2017/2018 season was another successful one for Ludogorets. The team won their domestic league Champion's Title and performed well at both European Tournaments – Champions League and Europa League.

Eighth title

Ludogorets earned their 2018/2019 season title after a 4–1 home win over PFC Cherno More in May 2019.

Ninth title

Ludogorets' domination in Bulgaria continue. The champions won their record-breaking 9th consecutive title after a 2:1 win against Beroe in May 2020.[12]

Tenth title

Ludogorets claimed their record-breaking 10th consecutive title after a 3–1 home win against Beroe Stara Zagora in May 2021. This phenomenal achievement led to the club putting star on the club's badge/crest to represent 10 league titles in the domestic Bulgarian football league.

Eleventh title

Ludogorets' domination continued. An eleventh consecutive domestic championship title, no one but them has such an achievement in Bulgarian league football history.

Twelfth title

After a long hard season and a change in head coach in the middle of the season, with the return of former manager Ivaylo Petev back at helm, Ludogorets managed to achieve a domestic double (their 3rd similar feat since being promoted to the Bulgarian First League) by winning firstly the Bulgarian Cup by beating CSKA 1948 3:1 in the final, and eventually also winning the Bulgarian League once again for a record twelfth time by one point over CSKA Sofia by beating Cherno More Varna away from home 1:0 on the last day/match of the domestic championship season.

Thirteenth title

Georgi Dermendzhiev returned as Head Coach of Ludogorets Razgrad after the sacking of Ivaylo Petev back in October 2023. At the end of the 2023-24 campaign, the club managed to once again retain their domestic championship title for a record thirteenth time in row by beating PFC CSKA Sofia 3–1 in Razgrad to make it mathematically impossible for anyone to catch them in the race.

European

After winning the 2011–12 Bulgarian title, Ludogorets entered the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League for the 2012–13 season, but were eliminated 3:4 on aggregate with a last minute away goal by Dinamo Zagreb.

As Bulgarian champions in 2012–13 season, Ludogorets played in the UEFA Champions League where they came through the qualifiers, eliminating subsequently Slovan Bratislava and Partizan en route. Ludogorets then lost to Basel in the play-offs, but earned the right to play in the UEFA Europa League.

Ludogorets played in Group B of the 2013–14 Europa League. They were unbeaten in the group stage finishing first in the group with five wins in six games, including both home and away victories over the prominent PSV and Dinamo Zagreb.[13] Their only dropped points were a 1:1 home draw with Chornomorets Odesa. In the knockout phase, Ludogorets beat the Italian cup holders Lazio 1:0 away and drew 3:3 at home for a 4:3 aggregate win,[14] but then lost 0:3 at home and 0:4 on aggregate to Valencia in the round of 16.[15]

In the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League, Ludogorets again won both their qualifiers, against F91 Dudelange of Luxembourg and Partizan.[16] [17] In the play-off, they defeated Steaua București to reach the group stage for the first time. Goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov was dismissed for a second yellow card in the last minute of extra time in the second leg, when Ludogorets had used all their substitutes. In the penalty shoot-out, centre-back Cosmin Moți, having converted the first penalty, went in goal and made two saves to put Ludogorets through 6:5 on penalties.[18]

Ludogorets made their debut in the 2014–15 Champions League group phase on 16 September 2014, grabbing a 1:1 equalizer away against Liverpool in the 90th minute scored by Dani Abalo, but in an eventual 1:2 loss,[19] as the newly signed goalkeeper Milan Borjan gave away a penalty with a foul on Javier Manquillo, which Steven Gerrard converted to give Liverpool the victory. Ludogorets made their home debut in the 2014–15 Champions League group phase on 1 October 2014, scoring a stunning goal in the sixth minute through' attacking midfielder Marcelinho against Real Madrid, but in an eventual 1:2 loss.[20] In this match, Cristiano Ronaldo took two penalties – the first was saved by goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov, while the second was scored for a 1:1 equalizer.[20] On 22 October 2014, Yordan Minev scored his first goal for Ludogorets, scoring a crucial last-minute winning goal in a 1:0 home win over Basel in the group stage of the Champions League.[21] On 26 November 2014, Dani Abalo scored in the third minute and Georgi Terziev scored his first goal in the 88th minute, grabbing a 2:2 equalizer against Liverpool, in an eventual 2:2 draw.[22]

Ludogorets won their 4th consecutive A Group title, but were left by several main squad players at the end of the season. Georgi Dermendziev was also replaced with Portuguese manager Bruno Ribeiro. The late changes saw Ludogorets being eliminated in the second qualifying round of the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League by the underdog Moldovan champions Milsami Orhei.

With Georgi Dermendzhiev returning at the helm of the squad, during the 2016–17 Champions League, Ludogorets won the qualifiers against Mladost Podgorica and Red Star Belgrade respectively, followed by a success in the play-off against Viktoria Plzeň. Eventually, they became the first Bulgarian team to qualify twice for the group stage of the tournament. In the group stage, Ludogorets achieved two draws against Basel and one against Paris Saint-Germain, which were enough to secure them the third place and a transfer to the knockout phase of the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League. Ludogorets however shortly exited the competition after failing to overcome Copenhagen with an initial 1:2 home loss and a 0:0 away draw.

Ludogorets failed to qualify for the groups of the next two editions of the Champion League, but however in both cases managed to enter the groups of Europa League. In the 2017–18 season they finished second in the group behind Braga, eliminating İstanbul Başakşehir and 1899 Hoffenheim, before losing in both matches to Milan in the round of 32.

In 2019–20, they were eliminated by Ferencváros in the first Champions League qualifying round, but made their way to the group stage of the Europa League, following successful matches against Valur, The New Saints and Maribor in the qualifiers. Ludogorets were subsequently drawn again with Ferencváros, next to CSKA Moscow and Spanish club Espanyol. A 5–1 home win against CSKA Moscow was followed-up by a 3–0 away win against Ferencváros.[23] [24] They lost twice to Espanyol, 1–0 at home and 6–0 away, but finished second, following two 1–1 draws against both CSKA and Ferencváros, eventually securing a place in the knockout stage.[25]

75th Anniversary

Ludogorets earned their record-breaking 9th Bulgarian Premier League Title during their 75th Anniversary celebration on 8 July 2020 after their win 3:0 vs Levski Sofia. Ludogorets wore their special green and yellow retro kit which was used in 1945 when the club was founded. The logo with the "Л" letter over a yellow background is how the original looked like. The same design was used for a couple of decades, according to the archives. A limited edition of the retro kits were available for the fans. They feature the names of all the important team players over the course of 75 years.[26]

Crest, shirt and mascot

Ludogorets' main kit colour is forest green and the away kit is white. In addition, a black alternative kit is also used in some domestic matches.

The club's current crest was introduced for the beginning of the 2016–17 season. Ludogorets' supporters chose the new crest, after a poll held on the club's official website, a total of 130 different crest variants were present. A second poll was then held, to pick one from the five most voted logos.[27] However, some of Ludogorets' supporters expressed their dissent with the new crest, which they described as "lacking identity" and "unprofessional", a lack of continuity between the old and new club crests was also noted. Lastly, the supporters pointed out the striking similarity between the new crest and that of Sporting CP.[28] After winning their tenth championship title, Ludogorets added a golden star above their crest.

In June 2017, Ludogorets reached a sponsorship agreement with English sportswear manufacturer Umbro for the following two seasons.[29] In June 2019, they reached a new long-term agreement with American sportswear manufacturer Nike. In June 2024, Ludogorets signed a new long-term agreement with German sportsweak manufacturer Jako.[30]

PeriodKit supplierShirt sponsor (chest)
2006–2010Tomy SportNo sponsor
2010–2011AdidasHuvepharma
2011–2014Navibulgar
2014–2016eCasino.bg
2016–2017bet365
2017–2018
2018–2019Efbet
2019–2024Nike
2024–Jako

Players

First-team squad

For recent transfers, see Transfers winter 2023–24 and Transfers summer 2024.

Foreign players

Up to twenty foreign nationals can be registered and given a squad number for the first team in the First League, however only five non-EU/EEA nationals can be used during a match day. Those non-EU/EEA nationals with European ancestry can claim citizenship from the nation their ancestors came from. If a player does not have European ancestry he can claim Bulgarian citizenship after playing in Bulgaria for five years.

EU/EEA Nationals EU/EEA Nationals (Dual citizenship) Non-EU/EEA Nationals

Retired numbers

[31]

Second-team squad

See main article: article and PFC Ludogorets Razgrad II.

Club staff

NamePosition
Coaching staff
Zahari SirakovInterim Head coach[32]
Svetoslav DyakovAssistant coach[33]
Zdravko ZdravkovGoalkeeping coach
Karlo ReinholzConditioning coach
Mihailo ShekerovskiConditioning coach
Dimitar StoykovSport Science Analyst
Marin SlavchevVideo Analyst
Medical department
Valentin VelikovFirst team doctor
Iulian MirceaPhysiotherapist
Encho ZlatanovPhysiotherapist
Gabriel NiculescuKinesiotherapist
Scouting & analysis
Dimitar BozhkilovTransfers manager[34]
Yakov PaparkovScout
Ivan TsvetkovScout
Ivaylo DimitrovScout
Organisation & management
Nikolay KirchevTeam manager
Upper management
Temenuga GazdovaChairman
Aleksandar AleksandrovPresident
Angel PetrichevExecutive director
Georgi KaramandzhukovSports director
Cosmin MoțiTechnical director
Radoslav KomitovYouth academy director
Anna PenchevaMarketing director

Honours

Type! style="width: 5%;"
CompetitionTitlesSeasons
DomesticBulgarian First League132011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
Bulgarian Cup32011–12, 2013–14, 2022–23
Bulgarian Supercup72012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
Bulgarian Second League12010–11 (East)

European campaigns

See main article: PFC Ludogorets Razgrad in European football.

COMPETITION
UEFA Champions League (UCL)672415289992+7
UEFA Europa League (UEL)712321279691+5
UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL)105141314-1
T O T A L

Matches

As of 24 July 2024

Ludogorets have played against 64 teams from 39 federations. They have faced 57 teams once and additional 7 teams more than once.

Ludogorets is the first and only Bulgarian team to have played in all three European tournaments.

Ludogorets have qualified to the group stage of the European tournaments 10 times:UCL - 2 times (2014–2015, 2016–2017);UEL - 7 t1imes (2013–2014, 2017–2018, 2018–2019, 2019–2020, 2020–2021, 2021–2022, 2022–2023);UECL - 1 time (2023–2024)

SeasonCompetitionRoundClubHomeAwayAggregate
2012–13UEFA Champions League2Q Dinamo Zagreb1–12–33–4
2013–14UEFA Champions League2Q Slovan Bratislava3–01–24–2
3Q Partizan2–11–03–1
PO Basel2–40–22–6
UEFA Europa LeagueGroup B PSV2–02–01st
Dinamo Zagreb3–02–1
Chornomorets Odesa1–11–0
Round of 32 Lazio3–31–04–3
Round of 16 Valencia0–30–10–4
2014–15UEFA Champions League2Q F91 Dudelange4–01–15–1
3Q Partizan0–02–22–2 (a)
PO Steaua București1–00–11–1 (6–5 p.)
Group B Real Madrid1–20–44th
Basel1–00–4
Liverpool2–21–2
2015–16UEFA Champions League2Q Milsami Orhei0–11–21–3
2016–17UEFA Champions League2Q Mladost Podgorica2–03–05–0
3Q Red Star Belgrade2–24–2 6–4
PO Viktoria Plzeň2–02–24–2
Group A Paris Saint-Germain1–32–2bgcolor=#BBF3FF rowspan="3" align="center"3rd
Arsenal2–30–6
Basel0–01–1
UEFA Europa LeagueRound of 32 Copenhagen1–20–01–2
2017–18UEFA Champions League2Q Žalgiris4–11–25–3
3Q Hapoel Be'er Sheva3–10–23–3 (a)
UEFA Europa LeaguePO Sūduva Marijampolė2–00–02–0
Group C Braga1–12–02nd
1899 Hoffenheim2–11–1
İstanbul Başakşehir1–20–0
Round of 32 Milan0–30–10–4
2018–19UEFA Champions League1Q7–02–09–0
2Q0–00–10–1
UEFA Europa League3Q Zrinjski Mostar1–01–12–1
PO Torpedo Kutaisi4–01–05–0
Group A Bayer Leverkusen2–31–14th
Zürich1–10–1
AEK Larnaca0–01–1
2019–20UEFA Champions League1Q Ferencváros2–31–23–5
UEFA Europa League2Q Valur4–01–15–1
3Q The New Saints5–04–09–0
PO Maribor0–02–22–2 (a)
Group H CSKA Moscow5–11–12nd
Espanyol0–10–6
Ferencváros1–13–0
Round of 32 Inter Milan0–21–21–4
2020–21UEFA Champions League1Q Budućnost Podgorica3–13–1
2Q Midtjylland0–10–1
UEFA Europa LeaguePO Dynamo Brest2–02–0
Group J Tottenham Hotspur1–30–44th
LASK1–33–4
Royal Antwerp1–21–3
2021–22UEFA Champions League1Q Shakhtyor Soligorsk1–01–02–0
2Q Mura3–10–03–1
3Q Olympiacos2–2 1–13–3 (4–1 p)
PO Malmö FF2–10–22–3
UEFA Europa LeagueGroup F Braga0–1 2–4 4th
Red Star Belgrade0–10–1
Midtjylland0–0 1–1
2022–23UEFA Champions League1Q Sutjeska Nikšić2–01–03–0
2Q Shamrock Rovers3–01–2 4–2
3Q Dinamo Zagreb1–22–43–6
UEFA Europa LeaguePO Žalgiris1–03–3 4–3
Group C Roma2–11–3bgcolor=#BBF3FF rowspan="3" align="center"3rd
Real Betis0–12–3
HJK2–0 1–1
UEFA Europa Conference LeagueKPO Anderlecht1–0 1–22–2 (0–3 p)
2023–24UEFA Champions League1Q Ballkani4–00–24–2
2Q Olimpija Ljubljana1–11–22–3
UEFA Europa League3Q Astana5–11–26–3
PO Ajax1–41–02–4
UEFA Europa Conference LeagueGroup H Fenerbahçe2–01–32nd
Spartak Trnava4–02–1
Nordsjælland1–01–7
KPO Servette0–10–00–1
2024–25UEFA Champions League1Q Dinamo Batumi3–10–13–2
2Q Dinamo Minsk2–00–12–1
3Q Qarabağ2–72–14–8
UEFA Europa LeaguePO Petrocub Hîncești
Notes

UEFA club coefficient ranking

See also: UEFA coefficient. As of 13 July 2024[35]

20252024Mvmt.Club2020–212021–222022–232023–242024–252025 Coeff.
scope=row align=left73scope=row align=left76 +3align=left Leicester Cityalign=center 10.00align=center 13.00align=center 0.00align=center 0.00align=center 0.0023.000
scope=row align=left74scope=row align=left72align=left –2align=left Partizan Belgradealign=center 2.00align=center 7.00align=center 8.00align=center 2.50align=center 2.5022.000
scope=row align=left75scope=row align=left70align=left –5align=left Ludogoretsalign=center 3.00align=center 3.00align=center 5.00align=center 9.00align=center 1.5021.500
scope=row align=left76scope=row align=left75align=left –1align=left Royal Antwerpalign=center 8.00align=center 4.00align=center 2.50align=center 6.00align=center 0.0020.500
scope=row align=left77scope=row align=left100align=left +23align=left Nicealign=center 3.00align=center 0.00align=center 14.00align=center 0.00align=center 3.0020.000

All-time European performance

Opponents by countryPlayedWonDrawnLostGD
2 0 0 2 4:7
2 1 0 1 4:8
4 1 0 3 4:7
4 3 0 1 4:1
2 1 1 0 2:1
6 2 1 3 11:11
2 0 2 0 1:1
2 1 1 0 4:2
7 1 3 3 4:11
6 0 1 5 6:20
2 1 1 0 3:1
2 0 1 1 3:5
3 3 0 1 8:2
4 1 2 1 6:6
2 0 2 0 3:3
6 1 2 3 7:7
2 1 1 0 5:1
2 1 0 1 3:3
8 2 1 5 8:15
2 1 0 1 6:3
2 1 0 1 4:2
6 3 2 1 11:6
2 1 1 0 5:1
2 0 0 2 1:3
5 5 0 0 11:1
4 3 0 1 6:4
2 2 0 0 9:0
4 1 1 2 5:6
2 1 0 1 4:2
2 1 0 1 1:1
2 1 1 0 6:2
8 3 3 2 11:9
4 3 0 1 10:3
6 1 4 1 7:6
8 0 0 8 3:21
2 1 0 1 2:3
10 1 4 5 5:14
4 1 1 2 4:5
2 1 1 0 2:1
2 2 0 0 9:0

Records and notable stats

Club records

Individual records

Other records

Goalscoring and appearance records

Most appearances for the club in all competitions

RankNameCareerAppearances
1 Svetoslav Dyakov2011–2021350
2 Marcelinho2011–2020347
3 Cosmin Moți2012–2021298
4 Wanderson2014–2022270
5 Cicinho2015–2023245
6 Claudiu Keșerü2015–2021244
7 Anicet Abel2014–2021226
8 Georgi Terziev2013–221
9 Virgil Misidjan2013–2018206
10 Anton Nedyalkov2018–181
Most goals for the club in all competitions
RankNameCareerGoals
1 Claudiu Keșerü2015–2021139
2 Marcelinho2011–202098
3 Wanderson2014–202269
4 Virgil Misidjan2013–201849
5 Juninho Quixadá2011–201842
6 Kiril Despodov2020–202339
6 Bernard Tekpetey2020–39
8 Jakub Świerczok2018–202137
9 Cosmin Moți2012–202136
10 Ivan Stoyanov2011–201330
10 Jody Lukoki2015–202030

Most appearances for the club in First League

RankNameCareerAppearances
1 Svetoslav Dyakov2011–2021242
2 Marcelinho2011–2020234
3 Cosmin Moți2012–2021191
4 Wanderson2014–2022176
5 Claudiu Keșerü2015–2021169
6 Cicinho2015–2023159
7 Georgi Terziev2013–156
8 Anicet Abel2014–2021148
9 Juninho Quixadá2011–2018132
9 Virgil Misidjan2013–2018132
Most goals for the club in First League
RankNameCareerGoals
1 Claudiu Keșerü2015–2021113
2 Marcelinho2011–202075
3 Wanderson2014–202253
4 Virgil Misidjan2013–201835
5 Juninho Quixadá2011–201834
6 Bernard Tekpetey2020–30
7 Kiril Despodov2020–202327
8 Cosmin Moți2012–202126
9 Ivan Stoyanov2011–201325
10 Jakub Świerczok2018–202124
Most appearances for the club in European competitions
RankNameCareerAppearances
1 Cosmin Moți2012–202181
2 Marcelinho2011–202080
3 Svetoslav Dyakov2011–202178
4 Wanderson2014–202270
5 Cicinho2015–202365
6 Anton Nedyalkov2018–60
7 Claudiu Keșerü2015–202157
8 Anicet Abel2014–202153
9 Virgil Misidjan2013–201851
10 Bernard Tekpetey2020–47
10 Olivier Verdon2020–47
Most goals for the club in European competitions
RankNameCareerGoals
1 Claudiu Keșerü2015–202116
2 Marcelinho2011–202015
3 Wanderson2014–202214
4 Jody Lukoki2015–202010
4 Jakub Świerczok2018–202110
6 Kiril Despodov2020–20239
7 Roman Bezjak2012–20158
8 Virgil Misidjan2013–20187
8 Pieros Sotiriou2021–20227
10 Cosmin Moți2012–20216
10 Dani Abalo2013–20156
10 Cauly2020–20236
10 Elvis Manu2020–20226
10 Matías Tissera2022–6
10 Jakub Piotrowski2022–6

Recent seasons

League positions

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PlotData= bar:Position width:16 color:white align:center from:01/07/2004 till:01/07/2005 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2005 till:01/07/2006 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2004 till:01/07/2006 color:yellow shift:(0,14) text: Regional from:01/07/2006 till:01/07/2007 shift:(0,-4) text:2 from:01/07/2007 till:01/07/2008 shift:(0,-4) text:6 from:01/07/2008 till:01/07/2009 shift:(0,-4) text:4 from:01/07/2009 till:01/07/2010 shift:(0,-4) text:2 from:01/07/2006 till:01/07/2010 color:red shift:(0,14) text: "V Group" from:01/07/2010 till:01/07/2011 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2010 till:01/07/2011 color:white shift:(0,14) text: "B Group" from:01/07/2011 till:01/07/2012 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2012 till:01/07/2013 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2013 till:01/07/2014 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2014 till:01/07/2015 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2015 till:01/07/2016 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2011 till:01/07/2016 color:green shift:(0,14) text: "A Group" from:01/07/2016 till:01/07/2017 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2017 till:01/07/2018 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2018 till:01/07/2019 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2019 till:01/07/2020 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2020 till:01/07/2021 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2021 till:01/07/2022 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2022 till:01/07/2023 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2023 till:01/07/2024 shift:(0,-4) text:1 from:01/07/2016 till:01/07/2024 color:green shift:(0,14) text: "First League"

width=15%Seasonwidth=10%Position width=5%GPwidth=5%GWwidth=5%GDwidth=5%GLwidth=5%G+width=5%G–width=5%GDwidth=5%Points
30 22 4 4 73 16 +57 70
30 22 6 2 58 13 +45 72
38 25 9 4 74 20 +54 84
32 18 9 5 63 24 +39 60
32 21 7 4 55 21 +34 70
36 25 8 3 87 28 +59 83
36 27 7 2 91 22 +69 88
36 23 10 3 67 19 +48 79
31 21 9 1 59 18 +41 72
31 22 4 5 69 29 +40 70
31 26 1 4 77 25 +52 79
35 26 7 2 81 27 +54 85
35 26 4 5 87 24 +53 82
Total 13 Titles 433 304 85 44 941 286 +645 994

Cup history

SeasonBulgarian CupBulgarian Super CupUEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Europa LeagueUEFA Europa Conference LeagueNotes
2010–11Round of 32did not participatedid not participatedid not participateNot heldalign=center bgcolor=lightgreenPromoted
2011–12align=center bgcolor=goldWinneralign=center bgcolor=goldWinnerdid not participatedid not participateNot heldalign=center bgcolor=goldAchieved treble
2012–13Round of 32align=center bgcolor=silverFinalistSecond qualifying rounddid not participateNot heldalign=center bgcolor=silver2nd consecutive title
2013–14align=center bgcolor=goldWinneralign=center bgcolor=goldWinnerPlay-off roundalign=center bgcolor=goldRound of 16Not heldalign=center bgcolor=goldAchieved treble
2014–15Semi-finalalign=center bgcolor=silverFinalistalign=center bgcolor=silverGroup stagedid not participateNot heldalign=center bgcolor=silver4th consecutive title
2015–16Round of 16Not heldSecond qualifying rounddid not participateNot heldalign=center bgcolor=silver5th consecutive title
2016–17align=center bgcolor=silverFinalistalign=center bgcolor=silverFinalistalign=center bgcolor=silverGroup stagealign=center bgcolor=goldRound of 32Not heldalign=center bgcolor=silver6th consecutive title
2017–18Quarter-finalalign=center bgcolor=goldWinnerThird qualifying roundalign=center bgcolor=goldRound of 32Not heldalign=center bgcolor=silver7th consecutive title
2018–19Quarter-finalalign=center bgcolor=goldWinnerSecond qualifying roundalign=center bgcolor=silverGroup stageNot heldalign=center bgcolor=silver8th consecutive title
2019–20Quarter-finalalign=center bgcolor=silverFinalistFirst qualifying roundalign=center bgcolor=goldRound of 32Not heldalign=center bgcolor=silver9th consecutive title
2020–21Semi-finalalign=center bgcolor=goldWinnerSecond qualifying roundalign=center bgcolor=silverGroup stageNot heldalign=center bgcolor=silver10th consecutive title
2021–22Semi-finalalign=center bgcolor=goldWinnerPlay-off roundalign=center bgcolor=silverGroup stagedid not participatealign=center bgcolor=silver11th consecutive title
2022–23align=center bgcolor=goldWinneralign=center bgcolor=goldWinnerThird qualifying roundalign=center bgcolor=silverGroup stagealign=center bgcolor=goldKnockout play-offsalign=center bgcolor=silverAchieved treble

Rivalries

Rivalry with CSKA Sofia

Updated 21 July 2024

width=15%Competitionwidth=15%Playedwidth=15%Ludogoretswidth=15%Drawswidth=15%CSKAwidth=15%Goal Difference
First League412315357:23
Bulgarian Cup61143:8
Bulgarian Supercup11004:0
Total482516764:31

Dates are in dd/mm/yyyy form.

Ludogorets vs CSKACSKA vs Ludogorets
League
SeasonDivision / RoundDateScoreDateScore
2011–12A PFG23 May 20121–028 November 20112–2
2012–1322 September 20121–011 April 20130–0
2013–1410 August 20133–010 November 20130–2
30 April 20141–026 March 20140–1
2014–1516 August 20142–022 November 20141–1
4 April 20154–09 May 20150–0
2016–17First League5 November 20162–11 April 20170–2
20 May 20171–123 April 20171–1
2017–185 November 20171–222 July 20170–1
6 April 20183–25 May 20180–0
2018–1919 August 20181–06 December 20181–1
6 April 20190–011 May 20190–0
2019–2011 August 20190–01 December 20190–0
5 July 20201–1
2020–2127 February 20211–020 September 20202–2
12 May 20214–1
2021–2229 November 20212–020 December 20211–0
30 April 20225–0
2022–2310 October 20222–130 April 20230–1
20 May 20232–2
2023–2413 August 20233–010 December 20230–1
11 May 20243–1
2024–2521 July 20241–023 November 2024-
Bulgarian Cup
2012–13Round of 1631 October 20121–224 November 20120–1
2017–18Quarter-final14 December 20172–1 (aet)
2018–19Quarter-final3 April 20190–1
2020–21Semi-final14 April 20211–27 April 20211–1
Bulgarian Supercup
2021–22Final17 July 20214–0

Rivalry with Levski Sofia

Updated 17 August 2024

width=15%Competitionwidth=15%Playedwidth=15%Ludogoretswidth=15%Drawswidth=15%Levskiwidth=15%Goal Difference
First League41288564:25
Bulgarian Cup61234:6
Bulgarian Supercup10102:2
Total482911870:33

Dates are in dd/mm/yyyy form.

Ludogorets vs LevskiLevski vs Ludogorets
League
SeasonDivision / RoundDateScoreDateScore
2011–12A PFG25 September 20112–12 April 20120–1
2012–1318 November 20122–118 May 20131–0
2013–147 December 20130–115 September 20130–2
9 April 20142–011 May 20142–3
2014–158 March 20151–027 September 20143–2
2015–161 August 20152–018 October 20151–1
21 February 20162–123 April 20160–0
2016–17First League30 November 20162–113 August 20161–0
14 April 20170–016 May 20171–3
2017–1829 October 20172–06 September 20170–0
12 May 20182–214 April 20180–1
2018–1920 October 20182–19 March 20190–2
18 May 20191–114 April 20190–2
2019–206 October 20192–05 June 20200–1
8 July 20203–0
2020–211 November 20201–018 April 20210–3
2021–2213 March 20222–13 October 20212–4
21 May 20220–1
2022–231 December 20220–028 February 20230–0
3 June 20233–2
2023–243 April 20245–11 October 20230–1
25 May 20241–0
2024–2517 August 20241–08 February 2025
Bulgarian Cup
2014–15Semi-final8 April 20150–029 April 20151–0
2019–20Quarter-final5 March 20200–0 (6–5p.)
2021–22Semi-final13 April 20222–322 April 20221–0
2022–23Round of 164 December 20222–1
Bulgarian Supercup
2022–23Final1 September 20222–2 (4–3p.)

Notable players

Had international caps for their respective countries, or held any club record. Players whose name is listed in bold represented their countries.

Bulgaria
Europe
North America
South America
Africa

Managerial history

DatesNameHonours
2010–2013 Ivaylo Petev99992 A Group titles
1 B Group title
1 Bulgarian Cup title
1 Bulgarian Supercup title
2013–2014 Stoycho Stoev99991 A Group title
1 Bulgarian Cup
2014–2015 Georgi Dermendzhiev99991 A Group title
2 First League titles
1 Bulgarian Supercup
2015 Bruno Ribeiro
2015 Eduard Eranosyan
2015–2017 Georgi Dermendzhiev99992 A Group titles
2017–2018 Dimitar Dimitrov99991 First League title
2018 99991 Bulgarian Supercup title
2018–2019 Antoni Zdravkov
2019 Stoycho Stoev99991 First League title
1 Bulgarian Supercup title
2019 Stanislav Genchev
2019–2020 Pavel Vrba99991 First League title
2020–2021 Stanislav Genchev
2021 Valdas Dambrauskas99991 First League title
1 Bulgarian Supercup title
2021–2022 Stanislav Genchev
2022–2023 Ante Šimundža99991 First League title
1 Bulgarian Supercup title
2023 Ivaylo Petev99991 First League title
1 Bulgarian Cup title
2023–2024 Georgi Dermendzhiev99991 First League title
1 Bulgarian Supercup title
2024–present Zahari Sirakov

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Защо "Лудогорец" е един от най-старите клубове в България? . 11 December 2022 . 11 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221211065740/https://ekip7.bg/2021/09/28/zashto-ludogorets-e-edin-ot-naj-starite-klubove-v-balgariya/ . live .
  2. Web site: Схема и инструкции за достъп до Хювефарма Арена в Разград . 11 December 2022 . 11 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221211065739/https://ludogorets.com/bg/stadium/schema/ . live .
  3. Web site: Ръководство и мениджмънт . Leadership and management . bg . Ludogorets . 13 July 2024 . 13 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240713153806/https://ludogorets.com/bg/about/management/ . live .
  4. Web site: Ludogorets won the sixth title with a record breaking score!. www.ludogorets.com. 18 June 2019. 18 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190618105642/https://www.ludogorets.com/en/news/?i=2043. live.
  5. Web site: Achievements, records & performance – PFC Ludogorets. www.ludogorets.com. 18 June 2019. 18 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190618105632/https://www.ludogorets.com/en/hall-of-fame/european-tournaments/. live.
  6. Web site: "Лудогорец Арена" с най-модерното осветление. sportal.bg. 3 May 2017. 30 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170830012224/https://football.sportal.bg/news.php?news=363917. live.
  7. Web site: Представяне на книгата "Историята на Лудогорец" . . 4 June 2022 . 4 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220604144715/https://www.facebook.com/pfcludogorets1945/videos/845460639506340 . live .
  8. Web site: bgclubs.eu. Ludogorets Razgrad 1945. 3 May 2017. 26 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211026023708/http://bgclubs.eu/teams/Ludogorets1945(Razgrad). live.
  9. Web site: uefa.com. Ludogorets crash the party in Bulgaria. 2011-10-24. 18 January 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120118165706/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=bul/news/newsid=1703762.html#ludogorets+cause+stir. live.
  10. Web site: uefa.com. Ludogorets clinch maiden Bulgarian Cup. 2012-05-16. 18 May 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120518003604/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=bul/news/newsid=1797762.html?rss=1797762+Ludogorets+clinch+maiden+Bulgarian+Cup. live.
  11. Web site: ludogorets.com. Ludogorets 2013/14. 8 July 2020. 9 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200609152948/https://ludogorets.com/en/hall-of-fame/2013-14/. live.
  12. Web site: ludogorets.com. 9 Consecutive Title. 8 July 2020. 7 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200707230032/https://www.ludogorets.com/en/news/?i=3564. live.
  13. http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/301835/report Europa League: Ludogorets win 2:1 at Dinamo Zagreb in Group B
  14. http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/306109/report Europa League: Ludogorets progress after 4:3 victory over Lazio
  15. http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/309410/report Europa League: Valencia beat Ludogorets 1:0 to reach quarter-finals
  16. http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000545/match=2014164/index.html Dudelange striker Turpel frustrates Ludogorets
  17. http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000546/match=2014191/index.html Ludogorets squeeze out Partizan
  18. https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28962031 Ludogorets Razgrad win 6–5 on penalties
  19. Web site: Liverpool 2:1 Ludo Razgd. BBC Sport. 16 September 2014. 18 April 2018. 24 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181024090959/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29209558. live.
  20. Web site: UEFA Champions League 2014/15 – History – Ludogorets-Real Madrid – UEFA.com. uefa.com. 1 October 2014. uefa.com. 3 May 2017. 24 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180624010435/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000548/match=2014326/index.html. live.
  21. News: Ludogorets 1:0 Basel: Minev snatches victory at the death against 10-man Swiss champions. 22 October 2014. goal.com. 22 October 2014. 24 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141024030458/http://www.goal.com/en/match/ludogorets-vs-basel/1923611/report. live.
  22. Web site: Liverpool hit by late Ludogorets leveller. UEFA.com. 26 November 2014. 26 November 2014. 18 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171018042350/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000548/match=2014373/postmatch/report/index.html?autoplay=true. live.
  23. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2020/matches/round=2001150/match=2027791/ Ludogorets 5–1 CSKA Moskva
  24. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2020/matches/round=2001150/match=2027803/ Ferencváros 0–3 Ludogorets
  25. Web site: Ludogorets 1–1 Ferencváros, UEFA.com . 14 December 2019 . 12 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191012043117/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season%3D2020/matches/round%3D2001150/match%3D2027911/ . live .
  26. Web site: Take a look at the retro outfit Ludogorets will wear on the 75th anniversary . 8 July 2020 . 10 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200710035913/https://ludogorets.com/en/news/?i=3575 . live .
  27. Web site: ПФК "Лудогорец" с нова клубна емблема . . 6 June 2016 . ludogorets.com . PFC Ludogorets 1945 . bg . 14 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220114000225/https://ludogorets.com/bg/news/?i=1763 . live .
  28. Web site: Фенове на "Лудогорец" срещу новата емблема – приличала на "Спортинг"-Лисабон . . 7 June 2016 . dariknews.bg . bg . 14 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220114000219/https://dariknews.bg/regioni/razgrad/fenove-na-ludogorec-sreshtu-novata-emblema-prilichala-na-sporting-lisabon-1581465 . live .
  29. Web site: Лудогорец ще играе с Umbro през следващите два сезона. www.ludogorets.com. 7 July 2017. 1 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170801160004/http://www.ludogorets.com/bg/news/?i=2133. live.
  30. Web site: Лудогорец с нов доставчик на екипировка (ВИДЕО) . Ludogorets with a new kit supplier (VIDEO) . Dsport.bg . 12 June 2024 . 12 June 2024 . bg . 12 June 2024 . https://archive.today/20240612160448/https://dsport.bg/ludogorec-s-nov-dostavchik-na-ekipirovka~166894.html . live.
  31. Web site: 9 титли по-късно: Легендата Марселиньо каза "сбогом" на Лудогорец – Gol . 17 July 2020 . 20 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200720053525/https://www.gol.bg/a/403-ludogorets/306490-9-titli-po-kasno-legendata-marselinyo-kaza-sbogom-na-ludogorets . live .
  32. Web site: Лудогорец прие оставката на Георги Дерменджиев - ето кой ще води тима срещу Левски . Ludogorets has accepted Georgi Dermendzhiev's resignation - here's who's going to lead the team against Levski . . Sportal Media Group . 15 August 2024 . 15 August 2024 . bg . 15 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240815094740/https://sportal.bg/news-2024081508265061541 . live.
  33. Web site: Спортно технически щаб . Sports technical staff . bg . Ludogorets . 13 July 2024 . 13 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240713152436/https://ludogorets.com/bg/about/sport-department/ . live .
  34. Web site: Селекционен съвет . Selection board . bg . Ludogorets . 13 July 2024 . 13 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240713153605/https://ludogorets.com/bg/a-team/selection-board/ . live .
  35. Web site: UEFA Team Ranking 2025. Bert. Kassies. kassiesa.net. 17 May 2024. 13 July 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240713155022/https://kassiesa.net/uefa/data/method5/trank2025.html. live.