Petko Rosenov Hristov (; born 1 March 1999) is a Bulgarian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for First League club Levski Sofia, on loan from Spezia, and the Bulgaria national team.
Career Slavia Sofia Hristov started his career in Levski Sofia, before relocating to Slavia Sofia in 2013."Братята Де Бур" от Овча купел He made his senior debut for Slavia in a match of the Europa League against Polish club Zagłębie Lubin on 30 June 2016, coming on as a substitute for Georgi Yomov.Slavia VS. Lubin 1 - 0 A month later he made his Bulgarian First League debut in the opening game of the season against CSKA Sofia.CSKA VS. Slavia 2 - 0 He scored his first goal on 10 September in a 5–2 home win over Lokomotiv Plovdiv. On 1 October Petko was joined by his twin brother Andrea Hristov in the central defense for the very first time against Vereya in the starting line-up.Slavia vs Vereya
On 3 April 2017, Hristov signed his first professional contract with the club until 31 July 2020.Славия подписа с трима от героите на България
Fiorentina On 17 July 2017, Fiorentina confirmed they had signed Hristov on a five-year contract after Firenze Viola, Fiorentina owner, himself liked the player after seeing him in action at the European Under-19 Championship. On 20 August 2017, he was on the bench for the first time in the Serie A match against Inter Milan.Inter beats Fiorentina by 3:0 He made his unofficial debut for the club against Real Madrid on 24 August coming on as a substitute in added time for the Trofeo Bernabeu game.Cristiano Ronaldo goal, assist as Real Madrid win Trofeo Bernabeu gameReal Madrid 2:1 Fiorentina
Ternana (loan) On 16 August 2018, Hristov joined Serie C club Ternana on loan until 30 June 2019. He scored his first goal for the club on 4 December 2018 in a league match against Rimini won by Ternana by 3:0.Fere, 3-0 al Liberati con il Rimini nel recupero della prima giornata
Bisceglie (loan) On 9 August 2019, Hristov joined Serie C club Bisceglie on loan until 30 June 2020.
Pro Vercelli (loan) On 18 September 2020, Hristov joined Serie C club Pro Vercelli on loan until 30 June 2021.
Spezia After his good performance for Pro Vercelli in Serie C, on 5 July 2021 Hristov moved to Serie A team Spezia, signing a contract until 2025.Ufficiale | Petko Hristov è un nuovo calciatore dello Spezia | Spezia Calcio - Sito ufficiale He made his debut for the team on 13 August in a Coppa Italia match against Pordenone and completed his Serie A debut on 23 August in a match against Cagliari.Петко Христов със силен дебют в Серия А при равенство на Специя
Venezia (loan) On 26 January 2023, Hristov was loaned to Venezia for the rest of the 2022–23 season.
International career Youth levels Hristov was called up for the Bulgaria U19 team for the 2017 European Under-19 Championship qualification from 22 to 27 March 2017.Съставът на България (U19) за Елитния кръг във Франция After a draw and 2 wins the team qualified for the knockout phase which was held in July 2017.Футболът ни възкръсна! 19-годишните лъвове "изядоха" всички, България с нов грандиозен успех Petkov played in all 3 matches from the group stage when Bulgaria were eliminated.
On 5 September 2017, he made his debut for the Bulgaria U21 in a match against Luxembourg U21.Младежите падат от Люксембург
Senior team He made his debut for the Bulgaria national football team on 31 March 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland. His twin brother Andrea made his debut in the same game as well.
Personal life Petko Hristov has a twin brother, Andrea, who is also a professional footballer.
Career statistics
Club
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSlavia Sofia First League2016–1725100104Relegation Play-offs03012017–1810–––10Total261001040311Fiorentina Serie A2017–180000––00Ternana (loan)Serie C2018–1913110––141Bisceglie (loan)2019–2025000––250Pro Vercelli (loan)2020–2133200–30362Spezia Serie A2021–2217120––1912022–239020––110Serie B2023–2419310––2032024–2534210–403922025–266010––70Total856700040966Venezia (loan) Serie B2022–23110––10121Career total19310801012021410
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsBulgaria202190202280202320202520202610Total220
Style of play Hristov was described from the Italian media as a physically strong defender with great air abilities and being able to read the game which has led him to be compared to legendary Brazilian defender Thiago Silva.Dalla Bulgaria alla Viola per stregare Pioli: ecco Petko Hristov il nuovo Thiago Silva
Awards Individual Bulgarian Youth Footballer of the Year (1): 2016 Талант №1 Петко Христов: Мечтая да играя в чужбина
References