Nikolov brothers Moni and Aleks have been taking the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship by storm, leading Bulgaria to four straight wins and into the quarterfinals.
Bulgaria’s latest victory was a statement in the Round of 16, sweeping Portugal, 25-19, 25-23, 25-13, on Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
While the Nikolov name has become a crowd favorite in this World Championship thanks to their stellar performances, Moni made sure to remember why they play the sport in the first place—for their father, who inspired them to take up volleyball.
Their father, Vladimir, was a member of the last Bulgarian national team to win a medal in the World Championship, securing bronze in Japan back in 2006.
“I’m proud of myself and my brother. I think we’re trying our hardest to continue his legacy, continue his name—Nikolov,” said Moni, who, at just 18 years old, is already an elite setter.
“Hopefully, we can medal in this tournament, but if not, then I know we’ve given it our all, and he should be proud of us for that,” continued the younger Nikolov.
Aleks, 21, is currently the second-best scorer in the tournament after the Round of 16, with 90 points built on 80 attacks, six aces, and four blocks.
Moni, meanwhile, ranks seventh among setters and also sits 33rd in scoring with 30 points—an impressive tally for a playmaker.
Still, despite Bulgaria’s flawless campaign so far, Aleks remains grounded, knowing they are far from achieving their ultimate goal, especially with either world No. 4 USA or No. 6 Slovenia awaiting them in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
“I don’t wanna get ahead of myself, but we’re feeling confident, and you know we’re gonna come out swinging in the quarterfinals—whether it’s Slovenia or USA,” Aleks said.
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