Midfielder Ilia Gruev has been named Bulgaria’s Player of the Year for 2025, capping a standout year for the Leeds United man both domestically and internationally.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Sofia, played a key role in Leeds United’s promotion-winning campaign to the Premier League, making 26 appearances across 2025 and clocking 1,540 minutes in midfield.

Calm in possession and disciplined out of it, Gruev also contributed two assists as Daniel Farke’s side secured a return to the top flight.

Gruev’s impact extended onto the international stage, where he represented Bulgaria nine times during 2025, further underlining his importance to his national side.

Recognition now follows, with Gruev voted as Bulgaria’s finest player for the calendar year - an accolade that places him among the country’s most celebrated footballing names, including Hristo Stoichkov, Stiliyan Petrov, Dimitar Berbatov and Martin Petrov.

Speaking after receiving the award, Gruev shared an emotional message via his Instagram account:

“If someone had told me as a little boy that I would be holding this award in my hands, I would hardly have believed it. It is a true honour to follow in the footsteps of our country's greatest football players.

This award doesn't belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone who pushed me when things got tough. So proud to represent these colours. So proud to represent these colours.”