PFC Beroe Stara Zagora

Lore & Background

Beroe traces its roots to 4 May 1924, when it was founded as Beroya after the merger of Borislav and Rekord. The club underwent numerous name changes and mergers, including periods as Udarnik and Botev, before restoring the name Beroe in 1959. Its golden age began in 1968 with the arrival of forward Petko Petkov, who scored 144 goals in A Group over 12 years. Beroe won the Balkans Cup in 1968 and 1969, and reached the third round of the UEFA Cup in 1971–72 and the quarter-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1973–74.

In 1986, under coach Evgeni Yanchovski, Beroe won its first Bulgarian title, finishing with 43 points. The club won the Balkans Cup again in 1982 and 1984, setting a record. After relegation in 1994–95, Beroe faced financial turmoil, including a 2008 insolvency proceeding that led to a new joint-stock company. The club won the Bulgarian Cup in 2010 and 2013, the latter via a penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw with Levski Sofia. In 2023, American agency CRD Sport acquired 100% of the club's shares.

Reader's Guide

Beroe Stara Zagora holds a significant place in Bulgarian football history as a club that has consistently represented its city at the highest level despite political and economic upheavals. Its record four Balkans Cup titles—won in 1968, 1969, 1982, and 1984—make it the most successful club in that regional competition. The 1986 Bulgarian championship remains the club's greatest domestic achievement, while the two Bulgarian Cup victories in 2010 and 2013 demonstrated resilience during periods of financial instability. Beroe's European campaigns, including a 1–0 win over Juventus in 1979 and a 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao in 1973, highlight its ability to compete against stronger sides. The club's survival through insolvency in 2008 and subsequent revival under new ownership in 2023 underscore its enduring role in Stara Zagora. Petko Petkov, the club's most noted player, was A Group top scorer in 1974 and 1976.

Did You Know?

• Beroe holds the record for most Balkans Cup titles, winning the tournament four times (1968, 1969, 1982, 1984).
• The club's most noted player, Petko Petkov, was A Group top scorer in 1974 (20 goals) and 1976 (19 goals).
• Beroe won the Bulgarian Cup in 2010 without conceding a goal in the tournament.
• In 2023, American player agency CRD Sport acquired 100% of Beroe's shares.