K. Stoyanov

Kristiyan Stoyanov is a product of Slavia Sofia's own academy, joining the club's youth setup in 2012 before signing with the reserve side, Slavia Sofia II. There, over two seasons, he made 22 appearances and scored once. He made his first-team debut that year, on 19 May 2022, against city rivals Levski Sofia.

His breakthrough with the senior side came gradually rather than in one moment. It took until 6 April 2024 for his first goal in Slavia colours, scored against Arda Kardzhali. Three weeks later, on 27 April 2024, he was handed the captain's armband for the first time, in a match against CSKA 1948.

Stoyanov's style of play has drawn comparisons in Bulgaria to Krasimir Balakov, with some in the domestic press labelling him the "new Balakov." His honours to date remain modest: a Bulgarian under-19 championship in the 2021–2022 season, with no personal awards and no major title yet with Slavia's first team.

International recognition followed his domestic form. He progressed through Bulgaria's youth ranks — six caps at under-19 level, then 17 appearances and a goal for the under-21s — before making his senior national team debut on 10 March 2025. He has since won five caps for Bulgaria without finding the net.

His rise did not go unnoticed elsewhere in the capital: in November 2024, reports linked him with interest from CSKA Sofia, where his contract runs until 30 June 2027.