Valentin Yotov (footballer)
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Valentin Yotov | ||
| Date of birth | 18 January 2006 | ||
| Place of birth | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | ||
| Position(s) | |||
| Youth career | |||
| –2018 | Philadelphia Union | ||
| 2018–2025 | Bayern Munich | ||
| International career‡ | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023– | Bulgaria U18 | 2 | (0) |
| 2023– | Bulgaria U19 | 5 | (0) |
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:45, 19 November 2024 (UTC) | |||
Valentin Yotov (Bulgarian: Валентин Йотов; born 18 January 2006) is a footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and forward.[1][2][3][4] Born in the United States, he is a Bulgaria youth international.
Early life
Yotov was born on 18 January 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, to Bulgarians Yoto Yotov, an economics professor, and Anelia Yotova, who obtained a master's degree in economics. The older brother of Ivan Yotov, he started playing football at the age of five and regarded England international Jadon Sancho as his football idol.[5]
Club career
Growing up in the United States, Yotov played futsal. At the age of twelve, he joined the youth academy of MLS side Philadelphia Union. In 2018, he moved to Germany, and joined the youth academy of Bundesliga side Bayern Munich. Five years later, he was promoted to the club's under-19 team. On 11 October 2023, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide.[5] Following the end of the 2024–25 season, Yotov's contract was not renewed and he became a free agent.
International career
Born in the United States to Bulgarian parents, Yotov is eligible to represent United States or Bulgaria internationally. He has represented Bulgaria at the youth levels, having featured with the U18s and U19s.
References
- ^ "Next Generation 2023: 60 of the best young talents in world football". theguardian.com.
- ^ "От Бостън до Мюнхен и планетата "Байерн" - едно българче с големи мечти". Corner.dir.bg (in Bulgarian). 6 October 2020.
- ^ "Синът на наш професор катери върхове в Байерн Мюнхен (ВИДЕО)". Fakti.bg - Да извадим фактите наяве.
- ^ "Футболист на Байерн Мюнхен ще играе за националния на България". Gol.
- ^ a b Christenson, Marcus; Bloor, Steven; Blight, Garry (11 October 2023). "Next Generation 2023: 60 of the best young talents in world football". theguardian.com. Retrieved 11 October 2023.