Macron is the new technical partner of the Bulgarian Football Union

Macron is the new technical partner of the Bulgarian Football Union. Starting from 1st January and for the next six years, the Macron Hero will be seen on the shirts of all Bulgarian national squads, from the men’s to the women’ first teams and the youth teams too.

In addition to the development of fully customised match kits, the new partnership will also cover the supply of technical sportswear, a line of merchandise for the fans of the Bulgarian “lions” and even balls for the women’ and youth teams. This long-term partnership will begin in the centenary year of the BFS (Bǎlgarski Futbolen Sǎjuz - formed in 1923) and continue until 2028.

The Bulgarian squad has always been one of the top teams in international Balkan football and had its heyday in the ’90s, in the 1994 World Cup in particular. Managed by Dimităr Penev and led by star player Hristo Stoičkov, the “Luvovete” reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in the United States, eliminating France and finishing in fourth place (the best ever placing achieved by Bulgaria in an international competitions), beating adversaries of the calibre of Greece, Argentina, Mexico and even Germany. In the semi-final against Italy, it took a double by Roberto Baggio to stop what was viewed as the “golden generation” of Bulgarian players after one of the most exciting chapters in the history of the nation’s sport.

Hristo Stoičkov is still considered the brightest star ever to wear the white, red and green of the national team. He is followed by Dimităr Berbatov and Hristo Bonev, who share the record for goals scored (48), Krassimir Balakov, current BFU president and captain of the “golden generation” Borislav Mihaylov and Stilijan Petrov, who holds the record for appearances, having played in a “Lions” shirt 105 times.

Following the technical partnership agreements with the federation's referees and with some of the Parva Liga's top clubs, including CSKA Sofia and PFC Botev Plovdiv, the link between Macron and Bulgaria is thus further strengthened. The partnership, based on shared values like passion, team spirit and belonging, will lead to the supply of top-quality products with a clear focus on environmental sustainability. The new match kits, which will be presented in the summer of 2023, will feature exclusive designs emphasising the history, symbols and colours of the Bulgarian national side.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Bulgarian Football Union,” declares Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron, “This long-term project coincides with a major, prestigious milestone for the federation – its 100th anniversary. Over the years, Bulgarian football has achieved fantastic results and some great champions have worn the colours of the national team. This is an important new agreement and marks the beginning of many years of partnership and mutual satisfaction. Working alongside the BFS, we are committed to providing the national teams with products that excel not only technically but in terms of design too.”

“I am extremely pleased that we are now collaborating with such a well-known brand. - said Borislav Mihaylov, president of the Bulgarian Football Union - This shows not only confidence in the quality of Bulgarian football, but also in the future of our national teams. Both sides are aware of the great potential that Bulgaria has and the great interest of our fan base and therefore they will produce a special collection of merchandise for our supporters. I am grateful to our previous partners for their professional behavior and I am sure that Bulgaria will reach new heights with Macron equipment”.