Aleksander Marinov

Athlete Info

Introduction

I am a dedicated midfielder/forward from Bulgaria, currently competing in the Elite League with Septemvri Sofia and representing Bulgaria at the youth national-team level. My goal is to continue developing as both a soccer player and a student and to compete at the NCAA Division I level while earning a degree in computer science.

I am hardworking, coachable, disciplined, and always looking to improve. I believe I can contribute to a competitive college program through my work ethic, technical ability, creativity, finishing, and team-first mentality.

Academically, I attend the Sofia High School of Mathematics, one of Bulgaria’s leading academic schools, with a highly competitive admissions process. My studies include advanced mathematics, English, physics, and computer science.

Sport

Top Athletic Achievements

FC Septemvri Sofia

• U17 Elite Group — 3rd Place
• U16 Elite Group — 2nd Place
• U15 Elite Group — 4th Place
• Bulgarian National Cup U14 — Champions

Bulgarian National Team

UEFA European U17 Qualification — Round 1

• 3rd place in group
• Record: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss

UEFA European U17 Qualification — Round 2, League B

• 1st place in group
• Record: 2 wins, 1 draw

Competitions & Tournaments

2025/26 SEASON STATISTICS

Games Played: 35
Games Started: 31
Goals: 13
Assists: 18
Game-Winning Goals: 6
Shots: 60+
Shots on Goal: 25+
Yellow Cards: 3
Red Cards: 0

Team Statistics 2025/2026

Overall Record: 19 Wins / 8 Draws / 8 Losses

Home: 10 wins / 4 draws / 3 losses
Away: 6 wins / 2 draws / 4 losses
Neutral: 3 wins / 2 draws / 1 loss

CAREER STATISTICS

Games Played: 150
Games Started: 135
Goals: 73
Assists: 79
Game-Winning Goals: 40
Yellow Cards: 9
Red Cards: 0

Other Athletic Info

SOCCER HONORS & INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS

2025/26 Season

• Best Winger in the League
• Selected to the U17 Team of the Season
• Best Goal of the Season
• 5 Bulgarian National Team Call-Ups
• Best Goal — November 2025
• Best Goal — February 2026

Academics

Other Achievements

Academic Achievements

• IIMC Mathematics Competition — First Award, 2021
• National External Assessment in Mathematics — 100/100
• National Mathematics Olympiad — 1st Place, 5th and 6th Grade
• Autumn Informatics Competition — 2nd Round Participant, 8th Grade
• Spring Informatics Competition — 2nd Round Participant, 8th Grade
• National Informatics Olympiad — 3rd/Final Round Participant, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade

Interview

What makes you different?

What makes me different is my ability to combine high-level soccer with a demanding academic education. Soccer and mathematics have been my two main passions for as long as I can remember.

I represent Bulgaria at the youth national-team level and compete in the Elite Championship with Septemvri Sofia. At the same time, I attend the Sofia High School of Mathematics, one of Bulgaria’s leading academic schools, where admission is highly competitive. I have participated in national mathematics and computer programming competitions since the fifth grade.

As a soccer player, I have experience playing almost every position on the field. This has helped me develop strong technical skills and a good understanding of the game. My main strengths are my one-on-one ability, speed, agility, crossing, creativity, and confidence.

Most importantly, I am always looking for ways to improve—in soccer, academics, and life.

Why do you want to compete in college?

I have been playing soccer since I was five years old, and it has always been an important part of my life. I want to compete in college because it would allow me to continue playing at a high level while pursuing an excellent education.

I want to challenge myself in the competitive environment of U.S. college soccer and continue developing physically, technically, and tactically. At the same time, studying at a U.S. university would give me excellent academic and career opportunities beyond soccer.

For me, college soccer offers the opportunity to pursue both of my major goals without having to choose between athletics and education.

What are your college goals?

My goal is to combine high-level soccer with a strong university education. I want to join a competitive program where I can continue developing tactically, physically, and technically while contributing to the success of my team.

Academically, I want to pursue my interests in computer science, artificial intelligence, and software engineering at a strong university. My goal is to make the most of both the athletic and academic opportunities available to me and prepare myself for a successful future.

What are your soccer and life goals?

My ultimate goal is to become a professional soccer player and reach the highest level possible in the sport.

At the same time, education is very important to me. I have a strong interest in artificial intelligence and software engineering, and I want to build the academic foundation that will allow me to pursue a successful career in these fields as well.

My long-term goal is to challenge myself at the highest level and create opportunities for success both in soccer and beyond the game.

Is there anything else we should know?

Outside of soccer and academics, I enjoy playing volleyball and padel, spending time with my friends and family, and solving puzzles and different types of Rubik’s Cubes.

I also enjoy helping younger students improve their mathematics skills and volunteer my time by giving them mathematics lessons.

Media

Aleksander Marinov Club Highlights