Two brothers create a storm at the Volleyball World Cup

The older brother is 2m07 tall, and the younger brother is 2m08 tall. The moment the Nikolov brothers stepped onto the court at the 2025 Volleyball World Championship, all opponents would be afraid.

Simeon (right) and his brother Aleksandar Nikolov - Anh3L FIVB

You pass, I hit

The 2025 Volleyball World Cup is witnessing an uncommon story in the sport , the shining of the Nikolov brothers - a surname that is all too familiar to Bulgarian fans.

If Aleksandar (22 years old) is the main striker, shouldering most of the team's points with powerful attacks, then his 18-year-old younger brother Simeon stunned the fans when he played steadily in the setter position.

You pass the ball, I shoot, that's the extremely simple formula that the Bulgarian volleyball team brought to the Philippines 2025. And with that formula, they reached the finals of the world tournament.

His brother Aleksandar Nikolov is the world's number 1 scorer - Photo: FIVB

The world press did not hesitate to praise the talented Nikolov brothers. L'Equipe wrote: "There must be room for both brothers in the best squad of the tournament."

Indeed, in the main attack position, the older brother Aleksandar has scored 150 points in the tournament, with 11 of them coming from serve. The final has not yet started, but the Nikolov brother is already more than 40 points ahead of the other leading scorers.

His younger brother Simeon is also one of the best setters - Photo: FIVB

While Aleksandar is best in the attacking position, Simeon is currently rated as the second best setter in the tournament. He made 204 successful passes, only less than Iran's Arshia (222), and achieved an efficiency score of 42.15%.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (Italy) called them "the twin phenomenon of volleyball, despite a 4-year age gap". The Italian newspaper's "twin" comparison is intended to show the compatibility of the two brothers.

VolleyWorld's analyst commented: "Aleksandar possesses destructive attacking qualities, while Simeon brings balance and solidity in the back row. Rarely is a team lucky enough to have a pair of brothers who complement each other so perfectly."

The Legendary Father

Few are surprised that the two brothers have shone so brightly, as they carry within them the legacy of a rare volleyball family.

Their father, Vladimir Nikolov, was the number 1 symbol of Bulgarian volleyball for more than a decade in the first decade of the 21st century.

With a height of 2m01 and a strong playing style, Vladimir played for Bulgaria in three Olympic Games and won many titles at top European clubs such as Lube Civitanova (Italy), Tours (France), and Al Arabi (Qatar).

Mr. Vladimir and his two sons 10 years ago - Photo: NP

He was also the captain of the national team from 2000 to 2012, and is considered by his hometown fans as the "soul" of Bulgarian volleyball.

After retiring, Vladimir moved into youth training, as coach of the Bulgaria U20 team. He was the one who directly guided Aleksandar in his first steps, and then Simeon.

Responding to BTV Bulgaria, Vladimir proudly said: “I have never put pressure on my sons to follow in their father's footsteps. But they find their own passion and then assert their own talent.

As a father, I am happy to see them love volleyball like me, but more importantly, they have overcome it in their own way."

It was Mr. Vladimir (middle) who brought his two sons to volleyball - Photo: TB

In many recent interviews, Vladimir Nikolov has always expressed his belief that his two sons can continue his unfinished dream - bringing Bulgaria back to the top of the world.

“Aleksandar is a modern, all-round and tenacious athlete. Simeon, despite his young age, has a rare composure in the libero position. I have no doubt that they will be with the national team for a long time and bring success,” Vladimir told FIVB News.

Two brothers support each other

Aleksandar always admits that his father's influence is huge: "When I was young, I always followed my father to the gym, watching him practice and compete. That image motivated me to constantly practice. Listening to my father's comments after each match was the most valuable lesson."

Familiar image at the 2025 World Championship - Photo: FIVB

Meanwhile, Simeon emphasized his bond with his brother: “Alex is a role model and also a spiritual support. I am lucky to have a brother who both inspires and teaches technical details. When we are on the field, we understand each other down to every move.”

Because they play in two different positions, Aleksandar and Simeon have more opportunities to prove their compatibility on the field.

“There is nothing better than when after a save from me, Alex immediately scores. It feels like we are writing a victory together,” Simeon shared. His brother said: “The feeling of Simeon standing behind me gives me strength.”

Genetic height is the first factor they both received from their father Vladimir - who is 2m01 tall. His two sons are 2m07 - 2m08 tall, this number alone is enough to make opponents fear.

And with that comes spirit, passion, wisdom, superior knowledge, as well as great understanding on the court. The NIkolov brothers shine as a matter of course, with natural volleyball talent flowing through their veins.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hai-anh-em-gay-bao-o-giai-bong-chuyen-the-gioi-20250927221233667.htm