Full name Iliyan Ivanov Kiryakov 1991–1993 Deportivo La Coruna 1984–1991 Etar Height 1.65 m | Years Team Role Footballer Name Iliyan Kiryakov | |
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Date of birth (1967-08-04) 4 August 1967 (age 48) | ||
Place of birth Lesicheri, Bulgaria | ||
Iliyan Ivanov Kiryakov (Bulgarian: Илиян Иванов Киряков; born 4 August 1967) is a retired Bulgarian footballer. A player of great energy, he was equally at ease at right or left back.
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During a professional career which spanned nearly 20 years, he played for nine different clubs, including three in Scotland.
Kiryakov won more than 50 caps for Bulgaria, and represented the nation at the 1994 World Cup and Euro 1996.
Club career
Kiryakov was born in the small town of Lesicheri. In his country, he represented Etar Veliko Tarnovo and PFC CSKA Sofia. In 1991, he moved abroad, signing with Deportivo de La Coruña. In his first season, he was first-choice (only missed three La Liga matches) but the Galicians barely avoided relegation, as 17th; subsequently, as Super Depor came to fruition, he became a fringe player and left.
Kiryakov continued in Spain for 1993–94, playing in the Segunda División with CP Mérida. He then returned to his country for one more year, with PFC CSKA Sofia, signing in the 1995 summer with Cyprus club Anorthosis Famagusta FC.
Kiryakov spent the following five years in Scotland, playing for Aberdeen (scoring once against Dundee United), Airdrieonians (only five months) and Raith Rovers. He finished his career in June 2003 at nearly 36: after a brief spell with lowly Akademik Svishtov, he retired at Etar, his first club.
International career
During eight years, Kiryakov played 53 times for Bulgaria, scoring five goals.
He appeared in six matches in the 1994 FIFA World Cup (four complete) as the national side finished in fourth position, and was also picked for the squad at UEFA Euro 1996, where he played in group stage 1–1 draw against Spain.