Ludogorets
PFC Ludogorets Razgrad is a Bulgarian professional football club founded in 1945 and based in Razgrad. The club competes in the First Professional Football League, Bulgaria's top tier, and plays their home matches at the Huvepharma Arena, which has a capacity of 10,422 spectators. Since their promotion to the top flight in 2011, Ludogorets has dominated Bulgarian football with an unprecedented 14 consecutive league titles from 2012 to present. Their most notable achievements include becoming the second Bulgarian team to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage and being the first Bulgarian club to score points in the modern Champions League era.
History
Overview
General information about the club
Professional Football Club Ludogorets 1945 is based in Razgrad and currently competes in the First Professional Football League, the top tier of the Bulgarian football league system. The club's traditional home colors are green and white, and they play at the Huvepharma Arena. Since their introduction to Bulgarian top-flight football in 2011, Ludogorets have established themselves as the most dominant force in Bulgarian football history.
Most recent season and achievements
Under the management of Igor Jovićević, Ludogorets continued their domestic dominance by winning their 14th consecutive championship title. This achievement marked the first time in Bulgarian football history that a team won the championship both in April and with five games to spare. The club also completed their fourth domestic treble by defeating CSKA Sofia 1-0 in the 2025 Bulgarian Cup Final at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in front of over 37,000 spectators.
History
Early years
Established in November 1945 after the merging of several rural football clubs from the Ludogorie Region, Ludogorets Razgrad initially participated in the Third football division of Bulgaria. The club promoted to the Second division in 1961. In 1997, the club merged with FC Antibiotic Razgrad and was renamed to FC Antibiotic-Ludogorets. However, the club became defunct in 2005.
Successful period
The rise of Ludogorets began in the 2009/10 season when Aleksandar Aleksandrov, director of FC Razgrad 2000, inherited the history and traditional club records of the former Antibiotic-Ludogorets, returning the name to PFC Ludogorets 1945 Razgrad. In September 2010, the club was purchased by Bulgarian pharmaceutical entrepreneur Kiril Domuschiev, with the clear intention of bringing Ludogorets to the top division. This goal was achieved in May 2011 under head coach Ivaylo Petev when the team promoted to the top division for the first time in the club's history.
In their inaugural 2011-12 season in the top flight, Ludogorets achieved the remarkable feat of winning the double by capturing both the league championship and the Bulgarian Cup. They subsequently won the Bulgarian Supercup, becoming the first team to win a treble in its first season in the top division and one of the few in international football history to accomplish this.
Crisis and recovery
Despite their continued domestic success, Ludogorets faced challenges in European competitions during certain periods. The club experienced setbacks such as early eliminations from the Champions League qualifiers, including a notable defeat to Moldovan champions Milsami Orhei in 2015-16. However, the return of experienced managers like Georgi Dermendzhiev helped stabilize the club and maintain their European ambitions.
Current period
Under various managers including Georgi Dermendzhiev, Ivaylo Petev, and currently Igor Jovićević, Ludogorets has maintained their unprecedented dominance in Bulgarian football. The club has won 14 consecutive league titles from 2012 to present, a record unmatched in Bulgarian football history. They have also achieved multiple domestic trebles and consistently participated in European competitions, becoming the first Bulgarian team to qualify for all three European tournaments.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
Ludogorets has won the Bulgarian First League 14 consecutive times from 2012 to present, establishing themselves as the most successful club in modern Bulgarian football. They have also claimed the Bulgarian Cup four times and hold the record for Bulgarian Supercup victories with eight titles. The club has achieved the domestic treble on four occasions, demonstrating their complete dominance across all domestic competitions.
Continental and global competitions
In European competitions, Ludogorets became the second Bulgarian team after Levski Sofia to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage, achieving this feat twice (2014-15 and 2016-17). They were the first Bulgarian team to score points in the modern Champions League group stage following a 1-0 victory over Basel. The club has reached the knockout stages of the Europa League four times, more than any other Bulgarian club, with their best performance being a Round of 16 appearance in 2013-14.
Symbols and Colors
Current logo and logo history
The club's current crest was introduced for the beginning of the 2016-17 season following a poll held on the club's official website, where supporters chose from 130 different crest variants. However, some supporters expressed dissent with the new crest, describing it as "lacking identity" and noting its striking similarity to Sporting CP's logo. After winning their tenth championship title, Ludogorets added a golden star above their crest to commemorate this milestone.
Traditional home and away kits colors
Ludogorets' main kit color is forest green, while the away kit is white. The club also uses a black alternative kit in some domestic matches. During their 75th anniversary celebration, they wore a special green and yellow retro kit that replicated the design used when the club was founded in 1945.
Traditional club anthem
The source material does not contain information about a traditional club anthem.
Traditional Rivals
CSKA Sofia
Ludogorets maintains a significant rivalry with CSKA Sofia, one of Bulgaria's most traditional clubs. Their encounters have often been decisive in determining championship outcomes, with memorable matches including cup finals and crucial league encounters that have shaped the modern Bulgarian football landscape.
Levski Sofia
The rivalry with Levski Sofia represents another important fixture for Ludogorets. These matches often feature high stakes, as both clubs have been competitors for domestic titles, with several dramatic encounters that have influenced championship races throughout Ludogorets' dominant period.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Sponsors
Ludogorets has had partnerships with several major sportswear manufacturers. In June 2017, they reached a sponsorship agreement with English manufacturer Umbro for two seasons. In June 2019, they signed a long-term agreement with American manufacturer Nike. Most recently, in June 2024, Ludogorets signed a new long-term agreement with German sportswear manufacturer Jako.
Nicknames
The club is commonly referred to as the "Eagles," reflecting their ambitious and soaring approach to football both domestically and in European competitions.
Ownership and finances
The club is owned by Bulgarian pharmaceutical entrepreneur Kiril Domuschiev, who purchased Ludogorets in September 2010 with the clear intention of bringing the club to the top division and establishing them as a major force in Bulgarian football.
Traditions and culture
Ludogorets celebrated their 75th anniversary in 2020, during which they wore special retro kits featuring the original green and yellow colors and logo design from 1945. The club has established several traditions around their European campaigns and maintains strong connections with their supporters through various community initiatives.
Stadium
The club's home ground is the Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad, a modern stadium with a capacity of 10,422 spectators. The venue has witnessed many historic moments in the club's remarkable rise to prominence, including championship celebrations and memorable European nights that have put Bulgarian football on the continental map.
Ludogorets
Club Information
Official Name
Ludogorets
Founding Year
1945
Tactical Formation
4-3-3
Stadium Information
Stadium Name
Ludogorets Arena
Capacity
10.422
Address
bul. Severen
City
Razgrad, Bulgaria
Surface
grass
Key Personnel
Captain
Jakub Piotrowski
Captain's Stats
188cm, 78kg
Head Coach
Thomas Reis
Head Coach Age
52 Age
Coach Nationality
DE
Recent Honours
| Season | Competition | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | Hạng Nhất Bulgaria | 🏆 1 |
| 2024-2025 | Hạng Nhất Bulgaria | 🏆 2 |
| 2024-2025 | Cúp Quốc Gia Bulgaria | 🏆 1 |
| 2024-2025 | Cúp Quốc Gia Bulgaria | 🏆 2 |
| 2023-2024 | Cúp Quốc Gia Bulgaria | 🏆 2 |
Current Season Stats
| Competition | Rank | Matches | W-D-L | Points |
|---|
Goal Statistics
First League (BGR)
57 Scored - 20 Conceded
First League (BGR)
4 Scored - 5 Conceded
Europa League (UEFA)
12 Scored - 15 Conceded
First League (BGR)
62 Scored - 14 Conceded
First League (BGR)
70 Scored - 22 Conceded