Simeon Nikolov
Simeon "Moni" Vladimirov Nikolov is a Bulgarian volleyball player who plays as a setter. He currently plays professionally for VC Lokomotiv Novosibirsk and is a member of the Bulgaria men's national volleyball team. Nikolov won the 2025 AVCA National Player of the Year award during his freshman season at Long Beach State University.
Personal life
He is the son of Vladimir Nikolov, one of the most decorated players in the history of the Bulgarian national volleyball team, and his wife, Maya Nikolova. He has two brothers: an older brother, Aleksandar, who is also a volleyball player and national team teammate, a younger brother, Philip and a younger sister, Daria.Club career
During his freshman season at Long Beach State in 2025, Simeon Nikolov quickly established himself as a standout player. He recorded 1,030 assists, averaging 9.60 assists per set, alongside 153 kills and 77 blocks. Nikolov also set a new NCAA single-season record with 106 service aces, averaging nearly one ace per set. His exceptional performance earned him several prestigious awards, including the AVCA National Player of the Year and Big West Player of the Year.In May 2025, 18‑year‑old setter Simeon Nikolov completed his first professional transfer, departing Long Beach State to join Lokomotiv Novosibirsk of the Russian Super League, where Plamen Konstantinov is the head coach. His initial contract spans one year, with options to extend for up to two additional seasons.
Nikolov stated that Lokomotiv was “the strongest team that wanted me” and expressed confidence in working under Plamen Konstantinov, aiming to develop further in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. The decision, he said, was supported by his family, national coach Gianlorenzo Blengini, and the Bulgarian federation, emphasizing his ambition to strengthen the national team by gaining experience at the top level.
Lokomotiv’s president and coach highlighted Nikolov’s exceptional potential, citing his physical attributes—207 cm height, powerful serve—and expressed plans to integrate him as their primary setter.
International career
In September 2023, at the age of just under 16, Nikolov was called up to the senior Bulgarian national team by Plamen Konstantinov for the [Volleyball at the 2024 Men's U20 Volleyball European Championship|2024 Summer Olympics – Men's qualification|intercontinental Olympic qualification tournament for the 2024 Summer Olympics].In January 2024, during the Balkan qualifiers for the U20 European Championship, the Bulgarian junior national team won a match against Turkey in which Nikolov scored 18 points—nine of them with service aces, four from blocks, and the remaining five from second-ball attacks and tip shots.
Nikolov participated as the setter for Bulgaria in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League. Throughout the preliminary phase, he scored a total of 28 points—averaging 7.00 points per match. His contributions included 15 attack points, 5 block points, and 8 serve points.
In the tournament opener on 11 June against Italy, Nikolov contributed 7 points from 3 attacks and 4 serves. He also delivered consistent performances against Argentina, Germany, and Canada.
A highlight came on 13 June, when Bulgaria claimed their first VNL victory in Quebec, defeating Argentina 3–0. In that match, the Nikolov brothers combined for 20 points, with Simeon contributing 6 points, including two consecutive service aces to clinch the win.