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Filip Krastev
Filip Krastev
from Wikipedia

Filip Yavorov Krastev (Bulgarian: Филип Яворов Кръстев; born 15 October 2001) is a Bulgarian professional footballer who plays as a left winger or attacking midfielder for Göztepe, on loan from Challenger Pro League club Lommel, and the Bulgaria national team.

Key Information

Club career

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Slavia Sofia

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Krastev joined Slavia Sofia's youth academy in 2010.[2] He made his first team debut at the age of 16 years and 210 days in a 3–0 home loss against Lokomotiv Plovdiv on 13 May 2018, coming on as a substitute for Galin Ivanov.[3] Krastev scored his first senior goal on 24 February 2020, netting the second for Slavia during their 3–1 victory against Dunav Ruse. A week later, he provided an assist to Ivaylo Dimitrov in a 2–1 away win over Levski Sofia.[4]

Lommel

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On 18 June 2020, Slavia announced that Krastev would sign for Premier League club Manchester City in the following week;[5] however, on 28 June 2020, Krastev signed with Belgian First Division B team Lommel, part of the City Football Group, which immediately loaned him back to Slavia until the end of 2020.[6]

Loans

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Krastev with Levski Sofia in 2022

On 28 January 2021, Krastev joined another City Football Group side, Troyes, on an 18-month loan deal.[7] On 27 August 2021, his loan deal with Troyes was cut short to allow him to join Eredivisie side Cambuur on a season-long loan deal.[8]

On 27 January 2022, Krastev returned to Bulgaria to sign for Levski Sofia on a six-month loan.[9] On 28 June 2022, his loan was extended for a further year.[10]

On 26 July 2023, Krastev joined Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC on loan until 30 June 2024, with a permanent transfer option.[11] He made his debut on 8 August in Leagues Cup match against Real Salt Lake, coming as a substitute in the 76th minute and scoring his debut goal in the 84th minute for the 4–0 win.

In January 2024, his loan deal with LAFC was terminated early. He returned to Europe to sign a loan deal with PEC Zwolle on 26 January.[12] He re-signed on loan with PEC Zwolle in July 2024.[13]

On 1 September 2025, Krastev joined EFL Championship club Oxford United on a season-long loan.[14] On 5 February, he was recalled by Lommel.[15] Later that day, he joined Süper Lig side Göztepe on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy.[16]

International career

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In August 2020, he received his first call up to the senior side for the UEFA Nations League in September, earning his first cap on 6 September, in a 1–0 away loss against Wales after coming on as a late second-half substitute for Todor Nedelev.[17] On 5 September 2024, he had a good first half performance in the 0:0 away draw with Belarus in a UEFA Nations League match, but was sent off after the break due to receiving a second yellow card.[18]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 1 October 2025[19]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup[a] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Slavia Sofia 2017–18 First League 1 0 0 0 1 0
2018–19 First League 13 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 17 0
2019–20 First League 16 3 0 0 16 3
Total 30 3 1 0 2 0 1 0 34 3
Lommel 2020–21 Challenger Pro League 0 0 0 0 0 0
Slavia Sofia (loan) 2020–21 First League 14 1 0 0 1 0 15 1
Troyes (loan) 2020–21 Ligue 2 2 0 0 0 2 0
Cambuur (loan) 2021–22 Eredivisie 3 0 2 1 5 1
Levski Sofia (loan) 2021–22 First League 12 3 4 0 16 3
2022–23 First League 34 8 1 0 4 1 1 0 40 9
Total 46 11 5 0 4 1 1 0 56 12
Los Angeles FC (loan) 2023 MLS 10 1 2[b] 1 12 2
PEC Zwolle (loan) 2023–24 Eredivisie 14 2 0 0 14 2
2024–25 Eredivisie 31 6 1 0 32 6
Total 45 8 1 0 46 8
Oxford United 2025–26 Championship 4 0 0 0 4 0
Career total 157 24 6 1 7 1 4 1 170 27

International

[edit]
As of match played 18 November 2025[20]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Bulgaria 2020 1 0
2021 0 0
2022 7 0
2023 5 0
2024 9 1
2025 6 1
Total 28 2

International goals

Bulgaria score listed first, score column indicates score after each Krastev goal[20]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 25 March 2024 Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan  Azerbaijan 1–0 1–1 2024 FIFA Series
2. 18 November 2025 Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria  Georgia 2–0 2–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

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Levski Sofia

Individual

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Filip Yavorov Krastev (Bulgarian: Филип Кръстев; born 15 October 2001) is a Bulgarian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for club Oxford United on loan from Belgian side . Standing at 1.78 metres (5 ft 10 in) tall and right-footed, Krastev is known for his creativity, vision, and ability to contribute goals and assists in attacking phases. Krastev began his youth career with Slavia Sofia in 2010, progressing to the senior squad in July 2018 at the age of 16, where he made his professional debut later that year. In July 2020, he transferred to for a reported fee of €2.3 million (£2 million). His career has since featured multiple spells to gain experience, including returns to Bulgarian football with Levski Sofia from 2021 to 2023 (where he scored 12 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions), a stint with Major League Soccer's in 2023, and a productive 2024–25 season with in the Dutch , during which he recorded 6 goals and 6 assists in 33 league matches and earned the league's Player of the Month award for January 2025 after scoring twice against . In September 2025, Krastev joined Oxford United on a season-long , expressing his ambition to thrive in English football. Internationally, Krastev has represented since his senior debut on 6 September 2020, at the age of 18, in a match against . As of November 2025, he has earned 27 caps for the national team, establishing himself as a key figure in the squad's midfield.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Filip Krastev was born on 15 October 2001 in , . Little is publicly known about his family background or specific early influences, though he grew up in , a city renowned for its vibrant football culture as the home of prominent Bulgarian clubs.

Youth career at Slavia Sofia

Krastev joined Slavia Sofia's youth academy in 2010 at the age of eight, marking the start of his structured football development with one of Bulgaria's prominent clubs. Throughout his time in the academy, Krastev progressed through the club's age-group teams, focusing on his role as an . By 2018, after eight years in the system, Krastev earned promotion to the senior squad, reflecting his internal advancement and readiness for professional football.

Club career

Slavia Sofia (2018–2020)

Krastev made his professional debut for Slavia Sofia on 13 May 2018, entering as a substitute in the 72nd minute during a 0–3 home defeat to Lokomotiv in the Bulgarian First League, at the age of 16 years and 210 days. Having developed through the club's youth academy since joining in 2010, this match represented his transition to senior football with his boyhood team. During his time with Slavia Sofia from 2018 to 2020, Krastev accumulated 34 appearances and 3 goals across all competitions, gradually earning more regular playing time in the First League. His breakthrough came in the 2019–20 season, where he featured more prominently as an attacking midfielder, contributing to the team's mid-table finish. Notable among his contributions was his first senior goal, scored on 24 February 2020, when he netted Slavia's second in a 3–1 league win over Dunav Ruse, equalizing before the team pulled ahead. Later that season, on 4 July 2020, Krastev delivered the decisive goal in a 2–1 comeback victory against rivals Levski Sofia, striking in the second half to secure the points after trailing at halftime. These moments, combined with his technical skill and vision on the ball, positioned him as a standout young prospect in Bulgarian football.

2020–2021: Transfer to and loan return to Slavia Sofia

In June 2020, shortly after (CFG) completed its acquisition of Belgian second-division club in May of that year, announced a permanent transfer agreement for Filip Krastev from Slavia Sofia. The deal, valued at approximately €2.3 million, was finalized on 2 July 2020, marking Krastev's entry into CFG's global network of clubs as an 18-year-old prospect. This move positioned him for long-term development within the group's ecosystem, leveraging 's role as a pathway for young talents. To facilitate a smooth transition and continued playing time in a familiar environment, Krastev was immediately loaned back to Slavia Sofia for the entirety of the 2020–21 season. The arrangement allowed him to remain in the Bulgarian First League while technically under Lommel's contract, aligning with CFG's strategy of gradual integration for academy products. During the loan period, Krastev featured in 14 matches for Slavia Sofia, scoring one goal and providing limited assists as a rotational . His contributions helped the team secure the Bulgarian league title that season, though his role was more developmental amid competition from established squad members. Krastev adapted to the demands of title-chasing football by maintaining consistent involvement in domestic fixtures, despite the underlying shift in his professional affiliation to a group.

2021: Loans to Troyes and SC Cambuur

In January 2021, Krastev joined club on an 18-month loan from , another club within the network. During his stint, he made two substitute appearances in the league, totaling 45 minutes played, as secured promotion to by finishing second in the 2020–21 season. His time at Troyes was brief, with the loan terminated early on 27 August 2021 to enable a switch to the . That same day, Krastev moved to side on a season-long loan from . At Cambuur, opportunities remained limited; he featured in three matches as a substitute, accumulating 37 minutes, and made two appearances in the , where he scored his sole goal of the spell in a 5–0 group stage win over Ajax Amateurs on 28 October 2021. The loans offered Krastev initial exposure to the tactical demands of Ligue 2's possession-oriented play and the Eredivisie's high-intensity pressing, though his minimal minutes—under 100 across both spells—reflected intense competition for midfield positions at clubs pushing for promotion and survival, respectively. The Cambuur loan concluded in January 2022 after just five months.

2022–2023: Loan to Levski

On 27 January 2022, Krastev joined Levski on a six-month loan from , marking his return to Bulgarian football after brief spells abroad. The move allowed him to feature regularly in the Parva Liga and domestic cups, providing a platform to rebuild his form following limited minutes in the and . His loan was extended on 28 June 2022 for an additional year, enabling a full season with the club. During the loan period spanning the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, Krastev made 46 appearances in the Bulgarian First League, scoring 11 goals and contributing key moments in Levski's push for European qualification. Overall, across all competitions, he featured in 56 matches, netting 12 goals and providing 11 assists, showcasing his versatility as an . His performances helped Levski finish fourth in in 2022–23, securing a spot in the Conference League qualifiers. Krastev's contributions were particularly notable in high-stakes fixtures. He scored his first goal for Levski on 19 February 2022, a right-footed finish in a 2–1 home victory over Lokomotiv Plovdiv, which aided the team's climb up the standings. In the Bulgarian Cup, he played a pivotal role in the final on 15 May 2022 against rivals CSKA Sofia at the Vasil Levski National Stadium; Krastev delivered the assist for Ilian Stefanov's 89th-minute winner in a 1–0 triumph, ending Levski's 13-year wait for silverware and claiming their record 26th Cup title. These moments, alongside consistent goals and assists in routine league games, highlighted his growing influence during one of Levski's more stable campaigns.

2023: Loan to Los Angeles FC

On July 26, 2023, Filip Krastev joined Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC on a season-long loan from Lommel SK, running until June 2024 with an option for a permanent transfer. This move followed his productive loan at Levski Sofia, where he had demonstrated strong attacking contributions in the Bulgarian First League. Krastev, then 21, was expected to provide depth in midfield for LAFC, a team featuring high-profile talents such as Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga, both key figures in the club's 2022 MLS Cup victory. Krastev made an immediate impact, debuting in the on August 8, 2023, against , where he scored in the 84th minute to seal a 4-0 win, marking the fastest debut goal in club history. Across all competitions, he appeared in 12 matches, including 10 in MLS regular season play, logging limited minutes primarily as a substitute and scoring once in league action against Minnesota United on October 4, 2023. In a shortly after joining, Krastev discussed adapting to the MLS's fast pace and physical demands, which contrasted with his European experiences, noting the league's emphasis on quick transitions and aggressive pressing that aligned with LAFC's style. He highlighted the supportive team environment, expressing comfort in integrating with teammates who aided his adjustment to the American soccer rhythm. Despite contributing to LAFC's 2023 Western Conference title run, Krastev's role remained peripheral, with just 149 minutes in MLS matches. On January 27, 2024, LAFC and mutually agreed to terminate the loan early, allowing Krastev to return to after a brief but notable stint in . In a later reflection, he described the period as a transitional phase in his career, appreciating the exposure but prioritizing opportunities in top European competitions.

2024–2025: Loan to

On 27 January 2024, Krastev joined on loan from until the end of the 2023–24 season, providing midfield depth following the termination of his previous loan in . In July 2024, the loan was extended for the full 2024–25 campaign, allowing him to build on his earlier brief exposure to the Dutch top flight during a 2021 loan at . Over the course of his stint, Krastev featured in 45 appearances for Zwolle, scoring 8 goals and recording 6 assists while accumulating over 3,000 minutes of playing time. Krastev's integration into Zwolle's squad was marked by consistent starts and progressive contributions, transitioning from a substitute role in the initial months to a key attacking by mid-season. His goals came against a range of opponents, including high-profile strikes against in August 2024 and a brace in a 3–2 upset victory over on 18 January 2025, where he also assisted the winner. These performances highlighted his technical ability in tight spaces and vision for counter-attacks, often exploiting transitions in Zwolle's 4-2-3-1 setup. A standout period arrived in January 2025, during which Krastev netted three goals and added one assist across two matches, including his double against PSV and a goal in a 2–1 win over Fortuna Sittard on 26 January. This goal-scoring run, combined with 22 ball recoveries and strong Opta-rated involvement in build-up play, earned him the Eredivisie Player of the Month award for January, as voted by fans and analysts. Later in the season, he continued contributing with goals against Heracles Almelo, RKC Waalwijk, and assists in draws against Utrecht and Almere City, underscoring his role in Zwolle's push for mid-table security.

2025–present: Loan to Oxford United

On 1 September 2025, Filip Krastev joined club Oxford United on a season-long loan from Belgian side . The 23-year-old Bulgarian international, known for his versatility as an attacking and left winger, signed the deal to gain experience in English football's second tier. Krastev quickly adapted to the demands of the Championship, often deployed on the left side of midfield where his technical skills and vision contributed to Oxford's attacking play. By late October 2025, he had made four appearances, including a debut start in a 2–2 draw against Leicester City on 13 September, where he played 72 minutes and showed promise in linking play. His subsequent outing came in a 3–1 victory over Bristol City on 21 September, again starting on the left and completing 72 minutes while registering an assist in the build-up to one of the goals. Krastev's prior loan at PEC Zwolle in the Dutch Eredivisie during the 2024–25 season served as valuable preparation for the physical intensity of English football. As of 17 November 2025, Krastev had featured in eight Championship matches for Oxford United, accumulating 527 minutes without recording a goal or assist but demonstrating growing influence in key early fixtures, such as a 79-minute appearance in a 2–1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on 8 November. His integration into the squad has been marked by consistent starts, highlighting his adjustment to the league's pace and his role in supporting Oxford's promotion push. In November 2025, Krastev was called up to the Bulgaria national team for their FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Turkey (0–2 loss on 15 November, in which he played) and Georgia on 18 November. This selection, part of a 25-man squad, underscores his rising form at club level and his continued importance to the senior international setup, where he has earned over 20 caps.

International career

Youth international career

Krastev began his international career at the youth level with Bulgaria's U17 team, earning two caps during the 2017–2018 period as part of qualification efforts for the . He progressed to the U19 squad in 2019, where he featured in three matches and netted two goals, contributing to friendly and qualifying fixtures ahead of the . These appearances highlighted his emerging attacking talent in the youth setup. Krastev's most prominent youth international stint was with the Bulgaria U21 team from 2021 to 2022, accumulating 11 caps and one goal across qualifiers and friendlies, including a goalless draw against the in 2022. His performances in these games underscored his role as a creative , aiding the team's competitive efforts in regional tournaments.

Senior international career

Filip Krastev made his senior debut for the national team on 6 September 2020, coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute during a 1–0 away defeat to in the . At just 18 years old, his introduction marked him as one of 's promising young talents transitioning from youth levels. As of November 2025, Krastev has earned 24 caps for , scoring one goal. His international appearances have primarily come in fixtures and friendlies, where he has often been deployed as an attacking midfielder or winger, contributing to Bulgaria's midfield creativity. Krastev scored his lone senior international goal on 25 March 2024, netting in the 59th minute during a 1–1 friendly draw against in the FIFA Series, assisted by . Another notable moment came on 5 September 2024, when he featured in a 0–0 UEFA Nations League draw with but received a second yellow card in the 73rd minute, resulting in his dismissal. In November 2025, Krastev received a call-up to the squad for international fixtures, aiming to build on his experience amid the team's ongoing campaigns.

Playing style

Positions and attributes

Filip Krastev primarily operates as a left winger or , often deployed on the left side of the attack where his right-footed preference allows him to cut inside effectively. He has also featured in central roles during various loans, adapting to more defensive responsibilities when required. Krastev's playing style is characterized by a direct, hard-charging approach, emphasizing technical into midfield areas to create opportunities. His key strengths include exceptional ability, strong defensive contributions through tackling involvement, proficiency in long-range , and effective passing, particularly with layoffs to teammates. He frequently gets fouled due to his aggressive ball-carrying, which underscores his bold, forward-driven presence on the pitch. However, Krastev's aggressive tendencies lead to weaknesses in discipline, as he commits fouls often and sometimes struggles with holding onto the ball under pressure. These traits reflect a high-energy, combative profile that demands careful management to maximize his creative impact.

Comparisons and development

Krastev's playing style has evolved significantly since his breakthrough as a teenager at Slavia Sofia, where he debuted in senior football at age 16, showcasing a direct, hard-charging approach characterized by aggressive and forward surges into attacking areas. This youthful directness, marked by his tendency to take on defenders and contribute key passes, laid the foundation for his transition to more advanced playmaking roles during subsequent loans across . His attributes in and tackling have remained central, enabling him to adapt from raw, individualistic bursts to creating structured opportunities for teammates. Loans in competitive leagues like the have accelerated this development, with Krastev crediting his stint at for honing his decision-making and concentration in high-tempo environments. The league's fast, open style suits young talents by demanding quick transitions and technical precision, allowing him to refine his ball control and long-range shooting into a more complete advanced profile. During his time there, he scored six goals in 31 appearances, demonstrating growth in converting direct runs into goal-creating actions. Analysts have drawn comparisons to dynamic, high-energy athletes, noting Krastev's hard-charging midfield presence resembles the explosive, direct style of NBA star , particularly in his relentless drive forward and ability to influence play through sheer intensity. This reception highlights his suitability for open, transitional systems, where his technical dribbling excels at generating chances "out of nothing," as praised by Dutch journalist Erik Riemens: "He’s a very technical player—he can make a difference and make a goal or a lovely pass ." Such qualities have positioned him as a promising creator in simulations of advanced midfield roles, emphasizing his evolution toward versatile, goal-facilitating contributions.

Career statistics

Club

Krastev began his professional career with Slavia Sofia in 2018, accumulating statistics across various clubs through loans and transfers. The following table details his club appearances, goals, and assists by season, club, and competition, as of November 17, 2025.
SeasonClubCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
2017/18Slavia Sofiaefbet Liga - Relegation100
2018/19Slavia Sofiaefbet Liga1100
2018/19Slavia Sofiaefbet Liga - Relegation200
2018/19Slavia SofiaUEFA Europa League Qual.200
2018/19Slavia SofiaBulgarian Cup100
2018/19Slavia SofiaBulgarian Cup Playoffs100
2018/19Slavia SofiaBulgarian Super Cup100
2018/19 TotalSlavia SofiaAll Competitions1900
2019/20Slavia Sofiaefbet Liga1011
2019/20Slavia Sofiaefbet Liga - Championship520
2019/20Slavia SofiaBulgarian Cup100
2019/20 TotalSlavia SofiaAll Competitions1631
2020/21Slavia Sofiaefbet Liga1410
2020/21Slavia SofiaUEFA Europa League Qual.100
2020/21ESTAC TroyesLigue 2200
2020/21 TotalSlavia Sofia / TroyesAll Competitions1710
2021/22SC CambuurEredivisie300
2021/22SC CambuurEredivisie Playoffs210
2021/22Levski Sofiaefbet Liga712
2021/22Levski Sofiaefbet Liga - Championship521
2021/22Levski SofiaBulgarian Cup Playoffs402
2021/22 TotalCambuur / Levski SofiaAll Competitions2145
2022/23Levski Sofiaefbet Liga2864
2022/23Levski Sofiaefbet Liga - Championship521
2022/23Levski SofiaUEFA Conference League Qual.411
2022/23Levski SofiaBulgarian Cup100
2022/23Levski SofiaBulgarian Cup Playoffs100
2022/23Levski SofiaBulgarian Super Cup100
2022/23 TotalLevski SofiaAll Competitions4096
2023Los Angeles FCMajor League Soccer910
2023Los Angeles FCLeagues Cup100
2023Los Angeles FCMLS Cup Playoffs210
2023 TotalLos Angeles FCAll Competitions1220
2023/24PEC ZwolleEredivisie1421
2023/24 TotalPEC ZwolleAll Competitions1421
2024/25PEC ZwolleEredivisie3166
2024/25PEC ZwolleEredivisie Playoffs100
2024/25 TotalPEC ZwolleAll Competitions3266
2025/26Oxford UnitedChampionship800
2025/26 TotalOxford UnitedAll Competitions800
Career Total (Club): 183 appearances, 28 goals, 19 assists across all competitions.

International

Krastev made his debut for the senior national team on 6 September 2020, in a 1–0 away victory over during the , marking an early highlight following his breakthrough at Slavia Sofia. As of 17 2025, he has accumulated 27 caps and 1 goal at senior level. His most recent appearances came in the qualifiers, including a substitute role in a 1–6 home defeat to on 11 , a full match in a 4–0 away loss to on 14 , and an appearance in a 0–2 away defeat to on 15 . The following table summarizes his senior international appearances and goals by year:
YearCapsGoals
202010
202100
202270
202350
202491
202550
Total271
(Data primarily from , qualifiers, qualifiers, and friendlies.) Krastev began his international journey with Bulgaria's youth teams, featuring across U17, U19, and U21 levels.
Youth TeamCapsGoals
U1720
U1932
U21111
Total163
(Appearances from 2018–2022 across qualifiers and friendlies.)

Honours

Club honours

During his loan spell at Levski in the 2021–22 season, Krastev contributed to the team's success in winning the , defeating CSKA in the final. With ESTAC in the season, he was part of the squad that secured promotion as champions of the French second tier.

Individual awards

In January 2025, during his loan spell at from , Krastev was named the Player of the Month, recognizing his standout performances that included key contributions in goals and assists as determined by Opta data and fan votes.

References

  1. https://www.[transfermarkt](/page/Transfermarkt).com/filip-krastev/erfolge/spieler/486814
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