End of Season Balkan League Update: The Major Leagues

Bulgaria, Croatia and Serbia have all completed their seasons and James Doolan is here to update us on the final standings and stories

Bulgaria (Parva Liga)

The 2025–26 Bulgarian First League season will be remembered as one of the most significant campaigns in the country’s modern era. Not only has the league produced a new champion, but it has also marked the definitive end of one of European football’s most sustained periods of domestic dominance.

Levski Sofia successfully maintained their advantage at the top of the table to secure the league title, ending Ludogorets’ remarkable run at the summit of Bulgarian football. Beyond the achievement itself, attention is already turning towards how Levski intends to strengthen ahead of both European competition and the defence of their crown.

Early indications suggest the club are targeting proven domestic performers to add greater depth and experience to the squad. One name attracting significant attention is Pedro Naressi, whose contract situation at Ludogorets has created an opportunity for rivals. Naressi would represent a notable acquisition for Levski, providing control and stability in central midfield while also remaining available to interested clubs in England due to his ESC eligibility status. Reports have also linked Levski with Lokomotiv Plovdiv striker Joel Zwarts as they look to reinforce attacking options ahead of a demanding campaign.