Zhivko Atanasov

Atanasov began his career with Levski Sofia. In the winter of 2012, Atanasov impressed Cherno More manager Stefan Genov as a trialist during Cherno More's training camp in Turkey. On 17 February 2012, he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Atanasov made his debut on 4 March, starting against Levski Sofia at Georgi Asparuhov Stadium in an A Group fixture, playing the full 90 minutes at centre-back in a 2–1 defeat. He scored his first Cherno More goal on 18 April, opening the scoring in a 7–1 home win over Kaliakra Kavarna. When Aleksandar Aleksandrov was transferred in January 2014, Atanasov formed a partnership with Kiril Kotev in the centre of defence and has become an established first team player. On 16 January 2020 he signed a 1.5-year contract with Serie C side Catanzaro. On 4 August 2020, Atanasov returned to his boyhood club Levski Sofia on a 2-year deal. On 14 June 2021, he terminated his contract with Levski due to financial reasons. On 16 June 2021, Atanasov returned to former club, Cherno More, on a two-year contract.

On 16 November 2023, Atanasov earned his first cap for the national team after coming on as a late first half substitute for Ivaylo Chochev in a 2–2 home draw against Hungary in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Club

As of match played 14 September 2026

International

As of match played 18 November 2024

Atanasov's mother, Yordanka Donkova, is a former hurdling athlete notable for winning an Olympic gold medal and bronze medal as well as 9 medals at European indoor and outdoor championships.