Zhivko Zhelev

Litex

Zhelev joined Litex Lovech quite young but fought hard to get a place in the first team. He formed a formidable duet with ex-Bulgarian national defender Rosen Kirilov. However, due to a lack of strikers Zhelev was also used by managers to play as a striker for Litex and scored a lot of goals in this position. He is the defender who has scored the most goals in the whole history of Bulgarian football. He has been considered one of the favourite players by Litex fans, due to his dedicated and selfless manner of playing, and his loyalty to the club. He has been awarded the title "The best player of Litex" in 2006.

Oţelul

On 12 July 2007, Zhelev joined Romanian club Oţelul Galaţi for a fee of €125,000 On 8 November 2009, after a game against FC Timişoara, he and his teammate Stoyan Kolev decided to leave Oţelul because of the financial situation of the club.

Steaua

On 5 January 2010, Steaua and Oţelul agree Zhelev and Ochiroşii swap deal. On 10 January 2010, Steaua signed the Bulgarian centre-back on a free transfer until June 2011. First match in Liga I for Steaua: 20 February 2010 • Steaua-Ceahlăul 1–3. First goal in Liga I for Steaua: 25 April 2010 • Steaua-FC Timişoara 3–3. In June 2010, Steaua has terminated the contract with Zhelev.

Inter Baku

On 25 June 2010, Zhelev signed a one-year deal with the Azerbaijani football club Inter Baku. Thus, he joins compatriot Petar Zlatinov in the club squad.

Slavia Sofia

At the end…

Player

Litex Lovech Bulgarian A Group: 1998–99 Bulgarian Cup (2): 2001, 2004

Head coach

Litex Lovech Third League: 2016–17