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The King's Cup – the symbol of the dawn of Bulgarian football
In the historical path of Bulgarian football, some trophies carry not only sporting value, but also cultural and historical significance. One of them is the so-called King's Cup – or officially: The Cup of His Majesty the King. Although it is no longer awarded, it remains an important symbol of a bygone era and a unique step in the development of football in Bulgaria.
What is the King's Cup?
The cup was the trophy awarded to the champion of Bulgaria until 1943. Made of silver in England, it was a gift from Tsar Boris III, who officially stood behind the initiative, although according to evidence he was not particularly keen on football. The last winner of the trophy is the Slavia team, which retains it as part of its glorious history.
Why is it important for Bulgarian football?
The King's Cup is much more than a beautiful silver award, it is part of the early transition of football in Bulgaria from amateur enthusiasm to a more organized and nationally recognized sports structure. Holding tournaments with this trophy encourages the competitive spirit, develops clubs and brings together fans from different parts of the country. This lays the foundations of modern club football in Bulgaria.
What is its cultural significance?
The gift from Tsar Boris III carries symbolism - the head of state, although not a fan of the game, recognizes its importance for society. Interestingly, this "indifference" to football was also passed on to his son, Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who would later attend the 1982 World Cup final as a guest in the box of the Spanish King Juan Carlos I.
What happens after 1943?
After World War II and the changes in the state's structure, the King's Cup remains a historical footnote. In its place, other trophies appeared, now under the auspices of the new political system. But despite this, the memory of it remains alive among football historians and avid fans, recalling the time when football began to become a passion for an entire generation of Bulgarians.
Our partners, Apolo & Bullpins, have been in the business of trophies, plaques, badges, luxury protocol and sports gifts for over 30 years. During this time, they have had the opportunity to create and work on unforgettable projects such as making a custom replica of the King's Cup in 2012 and making the Champions Cups for the Bulgarian Football Union for the last 15 years. Check out photos from the process of making and mastering a craft that is slowly being forgotten as time goes by.
