Bulgarian former striker Lubo Penev, a key figure in Spanish football during the 1990s, is in grave condition at a German oncology center due to kidney cancer. The 59-year-old previously overcame testicular cancer in 1994 while playing for Valencia. His wife has appealed for donations to cover the expensive treatment.
Luboslav Penev, known as Lubo Penev, arrived in Spanish football in 1989 to play for Valencia, where he spent six seasons until 1995. During that time, in 1994, he overcame testicular cancer that temporarily sidelined him from the pitch. Later, in the 1995-1996 season, he joined Atletico Madrid, becoming a key figure in their league and cup double win. He then played for Compostela from 1996 to 1998, and for Celta de Vigo in the 1998-1999 campaign.
On the international stage, Penev was a mainstay for the Bulgarian national team in the 1990s, featuring in the 1996 European Championship in England and the 1998 World Cup in France. Prior to Spain, he had shone at CSKA Sofia.
Now, at 59 years old, Penev is battling kidney cancer, leading to his admission to an oncology center in Germany. The required treatment costs around 150,000 euros per month, according to Bulgarian outlet Trud News. His wife, Kristina Mitseva, has set up a bank account for donations and appealed for support from those able to contribute.
The Bulgarian football community has rallied around him. Hristo Stoichkov, a former teammate on the national side, sent encouragement to Penev, also mentioning fellow ex-internationals Borislav Mihaylov and Petar Hubchev, who are fighting their own illnesses. CSKA Sofia issued a statement: “You will win this match too, Lyubo! CSKA expresses its full support to Lyuboslav Penev in this difficult time. We are confident that the great goalscorer will win the most important battle, as he has done hundreds of times on the field and on the touchline. Lyubo, the entire military community is with you. We believe in the strength of your spirit, which took you to the top of football in the red shirt and made you the favorite of all Bulgaria.”
Celta de Vigo also voiced support on social media: “Former sky-blue player Luboslav Penev, admitted in grave condition due to cancer. We send all the strength and courage from Celta and Celtismo, Lubo!”.