Alex Nikolov is aiming to push the Italian runners-up to new heights. The top scorer of the 2025/26 Regular Season is aiming to take on the role of full-time leader and has extended his contract with A.S. Volley Lube for the second time, extending his deal, which expires in 2028, until 2029.
Hired in 2022/23 to succeed Osmany Juantorena, the Bulgarian spiker, born in 2003, entered the game as a promising young player and quickly rose to prominence. In just a few years, the Balkan giant refined his technique, improved his athleticism, and increased the power of his shots. His growth led him to lead Bulgaria to the 2025 World Championship Final, where he finished as the top scorer. Excited about his signing, Alex is now preparing for the first stage of the 2026 VNL.
Alex Nikolov (Cucine Lube Civitanova spiker):
“I thank owner Fabio Giulianelli, the management, and the staff for their faith in me, but also my teammates for their constant support. I play in a group that is always a leader, but I’m sure we can achieve more. We’re almost there, taking the final step. I feel like a leader at Lube, but on an individual level, I need to make another leap in quality. Scoring a lot of points is good, but I feel I need to make a bigger impact off the court; I want to become a point of reference in the locker room. Lube is a club that fits me perfectly because it shares my ambitions and has the ability to bring out the best in its players. I can continue to grow here; looking around, I can’t see a better environment! The fans have always been there for us, and I want to reward their affection by giving my all for the jersey. We’ve often played spectacularly, but we’ll work to be more effective. It would be wrong.” Dwelling on the regrets over titles lost in the finals, especially because reaching the finals of competitions isn’t a given, and living those experiences is essential to improving. I have many years of volleyball ahead of me, and the idea of absorbing the energy of the Predators, with their chants and beautiful dedications, makes me want to step onto the court even now. Has my life changed after the World Final? I can’t deny it, I feel different too, but that’s part of human nature. I was overwhelmed by a wave of affection and emotion. The important thing is not to neglect the passion for work and to pursue victories without losing humility. On and off the court, there’s always something to learn!
