Aleks Petkov

Aleks Milenov Petkov (Алекс Миленов Петков; born 25 July 1999) is a Bulgarian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Polish club Śląsk Wrocław, which he captains, and the Bulgaria national team.

Career
Petkov began his career at Cherno More Varna and joined Heart of Midlothian at the age of 16 in June 2016, signing a three-year contract.

On 22 July 2017, Petkov made his first-team debut, replacing John Souttar during a 3–0 League Cup victory over East Fife at Tynecastle Park. On 19 January 2018, Petkov joined Scottish League Two side Berwick Rangers on loan until the end of the season. He made his league debut in a 2–3 home loss against Peterhead eleven days later, playing the full 90 minutes.

During the 2019–20 season Petkov was loaned to Clyde and Brechin City.

On 8 September 2020, Petkov returned to Bulgaria, signing a 1-year deal with Levski Sofia.

On 6 July 2023, after a two-year stint at Arda Kardzhali, Petkov joined Polish side Śląsk Wrocław on a one-year contract, with an option for another two years.

International career
Petkov made his debut for the Bulgarian under-21 team on 22 March 2019 in the starting eleven for the friendly against Northern Ireland U21. He earned his first cap for the senior national team on 26 March 2022, coming on as a substitute during the second half in the 1–2 loss against Qatar in a friendly match. On 16 November 2023, he scored an own goal in the 97th minute in the penultimate match of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying against Hungary.

Personal life
His father Milen Petkov was also a professional footballer and Bulgarian international.