Zahari Sirakov

Zahari Sirakov (Захари Сираков; born 8 October 1977) is a Bulgarian football coach and a former player. He is the manager of Ludogorets Razgrad II.

Career
Sirakov started his career with Levski Kyustendil, but made a name for himself in Bulgaria while playing for Levski Sofia. On 24 September 1999, he scored a last-minute goal against Litex Lovech in an A Group match to bring the score to 1–1 in the heated derby encounter, prompting a brief pitch invasion by joyous Levski supporters. Sirakov was also notable for his sportsmanship, on one occasion shaking the hand of referee Atanas Uzunov after receiving a red card in a match against CSKA Sofia. He has remained popular with Bulgarian supporters even after starting his Russian adventures.

In February 2004, Sirakov signed with Russian club Amkar Perm. After more than 11 years with Amkar, Sirakov ended his career at the end of 2014–15 season.

International career
Sirakov made his debut for Bulgaria against Poland on 6 September 1998, but received his second cap in 2007 during UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying. In August 2010, he earned a recall to the national side due to an injury suffered by Georgi Sarmov and on 11 August 2010, he came on as a substitute in the 0–1 away loss in a friendly match against Russia.

Managerial career
Sirakov became a youth coach in Levski in 2015, right after announcing retirement. In 2018 he become a coach of Levski U15 and in 2020 he was promoted to U17 team. In November 2020 he was announced as the new manager of Ludogorets III, together with the U19 team. In January 2024 he was promoted as manager of Ludogorets Razgrad II in Second League.

Club
PFC Levski Sofia
 * Champion of Bulgaria -2000,2001
 * Bulgarian Cup 1998, 2000

APOEL
 * Cypriot Super Cup : 2002