Apostol_Sokolov
Apostol Sokolov
Bulgarian footballer
Apostol Sokolov (Bulgarian: Апостол Соколов; 23 October 1917 – 12 June 1987), nicknamed Potso, was a Bulgarian football goalkeeper. On club level, he played for Levski Sofia, Prince Kiril Sofia and Spartak Sofia. Playing 15 times for Bulgaria during the 1940s and 1950s, Sokolov represented them at the 1952 Summer Olympics.[1]
Sokolov was considered one of the Eastern Europe's best goalkeepers during his career. He is regarded as the first goalkeeper who began to leave the goal line like modern keepers and even Lev Yashin said Sokolov was his inspiration.[2] He had good reflexes and sense of positioning but above all he's remembered for his innovative style of play.
His son Georgi Sokolov was one of the most talented Bulgarian footballers who played as a winger or forward for Levski Sofia and Bulgaria.