VIDEO: Vancouver FC signs second-generation soccer player
Published 4:30 pm Saturday, March 14, 2026
Vancouver FC have signed second-generation pro soccer player Marsel Bibishkov, son of former Bulgaria international player Krum Bibishkov.
In the Thursday, March 12, announcement, the Langley-based team said Bibishkov, 18, most recently representing Bulgarian side Septemvri Sofia, “where he earned praise for his versatility across multiple attacking positions and his ability to retain possession under pressure with his back to goal.”
His contract is guaranteed through 2027 with a club option for 2028.
Born in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, Bibishkov moved to Canada at the age of nine.
He joined Canada First Academy, where he was coached by his father, before moving to Toronto FC Academy.
In 2022 he returned to Bulgaria and signed a contract with Pirin Blagoevgrad. He made his debut for Pirin at the age of 15 on 19 November 2022 in a cup match against Chavdar Etropole. He completed his professional debut for the team on 5 March 2023 in a league match against Ludogorets Razgrad
In 2023, after having a successful trial, he signed a contract with Juventus Academy in Italy, and helped the Juventus youth side win an international tournament in Germany.
On 29 January 2025, Bibishkov signed a two-year contract with options for two additional years with Canadian Premier League side York United.
A few months on, in June, he terminated the remainder of his contract by mutual consent.
Vancouver FC Roster of Mar. 12, 2026:
• Goalkeepers: Callum Irving, Felipe Jaramillo, Matheus de Souza
• Defenders: Isak Ssewankambo, Kian Proctor, Matteo Campagna, Morey Doner, Nicolas Nadeau, Paris Gee, Tom Field, Tyler Crawford
• Midfielders: Abdoulaye Ouattara, Damiano Pecile, Emrick Fotsing, Luis Toomey, Marcello Polisi, Nicolás Mezquida, Thomas Powell
• Forwards: Henri Godbout, Kevin Podgorni, Marsel Bibishkov, Mohamed Amissi, Terran Campbell, Thierno Bah