Goran Popov facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Goran Popov | ||
| Date of birth | 2 October 1984 | ||
| Place of birth | Strumica, SFR Yugoslavia | ||
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Left-back / Left midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2002–2003 | Belasica | 6 | (0) |
| 2003 | → Proodeftiki (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| 2004 | → AEK Athens (loan) | 8 | (0) |
| 2004 | Red Star Belgrade | 0 | (0) |
| 2004–2005 | → Odra Wodzisław (loan) | 11 | (0) |
| 2005–2008 | Egaleo | 45 | (1) |
| 2007–2008 | → Levadiakos (loan) | 20 | (0) |
| 2008–2010 | Heerenveen | 51 | (2) |
| 2010–2014 | Dynamo Kyiv | 32 | (2) |
| 2012–2014 | → West Bromwich Albion (loan) | 18 | (0) |
| 2014–2017 | Vardar | 43 | (3) |
| 2017 | Doxa Katokopias | 0 | (0) |
| 2017–2019 | Vardar | 19 | (3) |
| International career | |||
| 2002 | Macedonia U19 | 5 | (2) |
| Macedonia U21 | 10 | (2) | |
| 2004–2014 | Macedonia | 46 | (2) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Goran Popov (born October 2, 1984) is a former professional footballer from North Macedonia. He played as a defender, usually on the left side of the field. Goran was known for his strong play and his ability to help his team win important matches and trophies.
He started his career in his home country before moving to play for clubs in Greece, Poland, Serbia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and England. He also proudly represented his country, North Macedonia, in international matches.
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Goran Popov's Early Football Journey
Goran Popov began his football career with his local team, Belasica, in his hometown of Strumica, which was then part of SFR Yugoslavia. He played six games for Belasica during the 2002–03 season. His team finished second in the top league in North Macedonia that year.
Moving to Greece and Poland
After playing in North Macedonia, Goran moved to Greece. He joined Proodeftiki and then AEK Athens. His time at AEK Athens was short, playing only eight matches.
In 2004, he signed with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. He even played in a big European game, the UEFA Champions League, against PSV Eindhoven. However, injuries made it hard for him to play much for Red Star. He then went on loan to Odra Wodzisław in Poland for a short time.
Returning to Greek Football
After his loan in Poland, Goran went back to Greece. He played for Egaleo for two seasons. After that, he spent one season with Levadiakos.
Playing in the Netherlands and Ukraine
In 2008, Goran Popov moved to the Netherlands to play for Heerenveen. This was a successful time for him.
Winning the KNVB Cup
At Heerenveen, Goran helped his team win the KNVB Cup in 2009. This is a major cup competition in Dutch football. He even scored a goal in the final match against FC Twente, which was a big moment in his career. His good performances in European competitions caught the eye of bigger clubs.
Joining Dynamo Kyiv
Because of his strong play, especially in European games, Goran signed with Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine in June 2010. Dynamo Kyiv is one of the biggest football clubs in Ukraine.
Time in English Football
In August 2012, Goran Popov had the chance to play in the English Premier League. He first tried to join Stoke City on a loan deal. However, the move didn't happen right away because he needed a special work permit to play in the United Kingdom.
Playing for West Bromwich Albion
On the last day of the transfer period, Goran received his work permit. He then signed a one-year loan deal with West Bromwich Albion. He became only the second player from North Macedonia to play for West Bromwich Albion.
During a game in February 2013, Goran was sent off by the referee for an incident with an opposing player. In July 2013, he signed another one-year loan deal to return to West Bromwich Albion.
Later Career and Retirement
In September 2014, Goran Popov signed a three-year contract with Vardar, a club back in his home country. He played for Vardar until the end of the 2018–19 season. After his contract with Vardar ended, Goran Popov decided to retire from professional football.
Playing for His Country: North Macedonia
Goran Popov also played for his country, North Macedonia. He was part of the Under-19 and Under-21 national teams before playing for the senior national team.
He made his first appearance for the senior team in June 2004 in a friendly match against Estonia. He played a total of 46 games for North Macedonia and scored 2 goals. His last international game was a friendly match against Cameroon in May 2014.
International Goals for North Macedonia
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 30 May 2004 | A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia |  Estonia |
2–4 | Win | Friendly |
| 2. | 19 November 2008 | Estadi Comunal d'Aixovall, Andorra la Vella, Andorra |  Montenegro |
2–1 | Lost | Friendly |
Goran Popov's Achievements
Goran Popov won several trophies and titles during his football career:
With SC Heerenveen
- KNVB Cup: 2008–09
With Dynamo Kyiv
- Ukrainian Super Cup: 2011
With Vardar
- Macedonian First Football League: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17
- Macedonian Supercup: 2015
Personal Life
Goran Popov has an older brother named Robert Popov, who was also a professional football player.
See also
In Spanish: Goran Popov para niños
