Last update April 2, 2026 by Alberto Llopis
In World 1994 one of the strangest stories in football occurred. While everyone was looking at stars like Stoichkov, there was something that baffled the fans: the Bulgarian goalkeeper seemed to be wearing… a wig?
It wasn't a joke. It was Borislav Mihailov, the goalkeeper of one of the tournament's revelation teams. And his image went around the world.
But... what was really behind that story?
Who was Borislav Mihailov and why did he attract so much attention in the USA? 94?
The Bulgarian goalkeeper He left an indelible mark in the history of his country's football by participating in two World Cups.: 1986 in Mexico and 1994 in United States.
In Mexico 86, Mihailov and his team reached the round of 16, being eliminated by the hosts with a score of 2-0. But nevertheless, It was in the United States 94 where Mihailov and the Bulgarian team made a qualitative leap, becoming protagonists of the tournament. And it is no wonder since those crazy bulgarians from the USA 94 They were one of the sensations.
Bulgaria's Road to the World Cup 1994
Before the start of the World Cup 1994, Bulgaria had already surprised the football world by qualifying for the tournament by eliminating France with a memorable goal by Emil Kostadinov. This success laid the foundation for a historic campaign in the United States, where Bulgaria stopped being a secondary team to become a serious contender.
Bulgaria's Success in the United States 94
With stars like goalscorer Hristo Stoichkov, the midfielder Jordan Lechkov and the defender Trifon Ivanov, Bulgaria advanced firmly in the World Cup. They surpassed the group stage with resounding victories, including a 4-0 against Greece and a 2-0 against Argentina, who was without his star Diego Maradona due to a doping case.
In the round of 16, Bulgaria faced Mexico and advanced thanks to a penalty shootout victory in a memorable match, where even the goal was damaged.
In the quarterfinals, They surprised Germany with a victory 2-1, securing their place in the semi-finals. Although they were defeated by Italy at that stage, Bulgaria's performance was historic, and Mihailov played a crucial role in its success.
Borislav Mihailov and his wig at the World Cup 1994
In addition to its outstanding performance, Borislav Mihailov is also remembered for a unique quirk: He played with a wig during the World Cup 1994. The goalkeeper had a more than obvious bald spot but suddenly, He opted to wear a toupee attached to his head to maintain an appearance of having hair during matches..
During the quarterfinals against Germany, Mihailov publicly admitted that he had worn his fake hair in all the matches of the tournament. Although it was obvious. After the victory over the defending champion, the doorman promised that, if Bulgaria managed to beat Italy in the semi-finals, would throw his wig into the stands in celebration. “I throw it to the stands. I do not doubt it, I give my toupee for a place in the final”, declared.
But nevertheless, Mihailov and Bulgaria's dream was not fulfilled. Italy, led by a brilliant Roberto Baggio, defeated Bulgaria 2-1 in the semifinals, which prevented the goalkeeper from fulfilling his promise. Bulgaria finished in fourth place after losing 4-0 against Sweden in the third place match. But the wig of Mihailov He made history. A toupee that he continued to use decades later.
As curious
In the years 90, without social networks or memes, These types of stories spread equally quickly. Mihailov's image was recorded as one of the most peculiar moments in international football.
Why this story is still remembered today
Mihailov's case is not just an anecdote. It represents the type of stories that make football great.: unexpected, strange and difficult to forget.
Today, continues to appear in compilations of curious football moments, proving that not everything is goals and titles.
Mihailov died on 30 March 2026
The legendary Bulgarian goalkeeper with the wig, He died on 31 March 2026. I had 63 years. Before, He had been president of the Bulgarian Football Union between 2004 Y 2025. He thus joined the list of players who played in the USA 94 and died relatively young.
