Levski Sofia Hit by Defensive Crisis as Stipe Vulikic Ruled Out for Season
In a significant blow to their title ambitions, Bulgarian football giants Levski Sofia have confirmed that Croatian defender Stipe Vulikic will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season due to injury. The 25-year-old center-back, who joined the club in February 2026, has been sidelined following a medical assessment that revealed the severity of his condition, leaving manager Julio Velázquez with a mounting defensive crisis.
The announcement, made on April 26, 2026, comes at a critical juncture for Levski, who are locked in a tight battle for the First Professional Football League (fbet Liga) title. With just a handful of matches remaining, the loss of Vulikic—one of the team’s most consistent performers since his arrival—could prove pivotal in their quest to reclaim the domestic crown. The club’s official website (levski.bg) provided the update, though details about the nature of the injury remain scarce.
Vulikic’s absence compounds an already fragile defensive situation for Levski. The team has been plagued by injuries to key defenders this season, and his departure from the lineup leaves Velázquez with limited options at the back. The timing couldn’t be worse: Levski face CSKA 1948 in a top-of-the-table clash on May 2, 2026, a match that could decide the fate of the league title.
From Italy to Sofia: Vulikic’s Journey to Levski
Stipe Vulikic’s path to Levski Sofia was one of redemption. Born in Split, Croatia, on January 23, 2001, Vulikic began his professional career in Italy, where he played for lower-league clubs like Modena and Perugia before earning a move to Sampdoria in 2024. However, his time in Genoa was frustrating. the defender made just a handful of appearances for the Serie B side, with his last competitive match coming on January 26, 2026. Seeking regular playing time, Vulikic accepted a move to Bulgaria in February 2026, joining Levski for a reported fee of €100,000—a fraction of his Transfermarkt-estimated market value of €400,000 (Transfermarkt profile).
His arrival was met with optimism. Vulikic, a left-footed center-back, brought much-needed depth to Levski’s defense, a position that had been weakened by injuries and suspensions. In his short time at the club, he quickly became a reliable presence, starting in five consecutive league matches and playing every minute of those games. His performances were solid, if not spectacular, and he contributed to Levski’s defensive resilience during a crucial stretch of the season.
In a recent interview with the club’s social media channels, Vulikic shared insights into his personal life and motivations. He revealed that his footballing idol is Luka Modrić, the Croatian midfield maestro, and joked that if he hadn’t become a footballer, he might have pursued a career as an astronaut—or, more realistically, a doctor. The interview painted a picture of a thoughtful, ambitious player who was eager to prove himself in Bulgaria after his struggles in Italy.
The Injury: What We Recognize
Levski Sofia’s official statement on Vulikic’s condition was brief but clear: the defender will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The club did not disclose the specific nature of the injury, but reports from Bulgarian media outlets, including Sportal.bg and Gong.bg, suggest it is a knee-related issue, possibly involving ligament damage. Such injuries typically require extended recovery periods, often ranging from 6 to 9 months, which would rule Vulikic out until at least the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Vulikic’s last appearance for Levski came on April 13, 2026, in a 1-1 draw against CSKA Sofia. He played the full 90 minutes in that match, showing no visible signs of discomfort. However, the injury appears to have flared up in training or during a subsequent session, leading to his withdrawal from the squad. The timing is particularly unfortunate, as Levski have a grueling schedule ahead, including the aforementioned derby against CSKA 1948 and a potential cup final.
In the wake of the announcement, Levski fans have taken to social media to express their frustration. Many have pointed to the club’s defensive woes as a recurring issue, with injuries to other key players like Noah Sonko Sundberg and Tsunami further depleting Velázquez’s options. The manager has been forced to rely on younger, less experienced defenders in recent matches, a strategy that has yielded mixed results.
Levski’s Title Hopes Hang in the Balance
Levski Sofia entered the 2025/26 season with high expectations. After finishing as runners-up in the previous campaign, the club was determined to reclaim the league title, which they last won in 2022. Under Velázquez, a tactically astute Spanish coach, the team has shown promise, blending attacking flair with defensive solidity. However, their title challenge has been hampered by inconsistency, particularly in defense, where they have conceded goals at inopportune moments.
As of April 27, 2026, Levski sit atop the fbet Liga table with 73 points from 30 matches, just one point ahead of CSKA 1948 and three ahead of reigning champions Ludogorets Razgrad. The title race has been fiercely competitive, with all three teams separated by slender margins. The upcoming match between Levski and CSKA 1948 on May 2 is shaping up to be a de facto championship decider, and Vulikic’s absence could be a decisive factor.
Velázquez now faces a tactical dilemma. With Vulikic out, the manager’s options at center-back are limited. Noah Sonko Sundberg, a Swedish international, is the most experienced defender available, but he has also struggled with injuries this season. Tsunami, a young Brazilian defender, has shown promise but lacks the composure of Vulikic. The manager may be forced to adopt a more conservative approach in the coming matches, prioritizing defensive stability over attacking ambition.
Levski’s defensive record this season has been respectable but not outstanding. They have conceded 24 goals in 30 league matches, an average of 0.8 goals per game. However, in recent weeks, their defense has looked shaky, particularly in high-pressure situations. The loss of Vulikic, who was instrumental in organizing the backline, could exacerbate these issues and leave Levski vulnerable in the final stretch of the season.
What’s Next for Vulikic and Levski?
For Stipe Vulikic, the focus now shifts to recovery. The defender will undergo a rehabilitation program, likely in Croatia or Italy, where he has family and medical connections. Given the severity of knee injuries, his return to full fitness could take several months, and he will require to work closely with Levski’s medical staff to ensure a smooth recovery. The club has not ruled out the possibility of Vulikic returning for the start of the 2026/27 season, but his progress will be closely monitored.
As for Levski, the immediate priority is navigating the final weeks of the season without their Croatian defender. The club’s medical team is working to ensure that no other players succumb to injuries, while Velázquez will need to find a way to shore up the defense ahead of the crucial match against CSKA 1948. Fans will be hoping that the team’s depth can step up in Vulikic’s absence, but the task ahead is daunting.
Levski’s next match is against CSKA 1948 on May 2, 2026, at the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium. The game is expected to draw a capacity crowd, and the atmosphere will be electric. With the title on the line, every player will need to step up, especially in defense. If Levski can secure a positive result, they will be in a strong position to clinch the league title. However, a loss or draw could open the door for CSKA 1948 or Ludogorets to overtake them.
The club has not yet announced a replacement for Vulikic, but rumors suggest that Levski are exploring options in the transfer market. Given the financial constraints of Bulgarian football, any potential signing would likely be a loan or a free agent. The club’s scouting team is reportedly looking at defenders with experience in Eastern Europe, though no concrete targets have been identified.
Key Takeaways
- Stipe Vulikic ruled out for season: The Croatian defender will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign due to a knee injury, leaving Levski Sofia with a defensive crisis.
- Critical title race: Levski are locked in a tight battle for the fbet Liga title, with just one point separating them from CSKA 1948. Vulikic’s absence could be decisive in the final weeks.
- Limited defensive options: Manager Julio Velázquez has few experienced defenders available, forcing him to rely on younger players or adopt a more conservative tactical approach.
- Vulikic’s journey: The 25-year-old joined Levski in February 2026 after struggling for playing time at Sampdoria. He quickly became a key player, starting five consecutive matches.
- Next steps: Levski face CSKA 1948 on May 2 in a match that could decide the league title. The club is also exploring potential defensive reinforcements for next season.
For Levski Sofia, the coming weeks will be a test of resilience. The loss of Stipe Vulikic is a significant setback, but it is not insurmountable. If the team can rally together and find a way to grind out results, they may yet achieve their goal of lifting the league trophy. However, with the title race so finely poised, every point—and every defensive stand—will count.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, Levski fans are encouraged to show their support for the team as they navigate this challenging period. Share your thoughts in the comments below: Can Levski overcome this defensive crisis and secure the league title?