Leeds United News: Gruev credits team-mates message after ending second place streak

Gruev was named Bulgaria's 2025 Player of the Year at the outside if this month's international break and attended the award ceremony, where he finally picked up the top prize. The midfielder finished second in the running in 2022 to five-time winner Kiril Despodov and was then beaten by his Bulgaria skipper in 2023 and 2024. But Gruev's time has finally arrived after helping Leeds return to the Premier League and representing them in the top flight. Gruev made 26 appearances in the calendar year of 2025 with boss Daniel Farke trusting him not only in the second tier but against elite opposition. He also turned out for his country nine times. Gruev was voted ahead of Ivaylo Chochev of Ludogrets and Despodov of PAOK. He received the prize from the President of the Bulgarian Football Union, Georgi Ivanov who said: "Footballer of the Year is an example for all young players in Bulgaria - proof that when you work with dedication, any goal can become a reality." In his acceptance speech Gruev paid tribute to his fellow Leeds players and loved ones. "I thank all my teammates from Leeds and the national team, all my coaches who have helped me, my girlfriend, my mother and my father," he said. "I wish everyone health, happiness, luck and success. Later, on Instagram, he posted: "If someone had told me as a little boy that I would be holding this award in my hands, I would hardly have believed it. It is a true honour to follow in the footsteps of our country's greatest football players. This award doesn't belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone who pushed me when things got tough. So proud to represent these colours. So proud to represent these colours." Gruev has withdrawn from the Bulgaria squad for this month's games in Indonesia for personal reasons. He was called up for the fixtures against Solomon Islands and then a second match against the host nation of the 2026 FIFA Series tournament or St Kitts and Nevis.