Christopher Petrov Popov (born 26 October 2004) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a forward or midfielder for National League club Morecambe, on loan from EFL Championship club Leicester City. He is a Wales under-21 international.
Club career
Popov joined the Leicester City academy in 2021 after being released by Manchester United.[2] On 27 August 2024, he made his senior debut for the club as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 4–0 EFL Cup victory against Tranmere Rovers.[3]
On 30 August 2024, Popov joined EFL League Two side Barrow on a season-long loan.[4] He made his club and league debut a day later, starting in a 0–1 away win against Harrogate Town.[5] On 21 January 2026, Popov joined National League side Morecambe on loan until the end of the season.[6]
International career
Born in Wales, Popov is of Bulgarian descent and is eligible to play for both Wales and Bulgaria.[7][8]
Career statistics
- As of match played 14 March 2026
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Leicester City U21 | 2022–23[9] | — | — | — | 3[a] | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||||
| 2023–24[10] | — | — | — | 1[a] | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||||
| 2024–25[11] | — | — | — | 1[a] | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||||
| Total | — | — | — | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |||||
| Leicester City | 2024–25[11] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |
| Barrow (loan) | 2024–25[11] | League Two | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Morecambe (loan) | 2025–26[12] | National League | 12 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 7 |
| Career total | 23 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 30 | 7 | ||
- ^ a b c Appearances in EFL Trophy
References
- ^ “C. Popov”. Soccerway. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Pawley, Luke (16 April 2022). “Leicester City may already have the next Jamie Vardy in their ranks”. Leicestershire Live. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ “Leicester City vs Tranmere Rovers: League Cup”. BBC Sport. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ “Leicester’s Popov loaned to Barrow”. BBC Sport. 30 August 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ^ “Leicester’s Popov loaned to Barrow”. BBC Sport. 31 August 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ^ “Morecambe sign Leicester’s Popov on loan”. BBC. 21 January 2026. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
- ^ Нападател с български произход в “Лестър”
- ^ И Крис Попов с шанс да играе за България
- ^ “Games played by Chris Popov in 2022/2023”. Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ “Games played by Chris Popov in 2023/2024”. Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ a b c “Games played by Chris Popov in 2024/2025”. Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ “Games played by Chris Popov in 2025/2026”. Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
External links
- Chris Popov at Soccerway