January 29, 2025...York United sign 17-year-old Canadian forward Marsel Bibishkov (from canpl.ca)
York United sign 17-year-old Canadian forward Marsel Bibishkov
2025-01-29
York United FC announced on Wednesday the signing of striker Marsel Bibishkov on a two-year guaranteed contract,
plus club options for 2027 and 2028. He will be added to the club’s roster pending receipt of his ITC
(International Transfer Certificate).
Born in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, Bibishkov, 17, relocated to the Greater Toronto Area at nine years old,
where he spent time with the Canada First Academy and later the Toronto FC Academy. He arrives at the Nine Stripes
having most recently played with the Juventus Under-17 side, where he scored six goals in 17 appearances in 2024.
As a domestic player under the age of 21, any minutes Bibishkov logs for York United this season will contribute
to the 2,000 U-21 domestic player minutes tally each CPL club must accumulate over the course of the league’s
regular season.
His move to Turin came after his performances for Bulgarian club Pirin attracted attention. Bibishkov was only 15 years
old when he made his professional debut for the team in a domestic cup game in November 2022. A few months later,
Bibishkov made his first league appearance in a big away win over Ludogorets. Later in the season, there was another
appearance off the bench and overall Bibishkov was included in Pirin’s matchday squad on eight occasions.
Bibishkov officially puts pen to paper after being involved with numerous York United training sessions last season.
“I’m focused on this season and bringing the best version of myself to the team and making a big push for a trophy,”
Bibishkov said.
“Last season was great, being back in Toronto and I felt very comfortable because the entire organization welcomed me so well.
I remember Mauro [Eustáquio] being extremely supportive and always helping me, constantly pulling me aside and offering advice
to improve my game. I really like that and respond well to that style of coaching. I’m excited to continue working with him.”
Bibishkov is the latest recruit to a Nine Stripes roster that’s heavily influenced by Toronto and the wider GTA.
From the 17 players already confirmed for 2025, eleven of them are local. And that number is set to increase in the coming
days and weeks as the club make some more special announcements.
“We’re very happy to officially announce Marsel, as he’s been part of the squad for a while now,” says Ricardo Pasquel,
President of York United FC.
“As soon as he arrived here, we loved his enthusiasm, his work ethic and his ability. Again — like so many young Canadian
players, particularly those around us in the GTA – he’s got plenty of potential and he’ll be given lots of opportunities.
This is the perfect environment for him to grow and develop and we believe in his talent. Now it’s up to the club,
our coaches and these younger players to make the most of their chance.”
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