Christopher Petrov Popov (born 26 October 2004) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a forward or midfielder for club Hartlepool United. He is a Wales under-21 international.
Club career Leicester City Popov joined the Leicester City academy in 2021 after being released by Manchester United. 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.
On 30 August 2024, Popov joined EFL League Two side Barrow on a season-long loan. He made his club and league debut a day later, starting in a 1–0 away win against Harrogate Town. He made 12 appearances in all competitions for Barrow.
On 21 January 2026, Popov joined National League side Morecambe on loan until the end of the season. He made 18 appearances for Morecambe, scoring seven times and contributing four assists.
On 24 May 2026, he was released by Leicester City following their relegation from the Championship.
Hartlepool United On 27 June 2026, he signed for National League club Hartlepool United on a deal until June 2028. He started in the opening match of the 2026–27 season, a 2–0 home win against Barrow. His first goal came on 5 September in a 1–0 home win against Woking.
International career Born in Wales, Popov is of Bulgarian descent and is eligible to play for both Wales and Bulgaria.Нападател с български произход в "Лестър"И Крис Попов с шанс да играе за България
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsLeicester City U212022–23———30302023–24———10102024–25———1010Total———5050Leicester City2024–25Premier League000010—10Barrow (loan)2024–25League Two110100000120Morecambe (loan)2025–26National League187–––187Hartlepool United2026–27National League10100–20121Career total398101070488
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