Lokomotiv Plovdiv Georgi Ivanov was born in
Plovdiv and is of
Romani descent. He started his career in his hometown Plovdiv playing for local club
Lokomotiv Plovdiv. His talent soon became apparent, and he received several call-ups for the
Bulgaria national team. For four seasons in Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Ivanov earned 60 appearances playing in the
Bulgarian top division, scoring 15 goals.
Levski Sofia first period "Gonzo", as he was known among the fans, signed for
Levski Sofia in the summer of 1997. He is believed to have previously been twice on the radar of archrival
CSKA Sofia, but then manager
Georgi Vasilev deciding on both occasions against securing his services. On 24 October 1997, he played in his first
Eternal Derby and scored the winning goal in the 84th minute after a
Vladimir Ivanov assist to help the "bluemen" to a 1–0 victory. In total, Ivanov has participated in 22 editions of the rivalry, scoring a record-breaking 15 goals (the last time he found the net against the "redmen" was in an
A PFG match held on 1 November 2008 that finished 1:1). Levski Sofia have only lost two derby matches against the "redmen" with Ivanov on the pitch.
Rennes Ivanov joined French
Ligue 1 side
Rennes for a club record transfer fee of €4,100,000 in the summer of 2002. After featuring regularly under the management of
Philippe Bergeroo, he saw his opportunities reduced following the former's sacking in October 2002 and the appointment of
Vahid Halilhodžić. After less than a full year abroad Ivanov rejoined Levski on loan.
Levski Sofia second period During the 2003–04 season, Ivanov played for Levski Sofia again out on loan. He made 21 league appearances and scored nine goals.
Turkish period Between 2004 and 2006, Ivanov played in Turkey for
Samsunspor and
Gaziantepspor.
Levski Sofia third period Ivanov once again rejoined
Levski Sofia on a free transfer from
Gaziantepspor in 2006 and won the Bulgarian title for the fourth time in his career.
NK Rijeka In January 2007, Ivanov was transferred to Croatian club
NK Rijeka. In Croatia, Ivanov was used as a striker and as a defensive midfielder.
Levski Sofia fourth period On 22 June 2008, Ivanov signed a contract with
Levski Sofia for the fourth time. Towards the end of the first half of the season he scored six goals in four matches, including his record 15th against Sofia rivals CSKA. During that season, he showed once again his strong leadership, playing even with an injury and protectors on his face because of a broken cheek-bone. He became a
Champion of Bulgaria in 2009. ==Coaching career==