Born in
Asenovgrad, Kolev played as a youth for
Lokomotiv Plovdiv, then represented professionally
Lokomotiv Plovdiv (1981–88, 1997–98),
Panathinaikos (1988–90),
Athinaikos (1991–92) and
Edessaikos (1992–96). For the
Bulgaria national team, he amassed 20 appearances, netting 8 goals. He played all four matches at the
1986 FIFA World Cup in
Mexico. ==Honours==