He is regarded as the first goalkeeper who began to leave the goal line like modern keepers and even Lev Yashin said Sokolov was his inspiration.
His son Georgi Sokolov was one of the most talented Bulgarian footballers who played as a winger or forward for Levski Sofia and Bulgaria.
On 1 June 1947, Sokolov saved a crucial penalty in the Bulgarian Cup final against Botev Plovdiv to help Levski beat 1–0.
Sokolov made his first appearance for the Bulgarian national team on 6 July 1947, at the age of 29, in a 3–2 home loss against Romania for the Balkan Cup.
Sokolov was included in the Bulgarian squad for 1952 Summer Olympics, and played in a 2–1 loss against Soviet Union on 15 July.