A skillful free-kick taker, he scored numerous goals from different positions, in a career which spanned almost 15 years.

Born in Asenovgrad,[1] 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.

This biographical article related to association football in Bulgaria, about a midfielder, is a stub.