Born in Kazanluk, Yanev was picked as a youth to play for local side Rozova Dolina, making his professional debut for Olimpik Teteven during the 1997–98 season.

On 25 August, Yanev scored his CSKA's first and first-ever UEFA Cup goal in an 8–0 drubbing of Moldovan Constructorul.

On 18 August he made his debut, replacing Marian Hristov as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw against Ireland at Lansdowne Road Stadium.

Two years later, on 9 May 2006, Yanev netted his third goal for the senior team as he scored the winning strike in a 2–1 victory over Japan in a game of the Kirin Cup.

During the winter break of the 2014–15 season, Yanev was appointed head coach of Minyor Pernik, whom at that time were participating in the South-West V Group.

In the summer of 2015, he was approached by the financially troubled CSKA Sofia, who were sent off to the V Group after the club's failure to obtain a license for the upcoming season in the first division.