However, Stoyanov made a name for himself with Velbazhd Kyustendil and Levski Sofia, appearing in more than 150 matches in the top division.

During his time in Bulgarian football, he established himself as a capable defender, but was also notable for displaying a fiery temper on occasions and was involved in a number of controversial incidents, including an altercation with a referee[4] and remarks uttered at black footballers, which invited accusations of racism.

[5][6] He joined JEF United Chiba in 2005 from Levski Sofia and enjoyed a reasonably successful first season, helping them lift the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup (the Japanese League Cup), the club's first ever trophy – and also to repeat the achievement the following season, 2006.

In 2009, he returned to Bulgaria national team and started 7 games in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification.

After his retirement, Stoyanov has started his own business in Japan and is also involved in a football academy.