Mario Metushev (Bulgarian: Марио Метушев, born 30 March 1979) is a Bulgarian former professional footballer who played as a forward and convicted murderer. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the brutal murder of his childhood friend Krasimir Koldzhiev, age 42, on June 15, 2018. The pair was celebrating the popular Muslim festival Bayram in Koldzhiev's house when Metushev committed the murder. It is believed that Metushev suspected that his friend betrayed him to the police for illegally selling tobacco, for which Metushev spent time in custody. The murder was particularly brutal, with Metushev having stabbed the victim, who later died of blood loss, 97 times. Metushev experienced several mental breakdowns during court and in prison. He is believed to have suffered from severe psychological issues in the years leading to the murder. After the prosecutors protested against the initial court decision, the Sofia Court of Appeal sentenced Metushev to life in prison. The Bulgarian Supreme Court of Cassation confirmed the Court of Appeal's ruling on August 4, 2023, leaving the former football player without the possibility of parole or further appeal.[1]
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Mario Yuseinov Metushev | ||
| Date of birth | 30 March 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria | ||
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1982–1990 | Pirin Gotse Delchev | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1996–1997 | Pirin Gotse Delchev | 17 | (6) |
| 1997–2000 | Velbazhd Kyustendil | 35 | (9) |
| 1999 | → Botev Plovdiv (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| 2000–2001 | Cherno More | 24 | (5) |
| 2001–2003 | Chernomorets Burgas | 37 | (9) |
| 2003–2005 | Beroe Stara Zagora | 38 | (10) |
| 2005–2006 | Pas Gianina | ||
| 2006 | Pirin Gotse Delchev | ||
| 2006–2009 | Pirin Blagoevgrad | ||
| 2009 | Kozani | ||
| 2009–2010 | Pirin Gotse Delchev | 13 | (3) |
| 2010 | PAEEK FC | ||
| 2011 | Pirin Gotse Delchev | 13 | (1) |
| 2011 | Bdin Vidin | 10 | (1) |
| 2012–2014 | Mesta Hadzhidimovo | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 November 2013 | |||