We take a look at five of the best players in men’s volleyball around the world at the present time.
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The sport of volleyball originated in the late 1800s and, having been a part of the Summer Olympic Games since 1964, has seen a number of great players come and go during that time. In current times, with a number of countries having professional volleyball leagues and the rise of mediums like television and the internet have led to many sports gaining some degree of popularity around the world and volleyball is no exception. A number of countries excel at the sport and as such, there are many top players plying their trade around the world. Here we take a look at the best male volleyball players in the world right now.
Wilfredo Leon – The Cuba-born volleyball player’s talent was so evident that he made his debut for the Cuba national team at age 14. He switched allegiances to Poland in 2019 due to fleeing the country of his birth. Nevertheless, his resume speaks for itself: he has won 18 national championships during his career at Russian side Zenit Kazan, five CEV Champions Leagues and three FIVB Club World Championships. He’s also won a number of international medals with both Cuba and Poland.
Jenia Grebennikov – The French libero of Russian descent is one of the top players in his position in the world. The role of a libero differs as per the needs of the team; they don’t take up a fixed position on the court and have to fulfil multiple jobs. Grebennikov has excelled in the role in recent times, playing a key role for both his clubs and country and picking up a number of ‘Best Libero’ trophies across tournaments.
Matthew Anderson – The American outside hitter is considered a legend of the sport both in the USA and internationally. He has won a number of medals internationally and was also the staple of a dominant Zenit Kazan side that romped to multiple domestic championships. Anderson won four gold medals and one bronze in the CEV Champions League with Kazan and also won two silvers and a gold with the same side in the FIVB Club World Championships.
Bruno Rezende – The child of two international level volleyball players, Rezende had an advantage in the sport from early – literally so since his father coached the Brazil volleyball team that also included his son. However, despite facing nepotism allegations, the 34-year-old has had a career that would make most proud: 2016 Olympic Champion, double Olympic Games silver medallist, 2010 World Champion, double gold medallist at the World Grand Champions Cup, four-time South American Champion among other honours at club level.
Bartosz Kurek – Unlike others on this list, the Polish stalwart has had a relatively modest career at club level but his singular talent in attack have been key for the Poland national team and as such he considered one of the best players not only from his country but in the world. A number of individual trophies as well as a rich medal and trophy haul for Poland are proof of his ability. He was also conferred with the Knight’s Cross of Polonia Restituta in 2009 and the Officer’s Cross of Polonia Restituta in 2018.
