The dust has settled on the thrilling Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, a tournament that showcased the pinnacle of men`s international volleyball. As Poland, Italy, and Brazil celebrated their well-deserved podium finishes in Ningbo, and Slovenia solidified their position among the elite by claiming fourth, the sport`s governing body, FIVB, unveiled the much-anticipated VNL Dream Team. This selection is not merely a list of names; it`s a testament to individual brilliance, unwavering consistency, and pivotal contributions that collectively shaped the narrative of VNL 2025.
While the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award awaited its separate announcement, the Dream Team offers a comprehensive snapshot of the tournament`s most impactful performers. These seven athletes, meticulously chosen from the top four nations, truly stood head and shoulders above their peers, demonstrating exceptional skill, undeniable leadership, and a relentless pursuit of victory. Each member brings a unique facet of genius to this curated roster of champions.
Meet the VNL 2025 Dream Team: Seven Pillars of Performance
- Setter: Simone Giannelli (Italy)
- Opposite: Kewin Sasak (Poland)
- Outside Hitters: Alessandro Michieletto (Italy), Wilfredo Leon (Poland)
- Middle Blockers: Jakub Kochanowski (Poland), Jan Kozamernik (Slovenia)
- Libero: Maique Reis Nascimento (Brazil)
Simone Giannelli (Italy): The Maestro of Motion
Regarded by many as one of contemporary volleyball`s finest playmakers, the 28-year-old Italian setter, Simone Giannelli, finally earned his maiden VNL Dream Team nod. Despite a cabinet already brimming with MVP and Best Setter accolades from numerous major international competitions, this VNL recognition marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Captaining the Italian squad throughout VNL 2025, Giannelli orchestrated an astounding 350 successful sets, a statistic that speaks volumes about his precision and influence in guiding his team to their first-ever VNL medal. His unparalleled court vision and ability to turn complex situations into seamless attacks make him the ultimate floor general, a true artist of the game.
Kewin Sasak (Poland): The Unstoppable Force
At 28, Kewin Sasak made an indelible debut for the Polish national team, emerging as the spearhead of their gold-medal winning campaign. His offensive prowess was undeniable, accumulating an impressive 172 points across 15 matches. This haul included 15 lethal serving aces and 16 decisive kill blocks, firmly establishing him as the new champions` most prolific scorer of the tournament. Sasak`s emergence proved a delightful, albeit perhaps inconvenient, surprise for opposing defenses, whose best-laid plans often crumbled under his relentless assault from the opposite side.
Alessandro Michieletto (Italy): The Versatile Virtuoso
Much like his esteemed teammate Giannelli, 23-year-old Alessandro Michieletto boasts a collection of individual awards, yet his inclusion as a VNL Dream Team outside hitter is a first. Michieletto was Italy`s leading scorer in their historic VNL medal run, tallying 167 points in just 11 matches. His game was multi-faceted, featuring 15 crucial kill blocks and a remarkable 26 aces, placing him second in the VNL`s best server ranking. His youthful dynamism combined with a mature understanding of the game made him a constant, dangerous threat from all angles on the court.
Wilfredo Leon (Poland): The Impactful Comeback
The 32-year-old Cuban-born superstar, Wilfredo Leon, joined the Polish contingent only for the final week of the Preliminary Phase and the Finals, yet his impact was nothing short of seismic. In a mere seven matches, Leon amassed 87 points, including a staggering 12 serving aces, showcasing his legendary power. His performance in the gold medal match, where his 16 points propelled Poland to an emphatic straight-set victory, undoubtedly cemented his place in the Dream Team, adding to an already overflowing trophy cabinet. One might say he arrived late to the party, but certainly made up for lost time with an explosive display of fireworks.
Jakub Kochanowski (Poland): The Steady Anchor
Poland`s 28-year-old middle blocker, Jakub Kochanowski, not only captained his team to the VNL 2025 title but also secured his third consecutive VNL Dream Team spot, repeating his individual awards from VNL 2023 and VNL 2024. Like Leon, Kochanowski featured in the final seven games, yet his presence was foundational. Beyond his charismatic leadership, he contributed 55 points, including 14 formidable kill blocks and 5 aces. He`s the kind of player who quietly excels, ensuring the team`s structural integrity at the net while delivering crucial points with understated efficiency.
Jan Kozamernik (Slovenia): Slovenia`s Defensive General
Slovenia`s commendable fourth-place finish saw their captain and middle blocker, 29-year-old Jan Kozamernik, earn his first VNL individual award for the Dream Team. He was the linchpin of Slovenia`s defense, leading and inspiring his team to reach the VNL semifinals for a third time in their history. Kozamernik notched 103 points, including 8 aces, and notably placed third among the competition`s best blockers with an impressive 34 kill blocks. His consistent, high-level performance at the net was a major factor in Slovenia`s remarkable ability to challenge and compete with the world`s best.
Maique Reis Nascimento (Brazil): The Defensive Dynamo
Brazil`s journey to the VNL 2025 bronze medal was significantly aided by the defensive heroics of 28-year-old libero, Maique Reis Nascimento. His astounding 119 digs across Brazil`s 15 matches placed him a remarkable 34 digs clear at the top of the best diggers ranking – a truly dominant performance. Furthermore, he finished as the runner-up in the best receivers chart with 88 successful passes, showcasing his all-around back-court mastery. Nascimento`s relentless pursuit of every ball and his precise passing earned him his first VNL individual award as the tournament`s premier libero. He truly made digging look effortless, a crucial skill often underappreciated until a ball hits the floor.
The VNL 2025 Dream Team is a meticulously chosen collection of athletes who not only excelled statistically but also showcased exceptional leadership, tactical intelligence, and a flair for the dramatic. Their individual performances undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the tournament, inspiring fans and setting an exceptionally high bar for future competitions. As the volleyball world looks forward to the next season, these names will undoubtedly remain synonymous with excellence and the enduring, captivating spirit of the game.
Marcus Blakely