France successfully defended its title at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys` U19 World Championship. Outside hitter Andrej Jokanovic was honored with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and Best Outside Hitter, leading a quartet of French athletes who were selected for the tournament`s Dream Team.
The 17-year-old Jokanovic demonstrated dominant play throughout the tournament in Tashkent. He accumulated 158 points across nine matches, including 126 kills, 16 blocks, and 16 aces, achieving an attack efficiency of nearly 47 percent.
This 2.00-meter tall outside hitter scored double-digit points in every match and contributed 24 points in the final against Poland, securing France`s second consecutive world championship title.
“It’s incredible. We came here with high expectations and a lot of pressure for the team to win this title. The beginning wasn’t easy, but then we managed to play more as a team. These two awards are simply amazing. It’s an incredible feeling, something you don’t experience many times in your life,” Jokanovic commented.
Also joining the Dream Team were outside hitter Noa Duflos Rossi, middle blocker Daniel Lyegbekedo, and libero Guillaume Respaut. Duflos Rossi provided consistent offensive power from the left side. Lyegbekedo controlled the net`s center with powerful attacks and crucial blocks. Respaut solidified the team`s defense, demonstrating precise receptions and sharp game reads during transitions.
Madej Drag from Poland was named Best Setter for his confident orchestration of the offense throughout the tournament. Tymoleusz Lenik joined him as one of the best middle blockers, delivering decisive performances at the net.
Cesar Irache from Spain received the Best Opposite award, becoming the tournament`s top scorer with 154 points. In the bronze medal match against Iran, he scored an impressive 38 points.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood