The promising outside hitter dramatically elevated his game, transitioning from his developmental years in the Boys’ U19 category to delivering leading performances at the Men’s U21 World Championship.
Mahmoud Abdelbaki, affectionately known as Houda, exemplifies how much can change for an athlete in just two years, particularly evident in his ascent through age-group World Championships. In 2023, during the FIVB Boys` U19 World Championship, the Cairo-born outside hitter accumulated 48 points across the entire tournament, with his peak performance being a 17-point contribution against Argentina.
Fast forward to the 2025 Men`s U21 World Championship, and Houda has embraced the crucial role of one of Egypt’s principal scorers. He amassed an impressive 102 points during the pool play stage, nearly tripling his previous total, and captivated audiences with a remarkable 31-point display against the United States.
“In this championship, I am doing much better than the last World Championship. This is a good tournament, and we are happy to be here,” Houda commented, reflecting on his progress.
For Houda, his personal growth is deeply connected to the profound pride of representing Egypt, a national team whose consistent presence at this competitive level has been sporadic in recent years. He fully comprehends the importance of reaffirming his country`s place on the global volleyball stage.
“People might say they haven’t seen Egypt for years,” he acknowledged, “but we remain a very strong team in Africa.”
Seizing his moment in the international spotlight, Houda also delivered a heartfelt and direct message to younger players who might one day aspire to follow in his footsteps.
“Work hard on yourself, study, train diligently, and embrace volleyball. God will be with you,” he advised, offering words of encouragement.
This unwavering dedication to hard work has profoundly shaped his own career path. His decision to join Zamalek, one of Egypt’s most successful and ambitious clubs, has provided him with an exceptional platform to compete at the highest domestic level and prepare for challenges on the international scene.
“I transferred to Zamalek. It`s an excellent club, one of Egypt`s finest, consistently contending for championships and attracting top-tier professionals. I`m thriving there,” he explained.
Despite his significant progress and success domestically, Houda’s ambitions already stretch beyond Egypt’s borders. He dreams of testing his formidable skills in Europe`s strongest leagues, viewing this as the vital next chapter in his ongoing development.
“I want to continue developing myself, and I aspire to play in Italy or France one day,” Houda stated, outlining his future goals.
And like many burgeoning athletes, he finds immense motivation by closely observing the sport`s biggest stars. His list of idols includes prominent names who consistently dominate international volleyball.
“I really admire TJ DeFalco from the USA, Wilfredo Leon from Poland, and Alessandro Michieletto from Italy,” he shared, naming his inspirations.
Houda`s progression from the U19 to the U21 level represents a substantial and successful leap in his career. With his impressive scoring prowess and resolute ambition, he has unequivocally demonstrated his readiness for the advanced stages of his volleyball journey.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick