Sixteen-year-old Lucas Rigui, following in the footsteps of his Olympic champion father Janelson Carvalho, is making a name for himself at the FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship 2025. This tournament is a crucial step in his determined quest to not just emulate, but surpass his legendary family legacy.
As an outside hitter, mirroring his father`s position, Lucas Rigui has emerged as a key player for Brazil in Tashkent. He consistently delivers strong performances and exhibits composed leadership during critical moments. While his father`s achievements are a significant source of inspiration, Lucas’s ultimate ambition is to exceed them.
“I always have it in my mind that I want to be better than my dad,” the young Brazilian affirmed. “In every practice, every ball, I give my all to be better than him.”
This competitive drive has propelled his advancement through Brazil`s youth volleyball programs. After helping the team secure an eighth-place finish at the U17 World Championship last year, he returned to the international stage in 2025 with enhanced strength, sharper skills, and unwavering determination. He has maintained an impressive average of 13 points per match, notably scoring a team-high 18 points against Uzbekistan and 15 points in matches against France and Finland.
Reflecting on the match against the hosts, Lucas Rigui commented, “I believe it was a strong performance. Uzbekistan’s team is very well-rounded, with powerful outside hitters. We successfully maintained our tempo, minimized errors, and excelled in blocks and attacks. I think those aspects truly made a difference.”
The Boys’ U19 World Championship serves as a significant benchmark for his personal development. “I think it`s been amazing,” Lucas Rigui shared. “It allows me to assess athletes my age from other countries. It’s valuable to understand my own standing, my skill level, and the overall standard of the teams.”
His deep connection to volleyball stems from his home environment. His father, Janelson, was a member of Brazil’s ‘Golden Generation,’ which famously secured the country’s first men’s Olympic gold medal in Barcelona in 1992. Growing up with such a background profoundly influenced his approach to the sport.
“It’s always beneficial to have a role model at home,” the outside hitter stated. “He constantly offers guidance, providing tips on passing, attacking, and various other aspects. He too was an outside hitter and participated in many youth World Championships.”
Lucas Rigui elaborated on this influence: “Having that direct connection at home, learning from his experiences, truly helped me mature faster. It’s comforting to know he also played in youth championships and didn’t win a medal either, but it’s still inspiring to have someone to look up to and always strive to surpass.”
Beyond mere advice, the presence of an Olympic gold medal within his household vividly symbolizes his ultimate aspiration. “It’s extraordinary to realize that my greatest dream is already present in my home, even if it’s not yet mine,” Lucas Rigui remarked. “But it’s wonderful to know it’s there, belonging to my dad, whom I deeply admire.”
Outside his intense volleyball commitments, Lucas Rigui enjoys a life similar to many teenagers. He plays video games, spends time with friends, and is with his girlfriend. Yet, family remains central to his life. “It`s always wonderful to go home, see my parents, and ease the homesickness,” he expressed.
Every action Lucas Rigui takes is driven by an unwavering goal. “My dream is to consistently perform at my best in every World Championship, avoiding performance fluctuations,” Lucas Rigui concluded. “And to one day become an Olympic champion, just like my dad, and ultimately, to be even better than him.”
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick