Manuel Zlatanov bears one of the most recognizable surnames in international volleyball. Nevertheless, he is determined to establish his own distinct identity, building upon his family`s prestige without being defined solely by it.
“I am a different person, with a distinct career path, entirely unlike my grandfather and father,” he stated. “While they offered abundant guidance, I am my own individual. This surname belongs to today, and I possess my own aspirations to truly showcase who I am.”
The 17-year-old outside hitter has emerged as a pivotal figure for Italy at the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He played a crucial role in leading Italy to a decisive victory against Spain, securing the top position in Pool B.
“Spain is a formidable team, excelling in defense and counter-attacking,” he remarked. “They were leading our pool, and we were competing for first place. We played an exceptional match. Our coaching staff meticulously analyzed their play, and we successfully implemented that strategy on the court. We are absolutely delighted.”
Zlatanov first garnered significant attention in 2023 by becoming the youngest player to debut in Italy’s SuperLega at the tender age of 15. Later that year, he spearheaded Italy to a gold medal at the inaugural FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship with an unbeaten 7-0 record, earning MVP honors and finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 129 points.
Now competing at the U19 level, he readily embraces the opportunity to take on a leadership role once more.
“I aspire to be a leader,” he affirmed. “That`s simply who I am. I consistently strive to motivate the team forward. That is precisely what I aim to accomplish.”
Although volleyball is deeply ingrained in his family, with both his father Hristo and grandfather Dimitar having achieved international acclaim in the sport, Zlatanov emphasized that his choice to pursue volleyball was entirely his own decision.
“They never pressured me to play volleyball,” he clarified. “I explored many different sports, and it was my personal decision to choose volleyball.”
What truly resonated with him from his family`s influence was not pressure or high expectations, but rather the fundamental attitude they taught him to bring to the court:
“Play for sheer enjoyment, with a smile, and with unwavering positive energy.”
Off the court, Zlatanov maintains a remarkably grounded approach to life, with academics and overall balance playing a crucial role in his daily routine.
“For my family, academic pursuits come first. That is paramount because a volleyball career does not last forever,” he noted. “I study, spend time with my friends, play video games, and train extensively. That defines my life.”
He also extends valuable advice to aspiring young players, emphasizing that true success begins with cultivating the right mindset.
“Play for the pure enjoyment,” he advised. “Do not pursue it because you feel obligated, or simply for financial gain. That is not the correct mentality. When you go to train, you need to feel an inherent drive. You must genuinely want to train.”
“The advice I consistently offer is to enter the gym simply to have fun. Subsequently, always strive to give your absolute best, to continuously improve yourself, and to progress every single day. However, the most crucial aspect is to enjoy yourself and approach every task with a bright smile.”
Finley Blackwood