The veteran 38-year-old libero was a pivotal force, leading her team to an unbeaten run and their third VNL championship.
Monica De Gennaro, the seasoned libero and longest-serving member of the Italian national team in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, earned the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) award on Monday. Her exceptional performance was central to Italy`s flawless, undefeated journey to secure their third VNL championship on Sunday in Łódź, Poland.
In addition to her MVP recognition, the 38-year-old De Gennaro was also named the tournament`s best libero and included in the VNL Dream Team. Despite representing Italy since 2006, this marks the first time in her illustrious career that she has been honored as the top player in an international competition.
Affectionately known as `Moki,` this stalwart libero has been a foundational figure for the Italian national team over the past two decades. Her contributions have been instrumental in significant victories, including a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, three VNL titles (2022, 2024, and 2025), the 2011 FIVB World Cup, and the 2021 European Championship. Furthermore, she has secured two medals (silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022) at the FIVB Volleyball World Championship.
As a four-time Olympian, De Gennaro was recognized as the premier libero at last year`s Paris Games. Her excellence has consistently been acknowledged with similar accolades across various international and club stages, including the VNL, World Championship, FIVB World Grand Prix, FIVB Club World Championship, and the CEV Champions League.
Notably, De Gennaro is the first libero and only the second Italian player to be bestowed with this esteemed MVP award in the Women`s VNL. She joins her long-standing national teammate, the formidable opposite hitter Paola Egonu, who previously received the honor for Italy`s first two VNL victories in 2022 and 2024.
Following hints of retirement from the national team after their Paris Olympic gold last year, De Gennaro made a triumphant return for the 2025 season, showcasing her undiminished drive. She actively participated in 12 of Italy`s 15 matches.
True to her renowned form, De Gennaro exhibited exceptional defensive prowess in the backcourt throughout the tournament. She notably ranked third in the VNL for digs with 160 and contributed 39 precise passes during Italy`s triumphant campaign. Her peak performance was evident in Sunday`s gold medal clash against Brazil, where she delivered a game-high of 14 digs and four flawless passes.
Jasper Thornfield