Stars Shine Bright: VNL 2025 Men’s Dream Team Unveiled

Spotlight on the Dream Team Members:

Simone Giannelli (Italy) – Setter

Widely regarded as one of the world`s premier contemporary volleyball playmakers, 28-year-old Italian Simone Giannelli added his first VNL Dream Team selection to an impressive career filled with numerous Most Valuable Player and Best Setter awards from major international competitions. As captain, Giannelli skillfully led the Italian squad throughout the VNL 2025 season, delivering an astounding 350 successful sets, a crucial contribution to his team securing their inaugural medal in this prestigious competition.

Kewin Sasak (Poland) – Opposite

At 28 years old, opposite Kewin Sasak made a truly remarkable debut for the Polish national team, playing a pivotal role in their victorious march towards the VNL 2025 gold medal. Across 15 matches, he amassed an outstanding 172 points, a tally that included 15 powerful serving aces and 16 crucial kill blocks, solidifying his status as the new champions’ most prolific scorer of the tournament.

Alessandro Michieletto (Italy) – Outside Hitter

Much like his Italian teammate Giannelli, the 23-year-old outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto has accumulated a variety of individual awards in major competitions throughout his career. However, his nomination for the Dream Team marks his first specific recognition in the VNL. He was Italy’s leading scorer in their historic campaign for their first VNL medal, contributing a total of 167 points over 11 matches, including 15 kill blocks. His 26 aces also earned him the second position among the VNL’s top servers.

Wilfredo Leon (Poland) – Outside Hitter

Despite joining the Polish team only for the final week of the Preliminary Phase and the Finals, the 32-year-old Cuban-born sensation Wilfredo Leon made an undeniable impact. In just seven matches, he scored a total of 87 points, including an impressive 12 serving aces. His outstanding performance, notably 16 points in Sunday`s emphatic straight-set victory in the gold medal match, undoubtedly cemented his first VNL Dream Team nomination, further enriching his already extensive collection of individual accolades.

Jakub Kochanowski (Poland) – Middle Blocker

Poland’s 28-year-old middle blocker, Jakub Kochanowski, not only captained his team to the VNL 2025 title but also secured a well-deserved spot on the Dream Team, a consistent achievement given his individual awards from VNL 2023 and VNL 2024. Similar to his teammate Leon, Kochanowski featured only in the last seven games of the squad`s victorious campaign. Beyond his commanding leadership, he contributed significantly with 55 points, including 14 formidable kill blocks and 5 aces.

Jan Kozamernik (Slovenia) – Middle Blocker

Slovenia is proudly represented on the Dream Team by their 29-year-old middle blocker and captain, Jan Kozamernik, who received his inaugural VNL individual award. He steadfastly led and inspired his team throughout their journey, guiding them to the VNL semifinals for the third time in history. Kozamernik contributed a total of 103 points, including 8 aces, and his 34 kill blocks impressively placed him third among the competition`s best blockers.

Maique Reis Nascimento (Brazil) – Libero

Brazil’s 28-year-old libero, Maique Reis Nascimento, distinguished himself by recording an impressive 119 digs across Brazil’s 15 matches en route to their VNL 2025 bronze medal. This remarkable feat placed him a clear 34 digs ahead at the top of the best diggers ranking. He also secured the runner-up position in the best receivers chart with 88 successful passes, earning himself a well-deserved place on the Dream Team as the tournament’s best libero—his inaugural individual award in the VNL.