The U18 African Championship MVP showcases his unique style and powerful performance at the U19 Boys’ World Championship.
On the volleyball court, Yahiya Jemai is unmistakable. His distinctive appearance, featuring neon yellow goggles and tightly braided hair, paired with a sharp blue jersey and black compression sleeves, creates an intense and focused look. While his posture exudes a calm confidence, this serene facade quickly gives way to explosive energy once the match begins.
Jemai embraces his unique style. “I have my special and unique look. I really like it,” he stated. He acknowledges that his performance may fluctuate, but emphasizes his unwavering commitment: “There may be ups and downs in my game, but I am good at it. I put all my energy, all my force, all my power into the game. I hope I have lived up to everyone`s hopes.” This duality—a cool demeanor contrasted with high-octane play—establishes him as a truly striking “fire and ice” presence in the tournament.
In a challenging five-set encounter against fellow African contenders Algeria, Jemai delivered a standout performance, tallying 21 points from 18 kills, two aces, and one block. Reflecting on the demanding match, he commented, “It was a very difficult match against a team from Algeria… They are very good team. They play volleyball very well. This five-set match was very difficult. We started the set well and we lost our focus in the match, but we played volleyball the right way in the end.”
At just 17 years old and standing 1.93 meters tall, Jemai serves as an outside hitter for the Tunisian national team. The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marks his inaugural appearance on the global stage. Having been crowned MVP and Best Outside Hitter at the 2024 U18 African Nations Championship, where he led Tunisia to a continental title, Jemai now represents a promising new generation for Tunisian volleyball internationally.
He views the experience as invaluable. “It is a good experience for us,” he remarked. “We are African champions, and this is our first international competition. We are very satisfied with the infrastructure, the atmosphere, and the competition with the teams. I am very satisfied, and I hope to participate in other World Championships, in the U21 or senior level.”
With his blend of distinctive style, composed presence, and commanding performance, Yahiya Jemai is poised to be a pivotal force in shaping Tunisia’s future in volleyball.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick