Top 10 Brazilian Volleyball Players in 2023

Brazil is globally known for being one of the leaders in volleyball, with generations of talented players performing globally.

And, today, we’re excited to show you the ten best Brazilian volleyball players in 2023!

Maique Nascimento

Player for Itambé-Minas, Maique is one of the best liberos playing in Brazil, which also makes him one of the most frequently called-up players for the Brazilian national team since his first call-up in 2018.

With the yellow jersey, he has already won five gold medals in almost all major international competitions he has participated in.

Darlan Souza

At only 21 years old and being the brother of also volleyball player Alan Souza, Darlan is a rising star in Brazilian men’s volleyball.

Playing as an opposite hitter, he defends the colors of SESI/Bauru in the Superliga. He is part of the current Brazilian national team, where he has already won the gold medal in the 2023 Pan American Games.

Matheus Gonçalves

You might know him as Matheus Brasília because he’s from the capital. Gonçalves is a setter and was part of the Brazilian team that won the gold at the Pan American Games in Santiago in 2023.

He also won the 2020 Libertadores with SESI/Bauru. Currently, Gonçalves plays for Farma Conde/São José.

Otávio Pinto

Otávio is a middle blocker and currently plays for Sada/Cruzeiro, where he has a series of achievements, including a Club World Championship and two South Americans.

He also won several titles with the National Team, winning the fourth gold medal with the Pan American conquest in Santiago.

Henrique Honorato

Another player who won the gold medal at the Pan this year is 26-year-old outside hitter Honorato. He also won bronze in Lima four years ago.

Currently, he plays for Joinville Vôlei. His father, Manoel Honorato, a former volleyball player, served as inspiration for his son’s current successful career in the same field.

Judson Amabel

The next in the list is Judson Amabel, Suzano Vôlei middle blocker. Having been chosen the second-best blocker in the Superliga in the 2022/2023 season, he is one of the promising athletes in Brazilian volleyball today.

Flávio Gualberto

At 30 years old, the veteran central currently plays for Perugia in Italy, where he was a world champion in 2022.

Gualberto has several conquests with the main Brazilian team, having won the World Cup, Nations League, and South American Championship, among many other achievements. He was also highly awarded for his defensive performances, both for clubs and for Brazil.

Yoandy Leal

Leal, originally from Cuba but a Brazilian citizen since 2015, is another experienced athlete. He has achieved success playing for both his native Cuba and the Brazilian national teams.

Currently, he plays for Piacenza in Italy, but it was with Sada/Cruzeiro that he won the majority of his gold medals in his career.

Ricardo Lucarelli

The 31-year-old outside hitter is among the most successful active Brazilian athletes, setting lots of victories in their career.

He has secured nine gold medals for the national team, including victories at the 2016 Olympics and the 2019 World Cup, during his time with clubs such as Minas, SESI, and Taubaté.

Bruninho

Even at 37, Bruninho remains one of the greatest setters in Brazil and the world. Currently playing for Modena, he has lots of conquests with the National Team, in addition to having a long career wearing the Modena jersey, a club he currently plays for.