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Andrea Giani, the prominent volleyball coach, and now France’s Men’s Volleyball Team head coach has announced the boys that will be playing during this year’s VNL!
Setters: Raphaël Corre, Benjamin Toniutti, Antoine Brizard, Thomas Gill
Opposites: Jean Patry, Stephen Boyer, Théo Faure, Ibrahim Lawani
Outside hitters: Kevin Tillie, Earvin Ngapeth, Trevor Clevenot, Yacine Louati, Pierre Derouillon, Luka Basic, François Rebeyrol
Middle blockers: Barthélémy Chinenyeze, Nicolas Le Goff, Médéric Henry, Daryl Bultor, Mousse Gueye, Quentin Jouffroy
Liberos: Jenia Grebennikov, Jérémie Mouiel, Luca Ramon, Benjamin Diez
A look back on the past:
In the past five years, the French men’s national volleyball team has made a name for themselves in the world of volleyball, achieving remarkable success in various international competitions, including the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), World Championships, and Olympic Games.
Starting with their Olympic journey, the French team made history by securing their first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s volleyball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team’s victory against the Russian Olympic Committee team was nothing short of sensational, as they battled through a thrilling five-set match to claim the gold medal. Earvin Ngapeth, a key player on the French team, was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title for his performance during the entire competition
Fast forward to the 2022 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League, and the French team continued to showcase their dominance on the court. The reigning Olympic champions went on to claim their first VNL title, defeating the United States in a nail-biting 3-2 (25-16, 25-19, 15-25, 21-25, 15-10) victory in Bologna, Italy. This success marked another milestone for the French team, as it was their first-ever VNL title.
As of July 25th, 2022, France ranked 2nd in the FIVB world ranking. The team has been consistently participating in the World League since the inaugural edition in 1990 and continuously since 1999. Their consistent performance in the VNL has been remarkable, with the team advancing to the semi-finals for the sixth time in seven editions (including the FIVB World League) since 2015. The French team’s meteoric rise in the world of volleyball is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional teamwork.
So, what’s the secret behind France’s men’s national volleyball team’s unprecedented success in the past five years? One could argue that it’s a combination of factors, including the development of a strong and cohesive team dynamic, the guidance of experienced coaches, and the unwavering support of their fans.
The future looks bright for the French men’s national volleyball team, as they continue to cement their place as a global force in the sport. The sky’s the limit for this talented team, and volleyball enthusiasts around the world can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve next.
Players to look out for:
Barthélémy Chinenyeze, the rising star of French volleyball. Bursting onto the scene as a versatile middle blocker, Chinenyeze has become an integral part of the French national team. His exceptional athleticism and powerful attacks have contributed to France’s historic first Olympic gold medal in men’s volleyball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Chinenyeze’s impressive achievements at such a young age have garnered him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. Keep an eye on this dynamic talent, as he’s set to dominate the volleyball world for years to come!
Jenia Grebennikov, a French volleyball sensation, has been dazzling fans with his exceptional skills for the past decade. As one of the world’s top liberos, Grebennikov is renowned for his lightning-fast reflexes and incredible ball control. His contributions to the French national team have been monumental, playing a pivotal role in securing the first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s volleyball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With numerous individual awards, including multiple “Best Libero” titles, Grebennikov’s relentless pursuit of excellence and extraordinary talent make him a true icon of the sport, inspiring the next generation of volleyball players.
Antoine BRIZARD of France during the International Friendly match between France and Netherlands on May 27, 2022 in Poitiers, France. (Photo by Eddy Lemaistre/Icon Sport)
Antoine Brizzard, a dynamic French volleyball player, has been making his mark on the international stage for a while now. As one of the best setters in the world, Brizzard is known for his ability to read the game and deliver pinpoint accurate sets to his teammates His impressive performances and strong leadership qualities have earned him the respect of both his peers and fans. Watch out for this gifted athlete as he continues to set the pace in the world of volleyball!
