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The Turkish men’s national volleyball team is embarking on a new chapter under the guidance of Umut Çakır, who steps up from his assistant coach role to take the helm. This transition comes after Frenchman Cédric Énard’s tenure. Çakır, who also coaches Turkish club Galatasaray HDI Istanbul, will combine both roles. His immediate focus will be on the upcoming 2026 CEV European Championship qualifiers against Denmark and Hungary. While Turkey finished at the bottom of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) standings in their debut, they will participate in the expanded 18-team VNL 2025. The team currently holds the 17th position in the FIVB World Ranking.
Meanwhile, in South America, Brazilian volleyball has secured the long-term commitment of two legendary coaches. José “Zé Roberto” Guimarães will continue to lead the women’s national team, extending his remarkable tenure to 26 years. Similarly, Bernardo “Bernardinho” Rezende will remain in charge of the men’s national team. Both coaches will also take on the role of national team technical coordinators, overseeing the development of both senior and youth programs with an eye towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Zé Roberto, who celebrated his 70th birthday during the Paris Olympics, has been coaching Brazil’s women since 2003, leading them to four Olympic medals, including golds in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Bernardinho, who returned to the men’s team in late 2023, previously coached the squad from 1994 to 2000, winning two Olympic medals. Both coaches expressed their excitement about the new Olympic cycle and the opportunity to work with talented young players. In 2025, their focus will include the VNL and the World Championships, with the women competing in Thailand and the men in the Philippines. This continuity in leadership signals Brazil’s strong commitment to maintaining its position as a global volleyball powerhouse.
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