Argentine volleyball legend Luciano De Cecco will continue his career at the Russian powerhouse Lokomotiv Novosibirsk. The news, which had been circulating for almost two months, was officially confirmed by the club today.
The 37-year-old Argentine arrives in Novosibirsk after a short stint with Poland's Norwid Częstochowa and will take the place of Bulgarian national Simeon Nikolov. The young setter had a strong season with Lokomotiv and left an excellent impression with his performance in the Russian championship. After the end of the season, Nikolov left to play with his brother Alex at Lube Civitanova.
The Argentine is one of the iconic figures in world volleyball over the last two decades. He is the first volleyball player in history to have participated in six World Championships – in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2025.
As captain of the Argentine national team, De Cecco led his country to the bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, and was also chosen as the best setter of the tournament.
His club career is impressive. He has played for leading teams in Argentina, Italy, Russia, and Poland, including Perugia, Cucine Lube Civitanova, Modena, Piacenza, and Dinamo-Yantar. His greatest successes came precisely in the Italian SuperLega, where for many years he was among the most valued setters in the championship.
The upcoming season will be another challenge for the renowned Argentine, who will have to successfully inherit the role previously held by the Bulgarian Simeon Nikolov, and help Lokomotiv in the fight for trophies in Russia.