Italian powerhouse Cucine Lube Civitanova officially confirmed the transfer of Ukrainian opposite Maksym Tonkonoh – news that VolleyWeek reported about a month ago. One of the most promising young volleyball players in Europe will officially wear the jersey of the Italian vice-champion in the 2026/27 season.
The barely 18-year-old Tonkonoh, who stands at an impressive 214 cm, arrives at Lube after two strong campaigns with Virtus Fano in Serie A2. During this period, the Ukrainian scored a total of 442 points – 355 from attack, 27 from service aces, and 60 from blocks, establishing himself as one of the most prolific young players in the second tier of Italian volleyball.
Just a few days ago, he also participated in the finals of the European Championship for Men U22, where he scored a total of 72 points in his three matches. Earlier this summer, Tonkonoh received his first call-up to the senior national team of Ukraine for the Volleyball Nations League 2026.
His development began at Barkom-Ukraine 18, after which he played for Bukovyna Chernivtsi. It was his performances with the youth national teams that attracted the attention of Lube, who monitored his development during his two seasons in Fano before bringing him into their squad.
"For a young player like me, it is a great honor to receive an invitation from a club like Cucine Lube Civitanova. I know how professionally things are done here and I am convinced that this is the ideal place to continue my development. This club always pursues high goals, and results matter," Tonkonoh stated at his presentation.
The Ukrainian emphasized that he expects to take the next big step in his career, training alongside some of the best volleyball players in the world.
"The transfer means a lot to me. I will play in the strongest league in the world and I will work every day to achieve my goals. I have already made serious progress in Fano, I feel more effective in attack and more stable in blocking, and the advice of my new teammates will help me develop even further," added the young opposite.
Tonkonoh did not hide his emotions related to the situation in his homeland.
"I miss the places where I grew up, but I cannot go back. I am grateful to my family and my first coach for encouraging me to play volleyball and never give up."
The great dream of the Ukrainian talent is to become one of the best attackers in world volleyball.
Maksym Tonkonoh

• Born: October 22, 2007

• Position: Opposite

• Height: 214 cm

• Nationality: Ukraine
  Career:

• 2023/24 – Bukovyna Chernivtsi (Ukraine)

• 2024/25 – Smartsistem Essence Hotels Fano (Italy)

• 2025/26 – Essence Hotels Fano (Italy)

• 2026/27 – Cucine Lube Civitanova (Italy)