Bulgarian volleyball playerMaria Koleva(until recently known as Maria Yordanova) will take an important step in her career after signing with the Brazilian powerhouseDentil/Praia Clube. This will be her first club outside Europe and a prestigious addition to an ambitious team, which is the current champion of South America and a multiple medalist in the Brazilian Superliga.
Her career so far
Maria Yordanova began her professional volleyball journey in 2017 with Levski Sofia, where she quickly established herself as a talented outside hitter. In 2020, she left Bulgaria and continued her career in the Romanian league, where she played for two seasons.
After that, she moved to France, joining Stade français Paris Saint-Cloud in 2022, where she spent one season. Subsequently, she transferred to Turkey, where she defended the colors of Nilüfer Belediyespor, gaining valuable experience in one of the leading volleyball nations.
Last season (2024/2025), Koleva started at MOYA Radomka Radom (Poland), where she performed solidly. In the TAURON Liga, she played 9 matches and scored 129 points. In January 2025, she returned to Turkey again \u2014 this time with Keçiören Belediyesi Sigorta Shop.
The new club \u2014 Dentil/Praia Clube
The new challenge for Koleva is Dentil/Praia Clube \u2014 a club with a rich history and ambitions for international honors. The Brazilian Volleyball Superliga is one of the strongest in the world, and joining one of the top teams is a sign of recognition for the qualities of the Bulgarian outside hitter.
The national team scandal
The transfer to Brazil comes in the context of a scandal involving Maria Koleva, after she left the training camp of the Bulgarian national team without signing a contract with the federation. This caused comments and tension in Bulgarian volleyball circles, especially against the backdrop of the national team's ambitions for upcoming qualifications and international tournaments.
