18 years ago, Matey Kaziyski and Sergey Grankin faced each other at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Today, both continue their professional careers, and the Russian setter has already added a new trophy to his rich collection. Will this season bring similar success to the Bulgarian star?
At 41, Sergey Grankin is once again at the top. The Olympic champion from London 2012 helped Sporting (Lisbon) win the Portuguese Super Cup after defeating Benfica 3-0 (25:22, 25:19, 25:22) in the final, played on October 17 in Viseu.
The Russian setter started as a starter and remained on the court throughout the match. His experience proved particularly valuable in crucial moments, with Grankin excelling with good performances in serving and blocking. Sporting won the trophy for the third consecutive year and for the sixth time in its club history.
This is Grankin's second award within just a week. Before the Super Cup, Sporting also triumphed in the Iberian Cup, after defeating Spanish teams Melilla 3-2 and Guaguas 3-1. The Russian was named the most valuable player of the tournament.

His story is even more curious because in 2024 he ended his competitive career, went through coaching work at Yaroslavich, and in 2025 he returned to the court again. Now he continues to win awards at an age when most volleyball players have long since finished with professional sports.
But the news about Grankin inevitably draws attention to Matey Kaziyski as well.
The Bulgarian outside hitter turned 42 on September 23 and continues to play in one of the strongest leagues in Europe - the Turkish one. Moreover, Kaziyski remains captain of Halkbank (Ankara) for the 2026/2027 season.
The team, led by Radostin Stoychev, made serious selections in the summer, attracting Brazilian opposite Darlan Souza, Belgian international Sam Deroo, and Bulgarian international Denislav Bardarov. The ambitions are related to fighting for trophies in Turkey and a strong performance on the European stage.

Of course, the direct comparison between the two has its peculiarities. Grankin is a setter, while Kaziyski is an outside hitter - a position that requires serious physical exertion both in attack and in reception and defensive play. The level of competition in the Portuguese and Turkish championships is also different.
The two are almost the same age. Kaziyski was born on September 23, 1984, and Grankin on January 21, 1985. The difference between them is less than four months.
Their paths also crossed at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. On August 20, Russia defeated Bulgaria in the quarterfinals 3-1 (20:25, 25:16, 25:22, 25:21). Kaziyski was the top scorer in the match with 24 points, and Grankin was among the key figures in the Russian squad, which subsequently won the bronze medals.
Four years later, the setter became an Olympic champion in London, while Kaziyski missed the games after leaving the Bulgarian national team.
Today, 18 years after their meeting in Beijing, both continue to be part of professional volleyball. Grankin already has two trophies in the new season, and Kaziyski's most important matches with Halkbank are yet to come.
The Russian showed that even at 41, victories are not just memories. It remains to be hoped that at 42, Matey Kaziyski will also lift a new trophy - further proof of the exceptional longevity of one of the most successful Bulgarian volleyball players.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov, cev.lu and H