The French national team won the FIVB U19 Men's Volleyball World Championship for the second consecutive year, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. "Les Bleus" defended their gold in an exceptionally stylish manner, led by the remarkable performance of outside hitter Andrei Yokanovic, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Outside Hitter of the tournament.
Yokanovic – the engine of French success
17-year-old Yokanovic dominated throughout the championship, recording 158 points in 9 matches – 126 successful attacks, 16 blocks, and 16 aces, with nearly 47% attack efficiency. The two-meter tall athlete scored more than 10 points in every match, and in the final against Poland, he notched 24 points to secure France's golden double.
"It's incredible! We went in with high expectations and under pressure. The beginning wasn't easy, but over time we started playing like a real team. These two awards are something unique – a feeling one doesn't often experience in life," Yokanovic shared after the triumph.
The Dream Team: Four Frenchmen in the Ideal Seven
Yokanovic was included in the championship's Dream Team, joined by three other teammates:
| Position | Name | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Hitter | Andrei Yokanovic | France |
| Outside Hitter | Noah Duflo Rossi | France |
| Middle Blocker | Daniel Liegbekedo | France |
| Libero | Guillaume Respo | France |
| Setter | Madej Drag | Poland |
| Middle Blocker | Timoleusz Lenik | Poland |
| Opposite | Cesar Irache | Spain |
The presence of four Frenchmen in the Dream Team is logical after the team's dominant performance and title win.
Outside hitter Noah Duflo Rossi stood out with consistent attacking prowess from the left flank.
Middle blocker Daniel Liegbekedo dominated with powerful finishes and key blocks.
Guillaume Respo was the heart of the defense – with stable reception and excellent orientation during transitions.
Poles and a Spaniard with individual accolades
The Polish team, which reached the final, also had two representatives among the best. Setter Madej Drag received the Best Setter award, thanks to his confident organization of the attack. Middle Blocker Timoleusz Lenik was also recognized for his strong performances at the net.
The Spanish team finished with bronze medals after a dramatic victory over Iran, and Cesar Irache was chosen as the Best Opposite of the tournament. He finished as the top scorer of the championship with 154 points, including a phenomenal 38 points in the third-place match.
The U19 World Championship in Tashkent showcased the new generation of stars in international volleyball. The French school once again demonstrated class and depth, while individual performances by players like Jokhanovic and Irache suggest that the future of world volleyball looks more than promising.
photos:volleyballworld.com
