At just 17 years old, French outside hitter Noah Duflo-Rossi is already a two-time U19 World Champion, made his debut for the French men's national team during the Volleyball Nations League, and this autumn joins one of the biggest clubs in the world –Lube Civitanova. In an interview with the French Federation, the talented player talks about his magical summer, his connection with teammates, the clash with the Tokyo champions, and his dream of Olympic gold.
🥇 Second consecutive world title: "We experienced magic"
"Becoming a U19 world champion is a dream since childhood. What we experienced was something magical. The group was extremely cohesive – a real pack of wolves. We played with pleasure and gave our all. In the decisive matches, we were unstoppable."
Ascaptain, Duflo-Rossi played a key role in building confidence within the team:
"At first there was tension, our game wasn't good. But I stayed calm – I knew that in the big matches we would show our best. I tried to instill confidence in the others. I hope they heard me (laughs)."
🇫🇷 Men's debut: "An indescribable experience"
Noah did not expect an invitation to theNations League, despite his good season in the French League A with Toulouse:
"I didn't believe they would call me. First I was only for preparation, then I made it into the group for the first weekend, and then for the second. Everything came as a surprise and it was incredible!"
In the first VNL matches in themagnificent company of the Olympic champions, Duflo-Rossi faced a new level of play:
"It was intimidating at first, but on the court, I felt comfortable – because veterans like Trevor Clevenot welcomed us wonderfully. No pressure, with a lot of support."
🧠 Grown up with volleyball: "I watch nothing but matches"
Son of former national player Patrick Duflo, Noah has been playing since he was very young:
"I followed in my father's footsteps since I was a child. I tried tennis, but when we lived in Poland, I realized that volleyball was my thing."
He admits he can't fully explainhis exceptional early performance:
"Maybe because I've been in this environment for a long time. My father has given me a lot of advice. I live with volleyball – I only watch matches, analyze, get inspired by the greats."
💪 Play with style: from Ngapeth to Toniutti
His biggest idols? Earvin Ngapeth and Wilfredo Leon. And he doesn't hide that he tries to copy their style:
"I try some of Earvin's 'specialties' (smiles). Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, but that's my style – a little crazy, a little extravagant."
🇮🇹 Next stop – Lube: "If I'm good, I'll play"
In the new season, Duflo-Rossi will be part of the squad ofLube Civitanova, after a transfer from Toulouse. There, the talented Frenchman will team up with the Bulgarian talent Alex Nikolov. The decision to transfer was not easy:
"We talked to many people, including my father and Hubert Henno. The offer from Italy was great. I received sports guarantees, but I will have to prove myself. If I'm good – I'll play. If not – I'll work even harder."
🥇 The goal: Olympic gold
Noah is already looking towards the next big dream:
"I dream of repeating everything I did in juniors – but in men's: European title, VNL, World Cup… And of course – the Olympic Games. LA 2028 is a goal I will fight for!"
📌Quick profile:
🧑 Born: 2008
📍 Club debut: Spacer's Toulouse
🏆 Two-time U19 World Champion
🏐 National debut (men): 2025, VNL
🇮🇹 New club: Lube Civitanova (Italy)
photo:volleyballworld.com
