On the eve of the 2025 World Volleyball Championship, it became clear that a number of stars from the world stage will not take part in the competition in the Philippines. The reasons are various - from injuries and form to coaching decisions and individual withdrawals. The most absentees are in two teams that directly concern Bulgaria - Germany, with whom we are in the same group, along with Slovenia and Chile, and the USA, against whom we could play in the eliminations if we advance from the group. Here are the key players we will not see this autumn, according to the Polish journalistJakub Balcerzak:
Aleksander Śliwka – One of the most experienced outside hitters, with an important role in Poland's golden campaigns over the last decade.
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Lucas Saatkamp (Lucão) – A veteran middle blocker, 2016 Olympic champion and a pillar of the "seleção" for more than 15 years.
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Bruno Lima – The opposite hitter hero from the Tokyo Olympics, known for his powerful attack.
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Eric Loeppky – An energetic outside hitter with a leading role in recent tournaments.
Danny Demyanenko- A center with a solid performance in the League of Nations and club championships.
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Milad Ebadipour- One of the most recognizable Iranian volleyball players, a long-time starter and leader of his generation.
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Ruben Schott- Captain and main receiver of the German team.
Julian Zenger- The libero who established himself in top teams from the Bundesliga and beyond.
Moritz Karlitzek- A receiver with excellent technique.
Johannes Tille- The setter who led Germany to the top 8 in the last League of Nations.
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Masahiro Sekita- One of the leaders of the Japanese style, a master of quick setting.
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Matthew Anderson– An emblem of American volleyball, multiple medalist, and top attacker.
David Smith– Center and captain, a team legend with a strong presence in the last 10+ years.
Maxwell Holt– One of the best blockers of his generation.
Torey DeFalco– Aggressive and technical outside hitter, a leader in recent seasons.
Thomas Jaeschke– Outside hitter with world experience and a solid background.
Garrett Muagututia– Veteran, often used as a golden reserve.
Aaron Russell– The quiet leader, with a huge contribution in attack and defense.
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These are not just missing names – these are the backbones of their national teams over the past years. Poland will be without one of its most stable links in defense and reception (Sliwka), Brazil loses a middle blocker with 3 Olympic appearances, and the USA practically changes almost an entire generation – Anderson, Smith, Holt, Russell, and DeFalco are players from the "golden core" that won an Olympics, a World Cup, and numerous medals.
Rejuvenation, rotations, and health issues will make the 2025 World Championship very different – with new faces on the scene, but also with real chances for surprises.
photo:volleyballworld.com
