Monica De Gennaro, one of the greatest liberos in the history of world volleyball, has officially announced the end of her career with the Italian national team. After nearly two decades of loyal service under the tricolor, "Moki," as her fans and teammates call her, bids farewell to the jersey she turned into a symbol of perseverance, class, and uncompromising defense.
From debut to the top of the world
Born on January 8, 1987, in Piano di Sorrento, Monica De Gennaro debuted for Italy on January 3, 2006, in Rome. This was the first step towards one of the most impressive careers in modern women's volleyball.
With the national team, she won almost everything possible:
| Year | Tournament | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | World Cup | Gold |
| 2018 | World Championship | Silver |
| 2019 | European Championship | Bronze |
| 2021 | European Championship | Gold |
| 2022 | VNL | Gold |
| 2022 | World Championship | Bronze |
| 2024 | Olympic Games, Paris | Gold |
| 2024 | VNL | Gold |
| 2025 | VNL | Gold |
| 2025 | World Championship, Bangkok | Gold |
These achievements were accompanied by individual awards
– MVP of VNL 2025 (a unique achievement for a libero) and "Best Libero" at the 2025 World Championship.
It's difficult to find a volleyball player who has maintained peak form for so long. The Italian team went through entire generations, but Monica De Gennaro was the constant
— the heart of the defense, the conductor of calm in the back court. Her statistics for saved balls in defense, reception accuracy, and resilience under pressure are legendary.
36 consecutive victories – a record in Italian history
With Monica on the court, the "Azzurre" recorded 36 consecutive victories between June 2, 2024, and September 7, 2025 – an unprecedented streak that culminated in a triumph at the World Championship in Bangkok.
| Period | Number of victories | Last match |
|---|---|---|
| 02.06.2024 – 07.09.2025 | 36 | World Championship Final, Bangkok |
This streak is not just statistics
– it's an expression of a mentality. De Gennaro was part of a team that turned stability into an art form. Her defensive interventions often changed the course of matches, and her presence brought confidence and inspiration to the entire team.
The final farewell to the national jersey
In her official statement, Monica shared the words that shook the volleyball community:
The time has come to say goodbye to the national team jersey. A jersey I deeply loved, that I respected in every gesture, that I honored by putting my soul, body, and heart into every match... Now, however, I feel the time is ripe. It's right to take a step back, to make room for new talents... I will miss everything. But my heart will always be there, with you. Thank you, national team jersey. With endless love, your Moki.
Moki – a symbol of an era
Monica De Gennaro was not just a libero – she was the embodiment of Italian style: elegance, intelligence, and an unyielding spirit. Her career with the national team will remain a benchmark for all future generations.
And Italy? It will have to continue without its No. 1 in defense – but with her example, left as a legacy.
With Monica De Gennaro's retirement, a golden page in the history of Italian and world volleyball comes to an end. She leaves behind not just medals, but a legacy of passion, professionalism, and humanity.
After nearly 20 years under the Italian flag, Moki steps off the stage, but her legend will only just begin to be told – in the halls, in the locker rooms, and in the hearts of fans.
photo: fivb
