Manuel Zlatanov, captain of Italy's first U17 boys' volleyball champion team, was awarded Most Valuable Player at the inaugural FIVB U17 Volleyball World Championship, which concluded in Sofia on Saturday.

This was Zlatanov's second major individual honor, after he was included in the Dream Team of the 2024 CEV U18 Volleyball European Championship, also in Bulgaria, where Italy won silver. These accolades are a clear recognition that young Zlatanov is already following in the footsteps of his legendary grandfather Dimitar Zlatanov, named Bulgaria's Player of the 20th Century, and his prominent father Hristo Zlatanov, who was among the great stars of the Italian SuperLega and the Italian national team for many years.
Here is the composition of the World Championship Dream Team:

Best Setter: Pietro Valgiovio (Italy)

Best Opposite: Federico Argano (Italy)

Best Outside Hitters: Manuel Zlatanov (Italy) and Huang Ping-Yen (Chinese Taipei)

Best Middle Blockers: Ivan Pavon (Argentina) and Martino Bigozzi (Italy)

Best Libero: Valentin Yapura (Argentina)