Brazil has long been a powerhouse in beach volleyball, producing some of the most talented and successful female athletes in the sport’s history. Known for their fierce competitiveness, exceptional agility, and unmatched teamwork, Brazilian female beach volleyball players have dominated international tournaments, including the Olympics, World Championships, and the FIVB World Tour. From legendary icons who paved the way for future generations to rising stars making waves on the sand courts, these athletes embody Brazil’s deep passion for volleyball and its vibrant beach culture. In this article, we highlight the top Brazilian female beach volleyball players, celebrating their career achievements, signature playing styles, and contributions to the game.
10. Agatha Bednarczuk
Agatha Bednarczuk, born 22 June 1983 in Fortaleza, swapped indoor for sand at 18 and became Brazil’s premier blocker of the 2010s.
Together with Bárbara Seixas she captured 24 FIVB World Tour golds, the 2015 World Championship crown, and the silver medal at Rio 2016, ending Kerri Walsh Jennings’ Olympic unbeaten streak in the semifinals.
A three-time FIVB Best Blocker and 2015 Tour MVP, she has medaled in 48 international events and, after briefly retiring to start a family, returned in 2021 aiming for the Paris 2024 Games.
9. Sandra Pires
Sandra Pires is a legendary Brazilian beach volleyball player, best known for winning the gold medal at the inaugural women’s beach volleyball Olympic tournament in Atlanta 1996 with partner Jackie Silva. She also won bronze at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and became the first female Brazilian athlete to carry the national flag at the Olympic opening ceremonies. Pires won over 20 FIVB World Tour titles, was named FIVB Player of the Decade for 1990-2000, and was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2014.
8. Carolina Solberg Salgado
Carolina Solberg Salgado, born 11 August 1993 in Rio de Janeiro, grew up on Copacabana courts and debuted on the FIVB tour at 16 alongside older sister Maria Clara.
A natural left-side defender, she collected 15 World Tour medals, two Pan-American Games golds and the 2023 World Championship bronze with partner Rebecca Cavalcanti, a run that lifted her to world No. 2 in 2025.
Known for explosive ball control and clutch serving, she has already competed in two Olympics (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020) and is targeting a home podium at Los Angeles 2028, continuing the Solberg family’s beach-volleyball legacy.
7. Adriana Behar
Adriana Behar (born 14 Feb 1969, Rio de Janeiro) began as a figure-skater, switched to indoor volleyball at 16, played professionally in Italy and Portugal, then moved to the sand in 1993.
Teaming with Shelda Bedê from 1995-2007 she became the sport’s most decorated defender: back-to-back Olympic silver (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004), two World Championship golds (1999, 2001) plus bronze 1997 and silver 2003, Pan-Am gold 1999, five straight FIVB World Tour season titles (1997-2001) and a sixth in 2004—still a record 31 tour wins together.
Their 114 total titles and 1,000+ match victories earned them a 2006 Guinness World Record and made them the first female pair inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (2010).
Since retiring in 2008 she earned a Business Management degree, served on the IOC Women in Sport Commission, became president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee’s Women in Sport Commission, and in 2021 was appointed the first woman CEO of the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation, cementing her legacy both on and off the sand.
6. Duda Lisboa
Eduarda “Duda” Santos Lisboa (born 1 Aug 1998, Aracaju) is a lightning-quick right-side defender who first dominated age-group ranks: three U-19 world titles, two U-21 world crowns and 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic gold—all before turning 19.
Breaking onto the senior FIVB World Tour in 2016, she was named Rookie of the Year, then formed a lethal partnership with veteran Agatha Bednarczuk, collecting 16 Tour golds, the 2018 Tour Finals and the 2019 Olympic test event title.
Re-uniting with childhood teammate Ana Patrícia Ramos in 2022, the pair captured the 2022 World Championship in Rome, swept the 2023 Pan-Am Games gold and, despite an “off” 2024 season, peaked when it mattered—winning Paris 2024 Olympic gold, Brazil’s first women’s beach volleyball gold since 1996.
A two-time FIVB MVP (2018, 2024) and both 2024 Offensive Player and Team of the Year, Duda has already amassed 13 World Tour podiums, four Tour event wins and a reputation for impossible digs and clutch side-outs at barely 26, with her sights now set on defending her crown at Los Angeles 2028.
5. Ana Patrícia Ramos
Ana Patrícia Silva Ramos (born 29 Sep 1997, Espinosa-MG) began setting records as a teenager: 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic gold, back-to-back U-21 world titles (2016-17) and a still-standing 101 consecutive weeks as world #1 (Nov 2022-Oct 2024).
After early success with Rebecca Cavalcanti—2019 Brazilian Tour crown and Tokyo 2020 Olympic appearance—she reunited with childhood partner Duda Lisboa in 2022; the pair promptly won the 2022 FIVB World Championship, 2023 Pan-American Games gold and, in a historic three-set final, captured Brazil’s first women’s Olympic beach-volleyball gold since 1996 at Paris 2024.
A powerful 6-ft left-side blocker, she has already stacked up 13 FIVB World Tour event wins, two World Championship medals, an Olympic gold and well over $1 million in prize money—all before turning 27—while targeting a home-turf defense at Los Angeles 2028.
4. Talita Antunes
Talita Antunes da Rocha (born 29 Aug 1982, Aquidauana) began at 19 beside Olympic champion Jacqueline Silva, winning the 2002 South-American title, then captured 2005 FIVB Rookie-of-the-Year honors with Renata Ribeiro.
The 5-11 blocker has partnered four world-class teammates for 36 FIVB gold medals—ranking her fifth all-time among women—plus three World Tour season titles (2013, 2015, 2017) and 200 international starts, the most ever by a female player.
Olympic fourth-place finishes in Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 book-end a career highlighted by the 2009 World Championship crown with Maria Elisa Antonelli and 2015 World Tour Finals victory with Larissa França; she also earned Best Blocker (2013) and Best Hitter (2013-15) awards.
Still competing after two decades, Talita has surpassed $1.6 million in prize money and remains the benchmark for Brazilian longevity and elite-level consistency.
3. Shelda Bede
Shelda Kelly Bruno Bede (born 1 Jan 1973, Fortaleza) traded indoor for beach at 18; months later a drunk-driving crash severed nerves in her right hand, yet she relearned to hit left-handed and came back stronger.
From 1996-2007 she and Adriana Behar formed one of the sport’s greatest dynasties: two Olympic silvers (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004), two World Championship golds (1999, 2001) plus a silver and a bronze, six FIVB World Tour season titles, 31 tour wins and a Guinness-cited 1,000-plus match victories at an 83 % clip.
A five-time FIVB Best Defensive Player and 2009 Sportsperson of the Year, she also claimed 1999 Pan-Am gold and eight Brazilian national season crowns before retiring in 2009.
Inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2010, she now mentors college players, serves on IOC women-in-sport commissions and remains the benchmark for Brazilian beach defense.
2. Juliana Silva
Juliana Felisberta da Silva (born 22 July 1983, Santos-SP) is a Brazilian beach-volleyball blocker who forged one of the sport’s most successful partnerships with Larissa França from 2004-2012.
Together they collected five consecutive FIVB World Tour season titles (2005-09), 19 Tour golds, World Championship silver in 2005 and 2009, and the coveted 2011 Rome World Championship gold, while posting a jaw-dropping 87-5 match record on the Brazilian national circuit.
At London 2012 the duo captured Olympic bronze, giving Juliana her first—and only—Olympic medal.
After Larissa’s departure she added a 2015 World Championship bronze beside Maria Elisa Antonelli, pushed her career medal tally beyond 50 international podiums, and in 2025 continues to compete on the Brazilian tour, mentoring the next generation of Brazilian blockers.
1. Larissa França
Larissa França Maestrini (born 14 Apr 1982, Cachoeiro de Itapemirim-ES) switched from indoor to sand at 18 and, despite standing only 5-9, turned herself into the most prolific winner the sport has seen.
With Juliana Silva she seized five straight FIVB World Tour season titles (2005-09), 19 Tour golds, World Championship gold 2011 plus silvers 2005/09 and bronze 2007, and Olympic bronze London 2012—a five-medal World-Championship haul no woman has matched .
After Juliana retired she paired with Talita Antunes for 16 more Tour titles, the 2015 season crown, 2017 World Championship bronze and fourth place at Rio 2016 on home sand .
Across her career she amassed a record 62 FIVB gold medals, over $2 million in prize money, nine “Best Setter” awards and two Pan-Am Games golds, becoming the first female beach player inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (2023) .
Since retiring in 2021 she has worked as a coach, television commentator and vocal LGBTQ+ advocate, having married fellow player Liliane Maestrini in 2013—cementing her legacy both as Brazil’s greatest winner and a social trailblazer.
Brazilian female beach volleyball players have continually set the standard for excellence, blending skill, strategy, and passion in every match. Their impact on the sport extends far beyond medals and trophies—they have inspired generations of athletes worldwide and elevated Brazil’s reputation as a global leader in beach volleyball. From veteran champions who defined the sport’s golden eras to emerging talents carrying the legacy forward, these players embody resilience, teamwork, and the true spirit of competition. As beach volleyball continues to grow in popularity, Brazil’s women will undoubtedly remain at the heart of its success and innovation.