20. Jeff Stork
Jeff Stork is a legendary American volleyball player who earned recognition for being one of the greatest setters in volleyball history due to his technical mastery and calmness under pressure. He won a gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics as the starting setter for the United States national team and followed this with a bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, also competing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Stork was crucial in the historic “triple crown” run, helping his team secure gold at the 1985 FIVB World Cup, 1986 FIVB World Championship, and the 1988 Olympics.
He captured additional gold medals at the 1987 Pan American Games, the 1985 NORCECA Championships, and the 1987 Savvin Cup, alongside several silver and bronze medals from major international competitions. Stork played professionally in Italy, earning the Italian League MVP award in 1993 and winning the league title with Maxicono in 1990.
During his college career at Pepperdine, he was a three-time All-American, helped the team reach the NCAA finals in 1983 and 1984, and was inducted into the Pepperdine Hall of Fame in 2008. As a coach, he led the women’s volleyball team at Cal State Northridge for 18 years, notching 239 wins and earning conference coach-of-the-year honors.
Stork was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his place among the greatest to play the sport. His achievements and leadership have made him a role model and an enduring figure in volleyball.
19. Vyacheslav Zaytsev
Vyacheslav Zaytsev was a renowned Russian volleyball player and one of the greatest setters in the history of the sport. He played for the Soviet Union national team from the 1970s through the 1980s and was a key leader, serving as team captain from 1977. Zaytsev led the Soviet team to several major international titles, including Olympic gold at the 1980 Moscow Games and silver medals at both the 1976 Montreal and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He also won two FIVB World Championships in 1978 and 1982 and two FIVB World Cup titles in 1977 and 1981, along with seven European Championship gold medals between 1971 and 1985.
Zaytsev was widely regarded for his exceptional setting skills, quick sets, and tactical acumen on the court. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1981 FIVB World Cup and the best defensive player at the 1977 FIVB World Cup. During his long career, he was selected among the top 24 players in the USSR seventeen times.
Zaytsev was also a pioneer as one of the first Soviet volleyball players to compete professionally abroad. He spent five seasons playing in Italy from 1987 to 1992 with various clubs, before finishing his playing career in Switzerland. After retiring, he transitioned successfully into coaching, leading the Russian men’s national team and various club teams to medals and championships.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to volleyball, Vyacheslav Zaytsev was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2013.
18. Kim Yeon-koung
Kim Yeon-koung is widely regarded as the greatest Korean volleyball player of all time and one of the best outside hitters globally. She had an illustrious professional career spanning 20 years across leagues in South Korea, Japan, Turkey, and China. Kim started her career with Heungkuk Life in the Korean V-League, where she won multiple championships and earned numerous individual awards, including MVP honors, best scorer, best spiker, and best server titles.
Internationally, Kim is best known for her outstanding performance at the 2012 London Olympics, where she was named the Most Valuable Player and Best Scorer of the entire tournament despite South Korea finishing fourth. She set the Olympic record for most points scored in a single volleyball event with 207 points, surpassing the previous record held since 2004. She also competed in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing fifth and reaching the semifinals respectively, further cementing her legacy as a competitive force on the world stage.
In European club volleyball, Kim made history as the first Asian player to earn the MVP award in the prestigious CEV Champions League, winning the title with Fenerbahçe Istanbul in 2012. She collected multiple Champions League medals, including bronze in 2016, and various club world championship medals with European teams. Her powerful attacking skills, leadership, and scoring ability won admiration from fans and coaches alike, with some naming her among the best players in the world for over a decade.
Kim retired from the South Korean national team in 2021 after a 17-year tenure, leaving behind a legacy of being the country’s all-time greatest volleyball player. She ended her career on a high note by leading Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders to their fifth Korean V-League championship in 2025, also earning the championship MVP award. Throughout her career, Kim earned numerous accolades and medals, including Asian Games successes, Asian Championship medals, and multiple domestic league titles in Korea, Japan, Turkey, and China.
17. Georgy Mondzolevski
Georgy Mondzolevski was a legendary Soviet volleyball player and setter, renowned for his leadership and contributions to the USSR teams that dominated worldwide tournaments in the 1950s and 1960s. He helped the Soviet Union win the first two Olympic gold medals in men’s volleyball, triumphing at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Mondzolevski also secured gold at two FIVB Volleyball World Championships in 1960 and 1962, and captured the European Championship title in 1967, after winning bronze medals in previous editions.
At the club level, Mondzolevski played for the CSKA Moscow team, where he won the Soviet Championship eight times and achieved two European Champions League titles in 1960 and 1962. He was recognized as an Honorable Master of Sport of the USSR in 1960 and received two Orders of Honor for his distinguished career and service.
16. Nikola Grbic
Nikola Grbić is a Serbian volleyball legend widely regarded as one of the best setters of all time. He began his international career in 1991 and quickly became a key player for Yugoslavia, later playing for Serbia and Montenegro, and finally Serbia as the country’s political landscape changed. Grbić was the captain of his national team for over a decade, from 1999 to 2010. He led his team to a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where they defeated Russia in a dominant final. He also earned a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and helped Serbia win the bronze medal at the 2010 FIVB World Championship, where he was named Best Setter of the tournament.
Throughout his lengthy career, Grbić competed in four Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008) and won numerous titles with his clubs, including eight league championships in Italy and Russia. He won two CEV Champions League titles and multiple domestic cups and championships. He is renowned for his vision, precision, and leadership on the court, earning several Best Setter awards at European Championships, World Championships, and World League competitions. Nikola’s ability to perform under pressure and elevate his team’s play made him a standout player in international volleyball.
15. Maurício Lima
Maurício Lima is regarded as one of the most talented and accomplished volleyball setters in the history of the sport. Born in Campinas, Brazil, in 1968, Lima’s career spanned nearly two decades, during which he became renowned for his exceptional setting skills and strong defensive play. He is one of only two male volleyball players to compete in five Olympic Games, matching a record held by Italy’s Andrea Giani, and his Olympic medals include two gold medals—one at the 1992 Barcelona Games and another at the 2004 Athens Games, where Brazil defeated Italy.
Lima played a critical role in Brazil’s early success in the 1990s and its dominance in international volleyball into the 2000s. His accolades include winning four FIVB World League titles in 1993, 2001, 2003, and 2004, and earning individual awards such as Best Setter at the 1993 FIVB World League, the 2002 FIVB World Championship, and the 1993 World League. He helped Brazil claim victory in four World Cup events (1989, 1991, 1995, 2003) and secured multiple medals in other international tournaments.
At the club level, Lima achieved significant success in Brazil with multiple national championships and South American titles. He also competed in Italy and helped his club Daytona Modena win the Italian Club Championship in 1993 and the CEV Championship with Macerata in 2005. Known for his ability to turn difficult passes into playable balls, Lima’s setting craft and defensive skills earned him respect across the volleyball world.
14. Sergey Tetyukhin
Sergey Tetyukhin is a celebrated Russian volleyball player recognized as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. He holds the unique distinction of being the first volleyball player ever to win four Olympic medals of all three different types: gold, silver, and bronze. Tetyukhin competed in six Olympic Games from 1996 to 2016, making him one of only a few volleyball players with six Olympic appearances. His Olympic achievements include gold at the 2012 London Games, silver at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and bronze medals at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. His leadership and resilience were crucial to Russia’s success, highlighted by the dramatic comeback victory against Brazil in the 2012 Olympic final.
Tetyukhin began his professional career with Lokomotiv Belgorod in 1992 and played two seasons in Italy before returning to Russia. Throughout his club career, he won an impressive ten Russian Championships and ten Russian Cups. Internationally, he earned four CEV Champions League titles (2003, 2004, 2008, 2014), a FIVB Club World Championship title in 2014, and several podium finishes including silver and bronze medals. Additionally, he won two CEV Volleyball Cups and multiple continental titles with his clubs.
On the national team, beyond his Olympic success, Tetyukhin won two FIVB World Cup titles (1999 and 2011), a FIVB World League title (2002), and a silver medal at the 2002 World Championship. He was also named Best Receiver at the 1999 European Championship, Most Valuable Player of the 2003 and 2014 CEV Champions League, and Best Server in the 2011 edition of the same league. In 2016, he was honored as Volleyball Ambassador of the Year by the European Volleyball Confederation.
13. Zhu Ting
Zhu Ting is a highly acclaimed Chinese professional volleyball player widely regarded as one of the best outside hitters of her era. Born in Henan Province in 1994, Zhu began her volleyball journey at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of the Chinese national team, debuting internationally in 2011.
Zhu Ting played a pivotal role in China’s volleyball success, helping her team win gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup. Her exceptional performance at the Rio Olympics earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, and she became the first Chinese female volleyball player to win MVP at the Olympics. She also led China to victory at the 2014 Asian Games and numerous other continental titles, cementing her status as one of the leading players in international volleyball.
In her professional club career, Zhu Ting played for the Turkish club VakıfBank Istanbul from 2016 to 2018, where she achieved remarkable success. During her time there, she helped her team win multiple titles, including the Turkish League, Turkish Cup, and the prestigious CEV Champions League, where she was named MVP twice in a row—becoming the first player to do so since the tournament’s inception in 2001. Her powerful spikes, versatile playing style, and leadership qualities made her an indispensable player for VakıfBank and other clubs she represented.
12. Lang Ping
Lang Ping, often referred to as the “Iron Hammer,” is a legendary Chinese volleyball player and one of the most influential coaches in the sport’s history. She played as a star spiker for the Chinese national team, leading her team to win the gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, as well as multiple World Cup titles and World Championships in the 1980s.
During her illustrious playing career, Lang Ping earned numerous accolades, including being named MVP at the 1982 World Championship and the 1984 Olympics. Her exceptional spiking ability and leadership helped China dominate international volleyball, making her one of the most celebrated athletes from her country.
Lang Ping’s coaching career started in the mid-1990s when she took over as the head coach of the Chinese women’s national team. She led China to a bronze medal at the 1995 World Cup, a silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and silver medals at both the 1998 World Championships and the 2004 Athens Olympics. Her first stint as head coach was marked by her pioneering efforts as the first woman to coach a top-ranked national volleyball team.
In 2005, she became head coach of the U.S. women’s national team, where she led them to a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, famously defeating China in that tournament. She later returned to coach China, leading the national team back to the top of world volleyball by winning the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, making her the first person in volleyball history to win the FIVB Volleyball World Cup both as a player and as a coach.
Her crowning achievement came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she coached China to the gold medal, making her the first person ever to win Olympic gold in volleyball both as a player and as a coach. She also led China to victory at the 2018 Asian Games and the Asian Championship, establishing her as one of the most successful coaches in volleyball history.
11. Aleksandr Savin
Aleksandr Savin is a celebrated Russian volleyball player and a distinguished figure in the history of the sport. Born on July 1, 1957, in Taganrog, he played as a middle blocker and was renowned for his towering stature of 200 cm (6 ft 7 in). Savin competed for the Soviet Union national volleyball team and achieved significant success during his career.
Savin was a key player in the Soviet Union’s volleyball dominance in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was instrumental in securing gold medals at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where the Soviet team defeated Bulgaria in the final. He also earned a silver medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, showcasing his consistent high-level performance in international competitions.
He was a major part of the Soviet team that also won multiple European Championships, including titles in 1971, 1977, and 1979, and helped the team win gold at the 1978 and 1982 World Championships, as well as gold medals at the World Cup tournaments in 1977 and 1979.
10. Laura Ludwig
Laura Ludwig is one of Germany’s most decorated beach volleyball players and a pioneer for European women in the sport. Born on January 13, 1986, in East Berlin, she has made a significant impact internationally as a defender and consistently showcased elite anticipation, relentless hustle, and composure under pressure.
Ludwig is a five-time Olympian who achieved the pinnacle of her career by winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside her long-time partner Kira Walkenhorst. This victory made them the first European women’s team to win Olympic gold in beach volleyball. The duo further solidified their dominance by capturing the FIVB World Championship title in 2017 and multiple European Championship titles in 2008, 2010, 2015, and 2016.
Throughout her career, Ludwig has amassed over 35 World Tour medals and has been recognized as the FIVB Best Defensive Player in 2016 and 2017, highlighting her impeccable skills in defense and court coverage. After overcoming significant challenges, including a shoulder operation and the departure of her regular partner, she teamed up with Margareta Kozuch to continue competing at a high level, reaching quarter-finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
9. Regla Torres
Regla Torres is a legendary Cuban volleyball player widely regarded as one of the greatest female players of the 20th century. Born on February 12, 1975, she was a standout middle blocker who dominated international volleyball from a very young age. Torres became the youngest Olympic gold medalist in volleyball history by winning her first gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics at just 17 years old.
She played a pivotal role in the Cuban national team’s golden era throughout the 1990s, helping Cuba win three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996, and 2000). Torres was recognized not only for her dominant blocking and attacking but also for her overall excellence, winning the Most Valuable Player award at the 1994 and 1998 World Championships where Cuba clinched gold.
Torres collected numerous other top honors, including gold medals at the FIVB World Cup in 1991 and 1995, multiple World Grand Prix titles, and the Pan American Games. She garnered individual awards such as Best Blocker, Best Spiker, Best Receiver, and MVP at various prestigious tournaments, demonstrating her versatile skills in all aspects of the game.
In 2001, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) named her the Best Female Player of the 20th Century, and she was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.
8. Ana Moser
Ana Moser is a highly renowned Brazilian volleyball player, considered one of the greatest outside hitters in the history of the sport. Born on August 14, 1968, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, she played for over a decade as a key figure in Brazil’s national team during the 1980s and 1990s. Moser’s exceptional attack, leadership, and energy on the court made her a dominant force in international volleyball.
Moser participated in three Olympic Games—1988 in Seoul, 1992 in Barcelona, and 1996 in Atlanta. She helped Brazil win a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which was her sole Olympic medal, and she also finished fourth in Barcelona and sixth in Seoul. She also earned medals at FIVB World Championships, helping Brazil secure silver in 1994 and bronze in 1999. Notably, she was awarded the Most Valuable Player at the 1987 FIVB U20 World Championship and was named the Best Spiker at the 1990 FIVB World Championship.
Moser was known for her powerful and aggressive playing style, which earned her the nickname “Brazilian Fighter.”
7. Mireya Luis
Mireya Luis is a legendary Cuban volleyball player widely regarded as one of the best female athletes in the history of the sport. Born on August 25, 1967, she made a remarkable impact as an outside hitter with an extraordinary vertical jump, allowing her to spike at a height of 3.39 meters, despite being 1.75 meters tall. Mireya began playing volleyball at age 10 and was a starter on the Cuban national team by 15, quickly establishing herself as a dominant force.
Luis won three Olympic gold medals with Cuba in the 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta, and 2000 Sydney Games, leading her team’s golden era in international volleyball. She was also a multi-time World Champion, securing titles in 1994 and 1998, and won three FIVB World Cup gold medals (1989, 1991, and 1995). In addition to team success, she earned MVP awards in World Cup competitions and Grand Prix tournaments, showcasing her dominance across multiple elite events.
Her career also includes four Pan American Games gold medals and numerous other medals in World Championships and World Grand Prix events. Mireya was known for her extraordinary athleticism, powerful spikes, leadership, and charisma on the court, earning her the nickname comparable to Michael Jordan for her jumping ability.
After retiring, Mireya continued to influence volleyball and sports more broadly, serving on the International Olympic Committee’s Solidarity Commission and working in leadership roles within sports organizations. In recognition of her outstanding career and impact on volleyball, she was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2004.
6. Wallace de Souza
Wallace de Souza, often known simply as Wallace, is a highly accomplished Brazilian volleyball player renowned for his outstanding career as an opposite hitter. Born on June 26, 1987, in São Paulo, Wallace was a key member of the Brazil men’s national volleyball team for over a decade before retiring from international play in 2022.
Wallace’s major career highlight was winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. He also helped Brazil secure a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and earned bronze medals at the 2014 and 2018 FIVB World Championships. As a three-time South American Champion and an instrumental scorer for his teams, Wallace achieved great success on the international stage.
At the club level, Wallace enjoyed tremendous success with Sada Cruzeiro, winning multiple FIVB Club World Championships (2013, 2015, 2021, 2024) and South American Club Championships. He also claimed numerous Brazilian Championship titles and a Turkish Cup during his club career. Wallace was recognized with individual honors such as Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Spiker at club and international events, including the FIVB Nations League and Club World Championships. Notably, he won the MVP award at the 2024 FIVB Club World Championship based on his strong performances leading his team to victory.
5. Lorenzo Bernardi
Lorenzo Bernardi is considered one of the greatest volleyball players of all time, known for his exceptional versatility as a hitter, passer, and overall all-around player. Born on August 11, 1968, in Trento, Italy, Bernardi started his career as a setter but quickly evolved into a dominating outside hitter and key contributor to Italy’s rise as a volleyball powerhouse.
Bernardi helped Italy win two European Championships in 1989 and 1995, as well as two FIVB World Championships in 1990 and 1994. He earned a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where Italy reached its first-ever Olympic gold-medal match but lost to the Netherlands in a memorable five-set final. Throughout his international career, Bernardi competed 306 times for Italy.
Recognized for his extraordinary skill set, Bernardi was named the Most Valuable Player of both the 1994 World Championship and 1995 European Championship. In 2001, the FIVB declared him the “Volleyball Player of the Century,” an honor he shared with American legend Karch Kiraly.
4. Steve Timmons
Steve Timmons is an iconic American volleyball player widely regarded as one of the sport’s pioneers and greatest hitters. Born on November 29, 1958, in Newport Beach, California, Timmons played as an outside hitter and middle blocker, renowned for revolutionizing back-row attacking in volleyball.
Timmons was a crucial part of the United States men’s national volleyball team during its golden era in the 1980s. He won three Olympic medals: gold at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, and bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Games. At the 1984 Olympics, he was named the Most Valuable Player by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), a testament to his impact and leadership on the court.
Beyond the Olympics, Steve Timmons helped USA achieve the historic “Triple Crown” by winning the 1985 FIVB World Cup and the 1986 FIVB World Championship, cementing their global dominance. He also collected gold medals in other major events like the 1984 and 1985 USA Cup, 1987 Pan American Games, and the 1987 Savin Cup. Individually, he was honored as the FIVB Best Blocker at the 1988 Olympics and the US Olympic Committee’s Male Volleyball Player of the Year the same year.
At the club level, Timmons excelled playing for Il Messaggero Ravenna in Italy, leading the team to a 24-0 record in 1990 and winning the Club World Championship in 1991. After retiring from professional play, he co-founded and served as president of the sportswear brand Redsand.
3. Gilberto Amauri de Godoy Filho
Gilberto Amauri de Godoy Filho, popularly known as Giba, is a legendary Brazilian volleyball player celebrated for his dynamic playing style, leadership, and significant contributions to Brazil’s dominance in international volleyball. Born on January 23, 1976, Giba’s career is marked by numerous successes at the Olympics, World Championships, and various international tournaments.
Giba was a vital member of the Brazilian men’s volleyball team for over two decades. He was instrumental in securing three Olympic medals: gold at Athens 2004, silver at Beijing 2008, and silver again at London 2012. His exceptional performance earned him the Best Outside Spiker award at the 2004 Olympics and multiple MVP honors at major tournaments, including the 2006 World Championship, 2007 World Cup, and the 2009 FIVB World League.
Throughout his international career, Giba helped Brazil dominate the sport with 11 World League titles, 3 World Championships, 3 World Cups, and 8 South American Championships. His leadership and energy on the court inspired teammates and thrilled fans worldwide. Known for his agility, powerful spikes, and strategic awareness, Giba was regarded as one of the finest outside hitters of his generation.
2. Kerri Walsh Jennings
Kerri Walsh Jennings is an iconic American beach volleyball player and one of the most decorated athletes in the sport’s history. Born on August 15, 1978, Walsh Jennings transformed women’s beach volleyball with her exceptional skills, endurance, and competitive spirit. She won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2004 (Athens), 2008 (Beijing), and 2012 (London) alongside her legendary partner, Misty May-Treanor, forming one of the most dominant teams in Olympic history.
Their partnership was remarkable, highlighted by a record 112 consecutive match wins and 19 consecutive tournament victories between 2007 and 2008. During the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, they did not lose a single set, showcasing their unparalleled dominance on the sand. In 2016, Walsh Jennings continued to shine by winning a bronze medal with new partner April Ross at the Rio Olympics, marking her fourth Olympic medal.
Before her beach volleyball success, Walsh Jennings excelled in indoor volleyball at Stanford University, where she won two NCAA national championships and earned first-team All-American honors all four years. She also competed in indoor volleyball at the 2000 Sydney Olympics before transitioning fully to beach volleyball.
Throughout her career, Walsh Jennings amassed a record 135 career wins across international and domestic beach volleyball tournaments, making her the winningest female player in the history of the sport. Her career accolades include multiple MVP awards in World Championships, World Tours, and Grand Slams, reinforcing her status as a complete and versatile player.
Off the court, Walsh Jennings is a passionate advocate for mentorship, healthy living, and growing the sport of beach volleyball. In 2025, she was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, recognizing her enduring impact on the sport and her inspiring legacy to future generations of athletes.
1. Karch Kiraly
Karch Kiraly is widely regarded as the greatest volleyball player of all time, excelling both as an indoor and beach volleyball athlete and later as a successful coach. Born Charles Frederick Kiraly in 1960, he began playing volleyball at a young age, inspired by his Hungarian father, a former national volleyball player. Kiraly made his mark at UCLA, where he earned four-time All-American honors and led the Bruins to three NCAA national championships.
Kiraly’s international career with the United States men’s national team was legendary. He won two Olympic gold medals in indoor volleyball at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, serving as team captain and earning the MVP award in Seoul. In addition to Olympic glory, he was pivotal in winning the volleyball “triple crown” for the USA: gold medals at the Olympics, the 1985 World Cup (where he was MVP), and the 1986 World Championship.
Transitioning to beach volleyball in the early 1990s, Kiraly dominated the sport by winning a record 148 AVP titles and becoming a six-time AVP MVP. He achieved the historic milestone of winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal awarded for men’s beach volleyball at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with partner Kent Steffes. Kiraly continued to compete at the highest levels well into his 40s, showcasing longevity and versatility that few athletes have matched.
After retiring as a player, Kiraly transitioned to coaching and became the head coach of the U.S. women’s national team in 2013. Under his leadership, the U.S. women won their first-ever World Championship in 2014, earned multiple World Grand Prix titles, and captured a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Kiraly’s coaching success further cemented his legacy as a volleyball legend.