As Brazil's men's national team takes to the court in Ljubljana, the message behind the special-edition libero jersey first worn on home soil remains as powerful as ever carrying a simple message: volleyball is a sport where everyone belongs.
Worn during one of the sport’s premier international competitions, the jersey forms part of an anti-discrimination initiative designed to celebrate inclusion, equality and respect across the global volleyball community. It reinforces a simple belief at the heart of the sport: everyone is welcome in volleyball.
The VNL brings together athletes, teams and fans from diverse countries, cultures and backgrounds, united by a shared passion for the game. The special jersey worn by Team Brazil serves as a visible reminder of the values that connect volleyball on and off the court, highlighting the importance of creating environments where all participants feel respected, valued and able to belong.
Brazil libero Maique Reis described the initiative as an opportunity to promote values that extend beyond the court.
“It’s a message of respect, empathy and, above all, love,” he said. “Volleyball is a diverse community. Volleyball is love, enjoyment and respect. Those are values we should carry with us and share everywhere we go.”
Olympic champion Douglas Souza said the initiative also reflects the progress made within the sport and the wider volleyball community in Brazil.
“For all of us volleyball fans here in Brazil, it means a lot,” he said. “It represents the progress of everything we’ve been fighting for over the years. Athletes are role models, and the more we embrace these conversations, the better it is for everyone. Little by little, we’re helping to change the world.”
Brazil captain Ricardo Lucarelli highlighted the importance of representation and respect, both in sport and beyond.
“It’s very important to represent this fight against racism and homophobia in all ways,” he said. “People can be inspired by seeing Black people playing, gay people playing, and understanding that everything is possible. I think that’s a good message for everybody.
“This goes beyond the game. Everybody in society has to understand this and respect each other, independent of colour, sexual orientation, religion or background.”
“Speaking for myself, I see a lot of Black people feeling inspired to keep playing and believing they can achieve whatever they want because they see me in the national team. They see me and think, ‘I can do that as well.’”
Building on the positive impact of previous anti-discrimination initiatives in Brazil, the campaign demonstrates how the VNL can use its global platform to celebrate the diversity of the volleyball community and reinforce the values that connect people through sport.
Through athletes who wear it and the fans who see it, the libero jersey carries a message that extends beyond a single match: volleyball is strongest when everyone feels they belong.
