Sixteen-year-old outside hitter Lucas Righi Carvalho, son of Olympic champion Janelson Carvalho, is quickly forging his own path at the FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship 2025.

Playing the same position as his father, Lucas Rigui has become one of Brazil’s standout performers in Tashkent, delivering big numbers and calm leadership in high-pressure moments. But while the legacy inspires him, his goal is not just to match his father, but to surpass him.

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“I always have it in my head that I want to be better than my dad,” said the young Brazilian. “In every practice, every ball, I give my all to be better than him.”

That mindset has shaped his rise through Brazil’s youth system. After helping the team to an eighth-place finish at the U17 World Championship last year, the outside hitter returned to the global stage stronger, sharper and strong-willed. In 2025, he has averaged 13 points per match, including a team-high 18 against Uzbekistan and 15 in Brazil’s encounter against France and Finland.

Looking back on that match with the hosts, Lucas Rigui said, “I think it was a good match. Uzbekistan’s team is very complete, very good, their outside hitters are really strong. We managed to play our rhythm. We made fewer mistakes, had more blocks, more attacks. I think that’s what stood out.”

The Boys’ U19 World Championship has been his personal checkpoint.

“I think it’s been amazing,” said Lucas Rigui. “I get to see what athletes my age are like from other countries. It’s good to know where I stand, my level, and the level of the teams.”

His foundation in the sport begins at home. His father, Janelson, was part of Brazil’s ‘Golden Generation’ that won the country’s first men’s Olympic gold in Barcelona in 1992. Growing up in that environment helped shape his approach to the game.

“It’s always good to have a role model at home,” the outside hitter said. “He’s always helping me, giving me tips, telling me what’s good in passing, in attacking, and so on. He was also an outside hitter and played in a lot of youth World Championships.”

Reflecting on that influence, Lucas Rigui added, “Having that reference at home really helped me through experiences and made me mature faster. It’s good to know he played in the youth championships too. He didn’t win a medal either, but it’s good to have someone to look up to and always want to be better than.”

Even more than the advice, the presence of an Olympic gold medal in the house keeps his dream in sight.

“It’s incredible to know that my biggest dream is already at home, even if it’s not mine,” said Lucas Rigui. “But it’s great knowing it’s there and that it belongs to my dad, who I love so much.”

Outside of volleyball, Lucas Rigui enjoys a life not so different from any other teenager. He spends time playing video games, hanging out with his friends, and being with his girlfriend. But family remains at the center of everything.

“It’s always great to go home, see my parents, and kill the homesickness,” he said.

Everything Lucas Rigui does is shaped by a goal he’s never let go of.

“My dream is to always be able to play my rhythm in every World Championship, without ups and downs,” said Lucas Rigui. “And to be an Olympic champion one day, just like my dad, and to be even better than him.

2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship: full schedule

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