Men's U21 World Championship 2023

Golzadeh honoured with well-earned MVP award

Seven outstanding players recognized on the U21 World Champs Dream Team

Published 08:30, 16 Jul 2023

Iran (IRI) vs. Bulgaria (BUL) men - Pool E #5818905

The opposite of new junior world title-holders Iran, Amir Mohammad Golzadeh, was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Men's U21 World Championship in Bahrain. The 2.05m-tall striker claimed the tournament’s highest individual recognition, after also being singled out as MVP at last year’s AVC U20 Asian Championship.

The rising Iranian star also led a line-up of seven outstanding players who were honoured on the symbolic U21 World Championship Dream Team during a memorable awarding ceremony after the final in Manama on Sunday evening:

Best Setter: Arshia Behnezhad (Iran)
Best Opposite: Amir Mohammad Golzadeh (Iran)
Best Outside Hitters: Mobin Nasri Mastanabad (Iran) and Mattia Orioli (Italy)
Best Middle Blockers: Filippo Bartolucci (Italy) and Lazar Bouchkov (Bulgaria)
Best Libero: Gabriele Laurenzano (Italy)

The 2023 U21 World Championship Dream Team

The U21 World Championship Dream Team

Golzadeh was the new world champions’ leading scorer during this tournament. He produced a total of 136 points, including 107 successful spikes, 11 kill blocks and 18 aces, which also made him the competition’s third-best server.

“I have now received the MVP award with the junior team. My goal is to get the MVP award with the senior team, along with the World Championship title at the highest level,” Golzadeh told Volleyball World. “I am very happy to get this trophy. I have always strived for this over the years. Volleyball is a fantastic and sweet sport. You cannot gain anything without pain.”