The 2021 VNL champions, Brazil start their campaign in the seventh edition of the tournament at home, hoping to return to the podium after four years. The 2025 season will, however, be a challenging one for the South Americans, who saw longtime national team players Bruno Rezende, Lucas Saatkamp, Yoandy Leal and Thales Hoss step away after last year’s Paris Olympics.
Head coach Bernardo Rezende has brought new faces into the squad in 2025 and will pick from them to form the core of the team going forward alongside setter Fernardo ‘Cachopa’ Kreling, opposite Darlan Souza, outside hitter Ricardo Lucarelli (who’s out this week as he recovers from a shoulder injury) and middle blocker Flavio Gualberto.
“It’s the start of a new dream for us, and to get to do it at home is extremely important,” Flavio, who will captain Brazil this week in Rio, said. “We’re building a new team, and to start this process in front of our fans is very positive. We know the Maracanãzinho will be packed every day, and it’s going to be a great experience for us.”