Rosters revealed as Jiangmen prepares to host 24-team August showcase
The FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship has long been a stage where future stars emerge, and national programmes showcase the next generation of talent. From Olympic champions to stars of today’s top national teams, many of the sport’s biggest names competed at this level on their path to international success.
In 2025, that tradition continues as Jiangmen, China welcomes 24 teams from around the world for the latest edition of the biennial tournament, set to take place from 21 to 31 August. Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czechia, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Morocco, Poland, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine and the United States are all set to compete.
With official rosters now confirmed, attention turns to the players looking to make an impact before reaching the top-tier level.
FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship: team rosters
(subject to eligibility check to be conducted by the FIVB)
Defending champions Iran arrive in Jiangmen with another imposing squad built on height, power and youth international experience. Among the players stepping up from the team that finished as runners-up at the 2023 U19 World Championship are 2.09-metre middle blocker Taha Behboudnia, setter Emran Kook Jili, opposite Abolfazl Mahdian and libero Seyed Morteza Tabatabaei, who was named Best Libero of the tournament. All are expected to play key roles in Iran’s title defence.
Silver medallists in 2023, Italy return with a squad built on continuity and experience from recent youth-level success. Several players from the team that reached the semifinals of the 2023 U19 World Championship are part of this year’s line-up, among them 2.10-metre opposite Tommaso Barotto and outside hitters Lorenzo Magliano and Alessandro Bristot. Middle blocker Gioele Adeola Taiwo also brings size and athleticism to a team known for its depth and technical precision.
Another returning medallist, Bulgaria are listed to feature one of the most accomplished young players in the tournament in outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov. A starter on the senior national team, Nikolov led Bulgaria to bronze in the last edition in Bahrain and is included on the U21 roster for a second straight time.
Brazil, Poland and Korea are among the former world champions entered in this year’s edition, each with a rich tradition at age-group level. Brazil have won four titles, Poland three, and Korea one. All three nations continue to shape the landscape of junior-level volleyball through strong domestic development and competitive depth.
France arrive with momentum, having won the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship in dominant fashion. That title-winning squad now forms the core of their U21 team, paraded by several Dream Team honourees: MVP and outside hitter Mathis Henno, best setter Amir Tizi-Oualou, best opposite Thomas Pujol and best middle blocker Joris Seddik. With talent and chemistry already proven on the world stage, the French will be one of the most closely watched teams in Jiangmen.
This year also marks the first time China hosts the Men’s U21 World Championship, with all matches to be played at the Jiangmen Sports Centre. The tournament signals a major step in China’s efforts to strengthen its men’s volleyball programme and develop a new generation of homegrown talent on the world stage.
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