Volleyball has become one of the most beloved sports in the world. And with an extensive history, it has produced some of the best personalities and most impressive athletes – setting high standards for new inductees into the sport.
As standards for newcomers continue to rise, you’ll probably want to keep up-to-date with the latest sports betting odds to get the most accurate predictions.
Here are the top 10 greatest volleyball players of all time.
1. Karch Kiraly
With an impressive record of three Olympic gold medals, 148 beach volleyball titles, and prize earnings of over $3 million, it’s easy to see why Karch Kiraly tops our list. Kiraly is the only volleyball player to ever win at every level as an athlete and as a coach. And as the statistics currently stand, Kiraly is the most awarded volleyball player of all time.
2. Kerri Walsh Jennings
Known for her drive and dedication to succeed, Kerri Walsh Jennings is another widely recognized volleyball player. Throughout her impressive career she has become a three-time Olympic gold medalist alongside Misty May-Treanor (2004, 2008, 2012), and a one-time bronze medalist (2016). Kerri Walsh Jennings is the most decorated beach volleyball player of all time with 133 career wins and more than $2.6 million in winnings.
3. Misty May-Treanor
After dominating the Olympics, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings solidified their status as the most gifted beach volleyball team of all time. However, May-Treanor also accomplished many solo achievements during her career: including a staggering 112 straight matches and 19 tournament victories. She also amassed over $2.1 million in winnings.
4. Regla Torres
Cuban-born Regla Torres has also rightfully earned her spot on this list. Throughout her decorative career, she has won 3 Olympic gold medals, two world championships, and three Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) World Cup titles from 1989 to 1995. At 26 years old, the FIVB even named her the best female player of the 20th century.
5. Giba
Born Gilberto Amauri de Godoy Filho, Giba remains one of the most famous former professional volleyball players in the world. Thanks to a desire and drive to play volleyball, the Brazilian athlete had many phenomenal career highlights including a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and a silver medal at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games respectively.
6. Lorenzo Bernardi
Lorenzo Bernardi remains one of the best volleyball players ever to play the sport. He achieved 5 World League titles between 1990 and 2000, two world championships in 1990 and 1994, and nine Italian Championships. Alongside Kiraly, Bernardi was named the best male player of the 20th Century.
7. Lang Ping
Lang Ping remains a cultural icon in China. She led the Chinese women’s team to the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games and also won a World Championship and two World Cup golds with China. Lang Ping has also found success as a coach, leading China to the silver medal in 1996 and the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
8. Hugo Conte
During his two-decade-long career, Hugo Conte was a symbol of pride for Argentina on volleyball courts around the world. He boasts achievements such as a bronze medal in the 1988 Olympics, a World Championship bronze medal in 1982, and even a European Champions League title.
9. Renan Dal Zotto
Renan Dal Zotto is one of the best indoor volleyball players to come out of Brazil. With credentials including a World Championship silver medal (1982), a Pan American Games gold medal (1983), and an Olympic silver medal win (1984) – it’s easy to see why he remains one of the most well-respected names in volleyball.
10. Sinjin Smith
Sinjin Smith boasts an incredible 139 career victories, 416 career tournaments, and over $1.6 million in career earnings. As a professional beach volleyball player, Smith is most notable for reaching the 100-win mark in his career before anyone else in the field.
Summary
This list contains 10 of the best beach and indoor volleyball players of all time. With an impressive history and an even more promising future, the possibilities for the sport are endless.
