Volleyball is a widely-known sport that implements sportsmanship, competition, and fierce rallying — all on a court where six players on opposing teams face each other across a highly strung net. Since its addition to the Olympics in the 1960s, it has long been a sport that has united avid fans from all over the world.

Now that the July 2024 Olympics are quickly approaching, fans wait in anticipation to see their favorite teams battle it out once again this summer. Paris was the chosen representative for the Olympics, and volleyball players are expected to compete in the Eiffel Tower Stadium. Athletes qualify through various criteria set by their respective sports federations or national Olympic committees.

The Olympics need no introduction. Adults roar with unbridled exhilaration, children cheer with unrestrained joy, and players revel in inextinguishable victory.

The large stadiums are filled by people from all around the world, some holding colorful banners portraying their team’s flag and others with phones in hand to record an unforgettable memory. When fans see their favorite teams play it out on the court, language barriers are transcended among the competitive jeers and roars of triumph. The games are irrefutably a way to cross cultural differences and diffuse ethnic tensions.

The Olympics, held every four years alternating between Summer and Winter games, are relatively simple to understand. The International Olympic Committee selects a host city through a rigorous bidding process, and the chosen city prepares to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world. The games finally begin with a grand-opening ceremony showcasing the host country’s culture, followed by days of fierce competition amongst the players and unforgettable entertainment for fans. The closing ceremony then marks the conclusion of the event, but not without a ceremonial handover to the next host city.

Tournaments are broadcasted live, so that fans all around the world can tune in despite not being able to witness the games in-person. The Olympics embody values of friendship, respect, and sportsmanship, acting as a path for international cooperation through fair competition. One of the various sports that garner enthusiasts to the Olympics is volleyball.

The current top 5 national men’s volleyball teams in the world, according to the volleyball world ranking, are Poland, America, Italy, Japan, and Brazil.These five teams, each boasting world-famous athletes, are polished, and their athletes have their own experiences with the sport on an international level. It is almost impossible to predict which team will take home the golden medal this summer.

Standing at the peak of the top five national volleyball teams in the world is Poland. While the rest of the top 5 are constantly interchanging, Poland remains immovable as the number one. Supervised by the Polish Volleyball Federation (PZPS) and currently led by head coach Nikola Grbić, this team harnesses some of the world’s most impressive players. The Poland men’s national volleyball team is undeniably a powerhouse in the world of volleyball; they have won gold medals at the World Championships in 1974, 2014, and 2018, and secured an Olympic gold medal in 1976. The team also clutched the European Championship in 2009 and triumphed in the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) World League in 2012.

One of Poland’s most magnificent players is Wilfredo Leon. Not only is he a giant at 6’7”, but he harnesses an impressive jump; his highest vertical is recorded at an astounding 12 feet and 2 inches, and his impassable blocks and attacks have caused him to be widely regarded as the best volleyball player in the world. Volleyball has attained  immense popularity in Poland; a passionate fan base supports the team fervently, and every major match is made to be a heavily celebrated event. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, the Polish national team is set to showcase its dominance once again and is a strong candidate for taking home the gold medal this summer.

The United States men’s national volleyball team, overseen by USA Volleyball, is also a dominant force in the sport with an extensive history of achievements. The country has secured three Olympic gold medals in the past (in 1984, 1988, and 2008), and consistently demonstrates their strength, winning the World Championship in 1986 and the World Cup in 1985 and 2015.

One distinctive characteristic of the U.S. Volleyball team is its stamina and ability to keep up long rallies. One notable player is Erik Shoji, who has made a name as the team’s libero, a position that limits him to the ground, but means that the team’s defense is largely due to his technique in reception. In his first Olympics at Rio in 2016, when the U.S. won the Bronze medal, he placed first in best digger and second in best receiver, an incredibly splendid feat. His outstanding plays have caught the attention of many fans around the world, and he steadily gathers an even larger fanbase by updating fans daily on his TikTok account.

Although volleyball isn’t as popular as football or basketball in the United States, its increasingly growing fanbase shows passionate support for the national team during international competitions. Looking ahead, the U.S. team is poised to maintain its competitive edge and pursue further success on the world stage.

The Japan men’s national volleyball team, governed by the Japan Volleyball Association (JVA), is famous for its technical skill, speed, and tactical strategies. Currently coached by Philippe Blain, who communicates with the team in English and Italian, the team has a long history in the Olympics, highlighted by winning the gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics and securing bronze medals at the 1964 Tokyo and 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Japan also achieved significant success in the 1970s, winning the Asian Championship multiple times and finishing third at the 1970 World Championship.

Notable players like Yuji Nishida and captain Yuki Ishikawa are current stars who have brought intense international attention to the team. Their stable teamwork and commended attacks make Japan a tricky team to play against. The coordination and balance between the team’s offense and defense is also loudly commended by volleyball connoisseurs everywhere; when you are finally able to return one of Japan’s attacks with a powerful spike, they are able to pick it up just as easily.

Volleyball is a highly receptive sport in Japan, with a passionate fan base and robust support at both professional and grassroots levels. The national team continues to build onto its legacy, never loosening its heavy grip and persistently inspiring future generations of players.

The Italy national volleyball team, chaperoned by the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV), currently stands as a dominant force in international volleyball. The men’s team has an elaborately storied history of success, clinching the FIVB World Championship four times (1990, 1994, 1998, 2022) and being in possession of multiple European Championship titles, with recent victories in 2021, and two World Cup wins (1995, 2023). They have also earned three Olympic silver medals (1996, 2004, 2016) and a bronze (2000).

The Italy Volleyball League is widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and many players from around the world travel to Italy to boost their overall prowess. As a result, some of the best players in the world come from or have played in an Italian team, such as Japan’s Yuki Ishikawa or Italy’s own Simone Giannelli.

The Brazil men’s national volleyball team, managed by the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV), is one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport despite ranking fifth in the top five. Renowned for their skill and consistency, Brazil has clinched the FIVB World Championship three times (2002, 2006, 2010) and has won the FIVB World Cup twice (2003, 2007). Their Olympic achievements are particularly impressive, with three gold medals (1992, 2004, 2016) and two silver medals (1984, 2008). The team has also dominated the FIVB World League, securing the title nine times, which underscores their long-standing excellence and dominance in international volleyball.

Darlan Souza, who plays opposite, is a player that many connoisseurs across the volleyball world keep their eyes on. Even as one of the youngest members of the team at 21 years old, his powerful offense and unstoppable attacks are hardly underestimated.

Volleyball, while still rising in popularity, is one of the most anticipated events to look out for during this summer’s Olympics in Paris. The world boasts a variety of incredible teams that will be playing it out on a 30 by 60 feet court, and it is almost impossible to determine who will emerge victorious. However, despite the fierce competition and intense rallying, the games are an undeniable leeway for sportsmanship and fair competition across the world.

Volleyball, while still rising in popularity, is one of the most anticipated events to look out for during this summer’s Olympics in Paris. The world boasts a variety of incredible teams that will be playing it out on a 30 by 60 feet court, and it is almost impossible to determine who will emerge victorious.