In a highly anticipated rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympic final, Poland, fueled by an electrifying performance from Wilfredo León, secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over reigning champions France in the Volleyball Nations League 2025 Preliminary Phase, igniting their path to the VNL Finals.
Wilfredo León showcased his finest form in the VNL 2025 against the French squad.
The air in Gdańsk’s Ergo Arena was thick with anticipation. Not merely another Volleyball Nations League fixture, this Sunday encounter between Poland and France carried the undeniable weight of recent history. Just shy of a year since their epic clash in the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal match – a match that saw France emerge victorious – the Polish white-and-red faithful, numbering over 10,000 strong, craved a different narrative. And their team, with a blend of grit and brilliance, delivered precisely that, snatching a thrilling 3-2 (32-30, 20-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12) win.
A Revenge Served Chilled, But Fiery
While the stakes were not Olympic gold, the psychological advantage gained from this victory in the VNL Preliminary Phase is immeasurable. For Poland, it was an opportunity to prove their mettle against the very team that denied them glory on the grandest stage. The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, a testament to the high caliber of both squads. Each set was fiercely contested, demonstrating the tactical depth and raw power inherent in elite international volleyball.
The Duel of Titans: León vs. Faure
At the heart of this pulsating encounter were two individuals who simply refused to yield: Poland’s dynamic outside hitter Wilfredo León and France’s formidable opposite Théo Faure. Their personal scoring duel became a microcosm of the entire match, a fascinating display of offensive prowess. León, often dubbed the “King,” lived up to his regal moniker, unleashing a sensational 30 points, comprising 24 powerful kills, three crucial blocks, and three decisive aces. It was a performance that underscored his status as one of the sport`s undisputed superstars. Not to be outdone, Faure mirrored his Polish counterpart`s intensity, tallying an impressive 28 points from 25 kills, two aces, and a block. Such individual brilliance, when pitted against each other, elevates the sport from a game to an art form.
Supporting León’s heroic efforts were key contributions from Polish teammates: opposite Kewin Sasak added 14 points, while middle blockers Jakub Kochanowski and Jakub Novak, alongside outside hitter Tomasz Fornal, each chipped in ten points. The collective effort, particularly in pivotal moments, highlighted Poland`s depth and tactical execution.
“I wasn`t in Paris, but maybe we can take this match as a revenge in some ways. It`s always tough against them, but in the end we won and I`m really happy about that. It`s always amazing to play with this jersey here in Gdańsk.”
— Kewin Sasak, Polish Opposite Hitter
For the French side, Mathis Henno and Yacine Louati, both outside hitters, contributed 17 and 13 points respectively, while middle blocker Mousse Gueye added 11 points, complementing Faure’s phenomenal output. Despite the loss, their resilient performance suggests they remain a force to be reckoned with.
“To me, the most important thing was how we played as a team. I thought we played really well, but today Poland were better than us. Now we go back home and work on it for the Finals.”
— Mousse Gueye, French Middle Blocker
VNL Finals Outlook: Paths to Glory
The conclusion of the Preliminary Phase sees both teams advance to the highly anticipated VNL Finals. Poland finished a respectable fifth, with eight wins and 23 points, setting up a quarterfinal clash against fourth-placed Japan. This promises another intriguing battle of tactical prowess and raw athleticism. Defending champions France secured the third spot with eight wins and 24 points, and they will face sixth-placed Slovenia in their quarterfinal bid. The road to the semifinals for both contenders appears challenging, yet navigable, given their demonstrated capabilities.
Beyond the main event, Gdańsk also hosted other significant matches on the final day, including China’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Cuba (20-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-22, 19-17) and Iran’s dominant 3-0 sweep against Bulgaria (25-17, 25-17, 25-16), further highlighting the competitive landscape of the Volleyball Nations League 2025.
What Lies Ahead?
As teams regroup and prepare for the VNL Finals, the psychological boost for Poland from this victory cannot be overstated. It underscores their potential to challenge for top honors, especially with Wilfredo León finding his peak form. For France, it serves as a valuable learning experience, a reminder that even champions face formidable opposition. The VNL Finals are now poised to deliver a spectacular culmination of this season`s league, with every team eyeing the ultimate prize.
