Tashkent, Uzbekistan – In a display of sustained excellence and the rise of a new generation of talent, France successfully defended their title at the 2025 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship. The culmination of an intense tournament saw the French squad clinch their second consecutive world crown, a remarkable feat largely propelled by the exceptional performance of their standout outside hitter, Andrej Jokanovic, who was justly named the Most Valuable Player.
Jokanovic: A Force of Nature on the Court
At a mere 17 years of age, Andrej Jokanovic proved to be far more than just a promising talent; he was the undeniable linchpin of France`s triumph. Towering at two meters, his imposing presence and decisive contributions on the court were a constant threat to opponents. Throughout nine demanding matches, Jokanovic amassed an astounding 158 points, a testament to his versatile offensive prowess. His statistical breakdown is a clear indicator of his comprehensive impact: 126 kills, 16 crucial blocks that often swung momentum, and 16 well-placed aces, all delivered with an impressive hitting efficiency nearing 47 percent.
Consistency, often the hallmark of a seasoned professional, was a defining characteristic of Jokanovic’s campaign. He registered double-digit points in every single match, culminating in a pivotal 24-point performance against Poland in the final. This clinical display ensured France’s continued hold on the championship trophy, almost as if the script had been pre-written for his ascendance.
“It’s incredible. For the team to win this, we came here with high expectations and a lot of pressure. The beginning was not easy, but then we managed to play more as a team. These two prizes are incredible. It’s an amazing feeling, something you don’t experience many times in your life,” Jokanovic reflected, his words echoing the profound magnitude of the achievement for a young athlete.
A French Core in the Dream Team
While Jokanovic seized the individual limelight, France`s victory was undeniably a collective effort, a testament to their deep talent pool, as evidenced by their remarkable representation on the tournament’s prestigious Dream Team. Four French players were recognized among the very best in their positions, highlighting the breadth and quality of their developmental program:
- Andrej Jokanovic: Named not only MVP but also the Best Outside Hitter, cementing his status as a dual threat and a premier young talent.
- Noa Duflos Rossi: Joined Jokanovic as a Best Outside Hitter, providing consistent, explosive offensive firepower from the left side, complementing Jokanovic`s attacks perfectly.
- Daniel Lyegbekedo: Dominated the middle, showcasing both powerful finishes at the net and delivering timely, critical blocks that stifled opponents.
- Guillaume Respaut: The libero, a true defensive anchor, marshaled the back court with impeccable passing and sharp, intelligent reads in transition, ensuring stable offensive opportunities.
This strong French contingent on the Dream Team serves as a potent reminder that sustained success in volleyball is rarely attributed to a single individual, but rather to a cohesive unit operating at peak efficiency. It strongly suggests a meticulously structured youth program is diligently nurturing talent, paving the way for future senior international success.
International Stars Shine Bright
Beyond the undeniable French dominance, the tournament also showcased extraordinary talent from other nations, promising an exciting and competitive future for international volleyball. Poland, the valiant runners-up in the final, saw two of their players earn well-deserved Dream Team honors:
- Madej Drag: Recognized as Best Setter for his masterful control and precise distribution of the Polish offense, orchestrating plays with commendable confidence and tactical acumen.
- Tymoleusz Lenik: Joined the elite as a top Middle Blocker, consistently delivering clutch performances at the net, proving to be a formidable presence for both offense and defense.
Spain’s Cesar Irache was awarded Best Opposite, a testament to his explosive attacking prowess and relentless scoring ability. He topped all scorers in the championship with a remarkable 154 points, including an awe-inspiring 38 points in the bronze medal match against Iran – a singular performance that undoubtedly etched his name into the tournament`s highlight reel and demonstrated his capacity to carry an offense.
A Legacy Established, A Future Forged
The 2025 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent was more than just a competition; it was a proving ground for the next generation of volleyball stars. France`s back-to-back triumph, powered by the dazzling individual brilliance of Andrej Jokanovic and supported by a formidable cohort of equally talented teammates, signifies a robust and thriving youth development system within French volleyball. As these young athletes transition into senior ranks, the invaluable lessons learned and the intense experiences gained on the world stage will undoubtedly shape their careers and potentially redefine the landscape of international volleyball for years to come. The future, it seems, is in extraordinarily capable young hands, poised to elevate the sport to new heights.
