Individual awards often tell the story of a tournament just as much as the final scoreboard. While teams lift the Volleyball Nations League trophy together, only one player in each competition earns the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) the athlete who makes the biggest impact when it matters most.
Since the VNL was introduced in 2018, the MVP award has recognized some of the greatest stars in international volleyball. Legendary scorers, inspirational captains, dominant blockers and even a libero have all left their mark on the competition. Winning the award is more than a personal achievement it usually reflects a season of consistency, leadership and unforgettable performances on volleyball’s biggest annual stage.
Below is the complete list of Volleyball Nations League MVP winners in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, updated through the 2025 season.
Complete VNL MVP Winners List
| Year | Men’s MVP | Country | Women’s MVP | Country |
| 2018 | Dmitriy Muserskiy | Russia | Michelle Bartsch-Hackley | United States |
| 2019 | Matt Anderson | United States | Andrea Drews | United States |
| 2021 | Bruno Rezende | Brazil | Michelle Bartsch-Hackley | United States |
| 2022 | Earvin Ngapeth | France | Paola Egonu | Italy |
| 2023 | Aleksander Śliwka | Poland | Melissa Vargas | Türkiye |
| 2024 | Antoine Brizard | France | Paola Egonu | Italy |
| 2025 | Jakub Kochanowski | Poland | Monica De Gennaro | Italy |
No men’s player has managed to win the VNL MVP award twice, while Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and Paola Egonu remain the only repeat winners in the women’s competition. These records highlight just how difficult it is to consistently stand out at the highest level of international volleyball.
Eight tournaments have produced sixteen MVP awards, each reflecting a different style of leadership and excellence. Some winners dominated with spectacular attacking numbers, others transformed matches through tactical intelligence, defensive brilliance or calm leadership under pressure. Together, they tell the story of how the Volleyball Nations League has celebrated greatness in many different forms.
The Stories Behind Every VNL MVP
Every Volleyball Nations League MVP has a different story. Some players dominated the tournament from the opening match, while others produced unforgettable performances when the championship was on the line. Together, these winners reflect how the VNL has evolved into one of the toughest competitions in international volleyball.
2018 – Dmitriy Muserskiy & Michelle Bartsch-Hackley
The inaugural VNL season introduced two deserving MVPs. Russia’s towering middle blocker Dmitriy Muserskiy powered the men’s team to the first-ever Volleyball Nations League title, combining his trademark blocking with unstoppable attacking. His influence throughout the Finals in Lille made him the obvious choice for the award.
On the women’s side, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley became one of the driving forces behind the United States’ dramatic championship run. Her all-around game, reliable scoring and calm performances in pressure moments helped Team USA edge Türkiye in a thrilling five-set final.
2019 – Matt Anderson & Andrea Drews
One year later, the United States celebrated another individual success as Matt Anderson claimed the men’s MVP award. His experience, powerful serving and ability to score in crucial situations carried Team USA to another memorable VNL campaign, even though Russia ultimately defended its title.
For the women, Andrea Drews confirmed the incredible depth of the American program. Her attacking consistency and clutch performances throughout the tournament helped the United States secure a second consecutive VNL championship, further establishing one of the greatest dynasties in international volleyball.
2021 – Bruno Rezende & Michelle Bartsch-Hackley
After the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Volleyball Nations League returned inside the unique “Rimini Bubble” in Italy. Brazil’s legendary setter Bruno Rezende demonstrated why leadership is just as valuable as raw statistics. His precise distribution, tactical intelligence and calm decision-making guided Brazil to its first VNL title.
Meanwhile, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley became the first player to win the women’s MVP award twice. Her experience and versatility once again proved invaluable as the United States completed an impressive three-title run in the first four editions of the tournament.
2022 – Earvin Ngapeth & Paola Egonu
If there has ever been an MVP who perfectly embodied creativity, it is Earvin Ngapeth. The French superstar inspired his team to a dramatic five-set victory over the United States in one of the greatest VNL finals ever played. His spectacular attacks, fearless shot-making and infectious energy lifted France to its first Volleyball Nations League crown.
Italy’s Paola Egonu was equally unstoppable on the women’s side. One of the world’s most dominant opposite hitters, she powered Italy to its maiden VNL title with explosive scoring and remarkable consistency. Her performances throughout the Finals confirmed her status as one of volleyball’s biggest global stars.
2023 – Aleksander Śliwka & Melissa Vargas
The 2023 season marked a breakthrough for two players who inspired historic achievements for their national teams.
Poland captain Aleksander Śliwka led his country to its first-ever Volleyball Nations League title in front of passionate home fans in Gdańsk. While Poland featured plenty of star power, Śliwka’s leadership, consistency and ability to deliver under pressure made him the tournament’s most valuable player. His MVP award perfectly reflected a captain who raised his game when his team needed him most.
On the women’s side, Melissa Vargas produced one of the most dominant individual performances in recent VNL history. Representing Türkiye, the powerful opposite hitter overwhelmed opponents with her explosive attacks and devastating serves. She played a decisive role in Türkiye’s first Volleyball Nations League championship, becoming one of the faces of the tournament almost overnight.
2024 – Antoine Brizard & Paola Egonu
France returned to the top of the men’s competition in 2024, and much of that success was built around the brilliance of Antoine Brizard. Rather than filling the scoresheet himself, the French setter controlled the rhythm of every match with intelligent distribution and outstanding decision-making. His leadership allowed France’s attackers to perform at their best, proving that great setters often influence matches in ways statistics cannot fully capture.
For the women, Paola Egonu claimed her second VNL MVP award after leading Italy to another championship. Already considered one of volleyball’s biggest stars, Egonu once again dominated the tournament with her incredible scoring ability, combining power, athleticism and consistency. Her second MVP trophy placed her among the greatest individual performers in Volleyball Nations League history.
2025 – Jakub Kochanowski & Monica De Gennaro
The 2025 season celebrated two very different paths to volleyball greatness.
Poland captain Jakub Kochanowski became the men’s MVP after leading his team to a 3–0 victory over Italy in the championship match. While middle blockers rarely receive as much attention as attackers, Kochanowski’s blocking, leadership and composure throughout the Finals proved invaluable. His performances symbolized Poland’s disciplined, team-first approach and helped secure the nation’s second Volleyball Nations League title.
Perhaps the most remarkable individual story belonged to Monica De Gennaro. The legendary Italian libero became the women’s MVP after guiding Italy to its third VNL championship. In a sport where offensive players usually collect the biggest individual honors, De Gennaro’s award highlighted the importance of elite defense, anticipation and leadership. Her achievement will be remembered as one of the most unique MVP stories in Volleyball Nations League history.
More Than Just Statistics
Looking through the list of VNL MVP winners reveals an important pattern: there is no single formula for becoming the tournament’s most valuable player.
Some MVPs have been unstoppable scorers, like Paola Egonu and Melissa Vargas. Others, such as Bruno Rezende and Antoine Brizard, controlled matches through vision and decision-making rather than sheer attacking power. Monica De Gennaro demonstrated that elite defense can be just as valuable as spectacular offense, while leaders like Aleksander Śliwka and Jakub Kochanowski showed how captaincy and composure can inspire an entire team.
That variety is one of the reasons the Volleyball Nations League remains so fascinating. Every season rewards a different style of excellence, reminding fans that volleyball is ultimately a team sport where greatness comes in many forms.
Which Countries Have Produced the Most VNL MVPs?
Winning a Volleyball Nations League MVP award is one of the highest individual honors in international volleyball. While many countries have celebrated championship success, only a handful have consistently produced players capable of earning the tournament’s top individual recognition.
| Country | Men’s MVPs | Women’s MVPs | Total MVP Awards |
| United States | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Italy | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Poland | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| France | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Russia | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Brazil | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Türkiye | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Notably, every women’s MVP since 2022 has represented either Italy or Türkiye, reflecting the changing balance of power in international volleyball.
The numbers reveal two clear trends. In the women’s tournament, the United States dominated the early VNL years before Italy emerged as the competition’s new powerhouse. Together, those two nations account for six of the eight women’s MVP awards presented since 2018.
The men’s competition has been far more balanced. Six different players from four countries have earned the award, reflecting the remarkable depth and competitiveness of international men’s volleyball.
Players Who Won Multiple VNL MVP Awards
Only a select group of players have managed to win the Volleyball Nations League MVP award more than once.
Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (2018, 2021)
The American outside hitter became the first repeat women’s MVP in tournament history. Her ability to contribute in every phase of the game attacking, serving, passing and defending made her one of the foundations of the United States’ early VNL dynasty.
Paola Egonu (2022, 2024)
Few players have influenced modern women’s volleyball as much as Paola Egonu. Her explosive attacking, physical dominance and consistency helped Italy become one of the world’s strongest national teams. Winning two MVP awards in just three completed VNL seasons confirmed her place among the tournament’s all-time greats.
No men’s player has won the Volleyball Nations League MVP award twice, highlighting the incredible competition and depth among the world’s leading men’s national teams.
What Makes a Volleyball Nations League MVP?
Statistics are important, but they rarely tell the whole story.
Some MVPs dominate the scoring charts. Others completely change a match through leadership, tactical intelligence or defensive excellence. The Volleyball Nations League has celebrated every type of volleyball greatness from powerful attackers like Melissa Vargas and Paola Egonu to brilliant setters like Bruno Rezende and Antoine Brizard, and even defensive specialists such as Monica De Gennaro.
Perhaps that’s what makes the award so special. Every season brings a different champion and a different style of leadership, proving that volleyball is a team sport where excellence can take many forms. Sometimes the biggest difference is made by the player scoring thirty points. Sometimes it’s the captain who inspires everyone around them. And sometimes it’s the libero whose defensive brilliance keeps every rally alive.
That diversity has become one of the defining characteristics of the Volleyball Nations League MVP award.
Interesting VNL MVP Facts
The Volleyball Nations League MVP award has produced several remarkable milestones since the competition began in 2018.
- Michelle Bartsch-Hackley became the first player to win the women’s MVP award twice, leading the United States during its dominant early years.
- Paola Egonu joined that exclusive club with her second MVP trophy in 2024, further cementing her reputation as one of the world’s elite volleyball players.
- Monica De Gennaro made history in 2025 by becoming the first libero to receive the women’s VNL MVP award, proving that defensive excellence can be just as valuable as attacking power.
- No men’s player has won the MVP award twice, highlighting the remarkable depth and competitiveness of international men’s volleyball.
- Poland and France are the only countries to produce multiple men’s MVP winners, while the United States and Italy have dominated the women’s individual awards.
- Every men’s MVP has represented the tournament champion except Matt Anderson in 2019, demonstrating how closely individual excellence is often linked with team success.
These achievements remind us that every VNL season writes a new chapter in volleyball history, with different players stepping forward to define the tournament.
Quick Facts
| Category | Record / Information |
| First VNL Season | 2018 |
| First Men’s MVP | Dmitriy Muserskiy (Russia) |
| First Women’s MVP | Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (USA) |
| Most Women’s MVP Awards | Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (2), Paola Egonu (2) |
| Most Men’s MVP Awards | No player has won more than one |
| First Libero MVP | Monica De Gennaro (Italy, 2025) |
| Latest Men’s MVP | Jakub Kochanowski (Poland, 2025) |
| Latest Women’s MVP | Monica De Gennaro (Italy, 2025) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the first Volleyball Nations League MVP award?
The inaugural VNL MVP awards were presented in 2018. Dmitriy Muserskiy received the men’s award after leading Russia to the first Volleyball Nations League title, while Michelle Bartsch-Hackley earned the women’s honor as the United States captured the inaugural championship.
Who has won the most VNL MVP awards?
Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and Paola Egonu currently share the women’s record with two MVP awards each. No men’s player has won the Volleyball Nations League MVP award more than once.
Has a libero ever won the Volleyball Nations League MVP?
Yes. Monica De Gennaro became the first libero in VNL history to win the MVP award after helping Italy secure the 2025 women’s championship.
Does the MVP always come from the winning team?
Almost always, but not always. The only exception so far is Matt Anderson, who won the men’s MVP award in 2019 even though Russia claimed the championship.
Which country has produced the most VNL MVP winners?
The United States leads overall with four MVP awards (one men’s and three women’s), followed by Italy with three women’s MVP awards.
The Legacy of VNL MVPs
Every Volleyball Nations League season creates new heroes, but MVP winners occupy a special place in the tournament’s history. They are remembered not only for impressive statistics, but for defining the biggest matches, inspiring teammates and delivering unforgettable performances under the greatest pressure.
From Dmitriy Muserskiy’s dominance in the inaugural edition to Monica De Gennaro’s historic achievement as the first libero MVP, each award tells a unique story about how the game continues to evolve. As new generations of volleyball stars emerge, the list of VNL MVP winners will only become more prestigious.
Your Volleyball Vibes
Every fan has a favorite MVP performance. Some will remember Earvin Ngapeth’s incredible creativity in 2022, others Paola Egonu’s unstoppable scoring, Melissa Vargas’ explosive breakthrough, or Monica De Gennaro’s defensive masterclass in 2025.
Which Volleyball Nations League MVP impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments and share the performance that you’ll never forget.
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