Complete list of Volleyball Nations League winners, final results, medal tables, records, and tournament history (2018–2025).
The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) has become one of the premier annual competitions in international volleyball since its introduction in 2018. Created by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) to replace the former World League (men) and World Grand Prix (women), the tournament brings together the world’s strongest national teams in a season that combines preliminary rounds with a Finals tournament to determine the champion.
Unlike continental championships or the Olympic Games, the Volleyball Nations League is held every year, giving fans the opportunity to follow the evolution of national teams on a regular basis. Established powers such as Brazil, Poland, Italy, the United States, France and Japan meet emerging contenders in a competition that rewards consistency as much as peak performance.
Since its inaugural edition, the VNL has produced memorable finals, first-time champions and changing competitive cycles. Russia dominated the men’s tournament during its opening years, while the United States established the first dynasty in the women’s competition. More recently, Poland, France and Italy have reshaped the balance of power, demonstrating how quickly success can shift at the highest level of international volleyball.
This guide provides a complete overview of the Volleyball Nations League from 2018 through 2025, including every champion, runner-up, final score, all-time medal tables, notable milestones and the evolution of the tournament.
Quick Facts
| Category | Record |
| First VNL season | 2018 |
| Organizer | FIVB |
| Tournament frequency | Annual |
| Men’s editions completed | 7 |
| Women’s editions completed | 7 |
| 2020 season | Cancelled due to COVID-19 |
| Latest men’s champion | Poland (2025) |
| Latest women’s champion | Italy (2025) |
| Most men’s titles | Russia (2), France (2), Poland (2) |
| Most women’s titles | United States (3), Italy (3) |
VNL Champions Timeline
| Season | Men | Women |
| 2018 | Russia | United States |
| 2019 | Russia | United States |
| 2020 | — Tournament cancelled — | — Tournament cancelled — |
| 2021 | Brazil | United States |
| 2022 | France | Italy |
| 2023 | Poland | Turkey |
| 2024 | France | Italy |
| 2025 | Poland | Italy |
The timeline illustrates how the Volleyball Nations League has evolved over its first seven completed editions. While the men’s tournament has produced five different champions, the women’s competition has largely been shaped by three nations. The cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the competition’s early development but did not lead to any lasting changes to the VNL format.
Complete List of Volleyball Nations League Champions
| Year | Men’s Champion | Runner-up | Final Score | Women’s Champion | Runner-up | Final Score |
| 2025 | Poland | Italy | 3–0 | Italy | Brazil | 3–1 |
| 2024 | France | Japan | 3–1 | Italy | Japan | 3–1 |
| 2023 | Poland | United States | 3–1 | Turkey | China | 3–1 |
| 2022 | France | United States | 3–2 | Italy | Brazil | 3–0 |
| 2021 | Brazil | Poland | 3–1 | United States | Brazil | 3–1 |
| 2019 | Russia | United States | 3–1 | United States | Brazil | 3–0 |
| 2018 | Russia | France | 3–0 | United States | Turkey | 3–2 |
Although the tournament is still relatively young compared with competitions such as the Olympic Games or the World Championship, its list of champions already reflects several distinct eras. Russia opened the men’s VNL with consecutive titles before Brazil, France and Poland each enjoyed periods of success. In the women’s competition, the United States dominated the first four editions, while Italy has emerged as the leading team of the current era.
Men’s Volleyball Nations League Champions
The men’s Volleyball Nations League has quickly established itself as one of the most competitive tournaments in international volleyball. Across seven completed editions, four different countries have lifted the trophy, while several others have regularly challenged for medals.
One of the defining characteristics of the men’s competition has been the absence of prolonged dominance. Unlike previous international tournaments, where one nation sometimes controlled an entire decade, the VNL has seen shifts in competitive balance within just a few seasons. Coaching changes, player development, Olympic cycles and squad rotation have all influenced the race for the title.
Russia’s dominant start (2018–2019)
Russia became the first champion in Volleyball Nations League history by defeating France in the inaugural final in Lille. Playing against the host nation, the Russian team produced a composed performance to secure a straight-set victory and establish itself as the benchmark for the new competition.
Twelve months later, Russia successfully defended its title by defeating the United States 3–1 in Chicago. Winning consecutive championships remains one of the most significant achievements in men’s VNL history, as no other team has managed to defend the title since.
The success of the Russian team during these two seasons reflected its traditional strengths: physical attacking, effective blocking and extensive international experience. Those qualities allowed Russia to dominate the early years of the tournament and set a high standard for future champions.
Brazil’s return to the top (2021)
After the cancellation of the 2020 edition because of the COVID-19 pandemic, international volleyball returned in 2021 under unique circumstances. All matches were held in Rimini, Italy, where teams competed within a controlled environment throughout the tournament.
Brazil adapted quickly to those conditions and defeated Poland in the championship match to win its first Volleyball Nations League title. The victory reinforced Brazil’s reputation as one of the most consistent national teams in world volleyball and added another major trophy to an already remarkable international record.
Unlike Russia’s physically dominant style, Brazil relied on tactical flexibility, balanced attacking and disciplined defensive play throughout the competition.
France establishes itself among the elite (2022, 2024)
France claimed its first Volleyball Nations League title in 2022 after defeating the United States in one of the most competitive finals in the tournament’s history. The championship match in Bologna lasted five sets and showcased the depth and resilience of the French squad. Rather than relying on one outstanding individual performance, France consistently found solutions at key moments and completed a remarkable victory in the deciding set.
The title confirmed France’s position among the world’s leading volleyball nations following its Olympic success and demonstrated that the team could maintain a high level of performance across multiple major international competitions.
Two years later, France added a second VNL championship by defeating Japan in the 2024 final in Łódź. The victory made France only the third men’s team to win multiple Volleyball Nations League titles, joining Russia and later Poland in that group.
Although the roster evolved between 2022 and 2024, France maintained the same characteristics that had defined its recent success: tactical discipline, balanced scoring, effective serving and the ability to perform under pressure during knockout matches.
Poland becomes the new benchmark (2023, 2025)
For several years, Poland had been one of the strongest teams in international volleyball, regularly reaching the latter stages of major tournaments. The missing piece was a Volleyball Nations League title.
That changed in 2023, when Poland defeated the United States 3–1 in front of home supporters in Gdańsk. Winning the championship on home soil represented a milestone for Polish volleyball and rewarded a team that had consistently ranked among the world’s best.
Poland confirmed that its success was no coincidence by winning the tournament again in 2025. Facing Italy in the final in Ningbo, the Polish team controlled the match from the opening set and secured a straight-set victory to lift its second VNL trophy.
By the end of the 2025 season, Poland had become the most decorated men’s nation in Volleyball Nations League history by total medals. Beyond the two championships, the team had also collected multiple silver and bronze medals, illustrating remarkable consistency since the tournament’s inception.
Men’s Tournament at a Glance
During the first seven completed editions of the Volleyball Nations League, the men’s competition has featured four different champions:
- Russia (2018, 2019)
- Brazil (2021)
- France (2022, 2024)
- Poland (2023, 2025)
This variety of champions reflects one of the defining characteristics of the modern international game. Rather than being dominated by a single national team for an extended period, the VNL has showcased several elite programs capable of winning the title.
Women’s Volleyball Nations League Champions
While the men’s tournament has experienced frequent changes at the top, the women’s Volleyball Nations League has largely been defined by two dominant eras.
The United States established the competition’s first dynasty by winning three of the first four editions. Italy has since emerged as the leading force, matching the American record with three championships by the conclusion of the 2025 season.
At the same time, Turkey’s historic breakthrough in 2023 demonstrated that new contenders continue to challenge the established powers.
The United States builds the first VNL dynasty (2018–2021)
The United States entered the inaugural Volleyball Nations League as one of the favorites and immediately justified that status by defeating Turkey in a five-set final in Nanjing.
Unlike many champions that rely heavily on one generation of players, the American program consistently demonstrated outstanding squad depth. Different athletes stepped into key roles throughout the tournament without reducing the team’s overall level of performance.
One year later, the United States successfully defended the title with a straight-set victory over Brazil. The second consecutive championship reinforced the team’s reputation as the strongest women’s side during the early VNL era.
After the cancellation of the 2020 tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition resumed in Rimini in 2021. Once again, the United States reached the final and defeated Brazil to secure a third Volleyball Nations League championship.
Winning three of the first four editions established the United States as the first dynasty in VNL history and created a benchmark that future champions would attempt to match.
Italy begins a new era (2022–2025)
Italy captured its first Volleyball Nations League title in 2022 by defeating Brazil in the championship match in Ankara.
Although Italy had long been considered one of the strongest women’s volleyball nations, the victory represented its first VNL crown and signaled the beginning of a new period of sustained success.
Following a semifinal exit in 2023, Italy returned even stronger over the next two seasons.
In 2024, the Italian team defeated Japan in Bangkok to win its second championship. One year later, Italy successfully defended the title by overcoming Brazil in the 2025 final.
The third championship allowed Italy to equal the United States for the most Women’s Volleyball Nations League titles, confirming its position as one of the dominant teams of the modern era.
Italy’s recent success has been built on a combination of experienced leadership, technical consistency and one of the deepest player pools in international volleyball.
Turkey’s historic breakthrough
The 2023 Women’s Volleyball Nations League marked one of the most significant moments in the competition’s history.
Turkey defeated China in the final to win its first VNL championship, becoming only the third nation to lift the trophy.
The victory reflected years of investment in Turkish volleyball and confirmed the country’s emergence among the world’s elite national teams. Rather than representing an isolated achievement, the title formed part of a broader period of international success for Turkey during the early 2020s.
Women’s Tournament at a Glance
Three countries have won the Women’s Volleyball Nations League:
- United States (2018, 2019, 2021)
- Italy (2022, 2024, 2025)
- Turkey (2023)
Despite the relatively short history of the competition, the women’s tournament has already experienced two distinct eras of dominance. The United States defined the opening years, while Italy has established itself as the leading team of the current cycle.
All-Time Volleyball Nations League Medal Table
The medal tables provide a broader perspective than championship titles alone. While winning the tournament remains the ultimate objective, consistently reaching the podium also reflects the long-term strength of a national program.
Several countries have collected medals across multiple editions despite winning comparatively few titles, highlighting the competitiveness of the Volleyball Nations League.
Men’s Medal Table (2018–2025)
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | Poland | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| 2 | France | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | United States | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | Russia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 5 | Brazil | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | Japan | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 7 | Italy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Poland’s consistent podium finishes have made it the most successful men’s nation by total medals. France, Russia and Poland share the record for championship titles, while Brazil remains the only South American country to have won the men’s competition.
Women’s Medal Table (2018–2025)
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | United States | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | Italy | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Turkey | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Brazil | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 5 | China | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 6 | Japan | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Poland | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 8 | Serbia | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Combined Medal Table (Men’s and Women’s Tournaments)
Combining results from both competitions offers a broader picture of national success throughout the history of the Volleyball Nations League. Countries with strong men’s and women’s programs naturally appear higher in the overall standings, reflecting sustained excellence across international volleyball.
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | Poland | 2 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
| 2 | United States | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| 3 | Brazil | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| 4 | Italy | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 5 | France | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 6 | Turkey | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 7 | Japan | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 8 | China | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 9 | Russia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 10 | Serbia | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
The combined standings demonstrate that success in the Volleyball Nations League is not limited to one outstanding generation. Nations such as Poland, Italy and the United States have maintained competitive men’s and women’s programs, while countries including France and Brazil have remained regular medal contenders throughout the tournament’s history.
Volleyball Nations League Records
Although the Volleyball Nations League is still a relatively young competition, several important milestones have already been established.
Most Men’s Titles
| Nation | Titles |
| Russia | 2 |
| France | 2 |
| Poland | 2 |
No men’s team has won more than two Volleyball Nations League championships. Russia achieved the first back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, while France and Poland joined the two-title club in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Most Women’s Titles
| Nation | Titles |
| United States | 3 |
| Italy | 3 |
The United States dominated the opening years of the competition before Italy matched its achievement by winning three championships between 2022 and 2025.
Most Men’s Medals
| Nation | Total Medals |
| Poland | 6 |
| France | 4 |
| United States | 4 |
Poland’s ability to reach the podium consistently has made it the most successful men’s nation in terms of total medals.
Most Women’s Silver Medals
Brazil has finished runner-up four times, more than any other women’s national team.
Although Brazil has consistently challenged for the title, the championship trophy has remained elusive through the 2025 season.
First Champions
- Men: Russia (2018)
- Women: United States (2018)
Both teams became the inaugural champions of the Volleyball Nations League when the competition replaced the previous annual FIVB tournaments.
Nations to Win Multiple Championships
Men
- Russia
- France
- Poland
Women
- United States
- Italy
Only five national teams have won multiple Volleyball Nations League titles since 2018.
Memorable VNL Finals
Every Volleyball Nations League season concludes with a championship match, but several finals have become especially significant because of their historical importance or competitive quality.
2018 Men’s Final
Russia 3–0 France
The inaugural men’s final established the standard for the new competition. Playing in front of the home crowd, France hoped to celebrate the first VNL title, but Russia controlled the match from start to finish and became the competition’s first champion.
2018 Women’s Final
United States 3–2 Turkey
Unlike the men’s final, the opening women’s championship match went the full five sets. Turkey came close to winning the inaugural title, but the United States held its nerve in the decisive moments to launch the first dynasty in Women’s Volleyball Nations League history.
2022 Men’s Final
France 3–2 United States
Widely regarded as one of the finest championship matches in VNL history, the 2022 final featured momentum swings throughout all five sets.
France claimed its first Volleyball Nations League title after prevailing in the deciding set, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.
2023 Women’s Final
Turkey 3–1 China
Turkey’s victory represented more than a championship.
It marked the country’s first Volleyball Nations League title and confirmed the emergence of a new force in women’s international volleyball.
2025 Men’s Final
Poland 3–0 Italy
Poland entered the final as one of the tournament favorites and delivered one of the most convincing championship performances of the VNL era.
The straight-set victory secured Poland’s second title and strengthened its position as the most decorated men’s nation by total medals.
Evolution of the Volleyball Nations League
Although the Volleyball Nations League has been contested for only seven completed seasons, its history can already be divided into several distinct phases.
Phase One: Establishing the Competition (2018–2019)
The first two editions introduced the new tournament to volleyball fans around the world.
Russia dominated the men’s competition, while the United States immediately established itself as the leading women’s team.
These opening seasons helped define the identity of the VNL as a tournament that combined elite competition with an annual international calendar.
Phase Two: Pandemic and Recovery (2021)
The cancellation of the 2020 edition represented the biggest interruption in the tournament’s history.
When the Volleyball Nations League returned in 2021, every match was played in Rimini under strict health protocols.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Brazil claimed the men’s title and the United States won another women’s championship, demonstrating the resilience of international volleyball.
Phase Three: New Champions Emerge (2022–2025)
Beginning in 2022, the competitive landscape changed considerably.
France won two men’s titles in three seasons.
Poland captured two championships and became the most successful men’s nation by total medals.
Italy won three women’s championships in four seasons.
Turkey celebrated its first international Volleyball Nations League title.
Rather than producing one long-term dominant team, the VNL has encouraged competitive balance, with several nations capable of challenging for the championship each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most Volleyball Nations League titles?
In the men’s competition, Russia, France and Poland share the record with two championships each.
In the women’s tournament, the United States and Italy are tied for the most titles with three championships each.
Who won the first Volleyball Nations League?
The inaugural Volleyball Nations League was held in 2018.
- Men: Russia defeated France 3–0 in the final.
- Women: The United States defeated Turkey 3–2.
These victories made Russia and the United States the first champions in VNL history.
Which country has won the latest VNL title?
The most recent champions, following the 2025 season, are:
- Men: Poland
- Women: Italy
Both teams successfully completed impressive campaigns during the Finals to add another major international title to their records.
Why was there no Volleyball Nations League in 2020?
The 2020 Volleyball Nations League was cancelled because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of postponing the competition, the FIVB cancelled both the men’s and women’s tournaments. The VNL returned in 2021, with all matches played in Rimini, Italy, under strict health and safety protocols.
Which nation has reached the most Women’s VNL finals?
Brazil has appeared in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League final four times, finishing as runner-up on each occasion (2019, 2021, 2022 and 2025).
Italy has reached three finals, winning all three.
Which nation has won the most Men’s VNL medals?
By the end of the 2025 season, Poland had collected six medals, more than any other men’s national team.
Those podium finishes include:
- Gold: 2023, 2025
- Silver: 2021
- Bronze: 2019, 2022, 2024
This consistency has made Poland one of the defining teams of the Volleyball Nations League era.
Has any team defended its Volleyball Nations League title?
Yes.
In the men’s tournament, Russia successfully defended its championship by winning both the 2018 and 2019 editions.
In the women’s competition, the United States defended the title in 2019 and later added a third championship in 2021 after the cancellation of the 2020 season.
Italy also successfully defended its women’s title by winning both the 2024 and 2025 editions.
How often is the Volleyball Nations League held?
The Volleyball Nations League is designed as an annual international competition.
The only exception was 2020, when the tournament was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, the competition has returned to its regular yearly schedule.
Which countries have won both men’s and women’s VNL medals?
Several nations have reached the podium in both tournaments.
Among the most successful are:
- Poland
- United States
- Brazil
- Italy
- Japan
Strong performances across both competitions have helped these countries rise to the top of the combined medal table.
The Legacy of the Volleyball Nations League
Although the Volleyball Nations League is still a relatively new tournament, it has already become one of the most important competitions in international volleyball.
Replacing the former World League and World Grand Prix was an ambitious step by the FIVB, but the VNL quickly established its own identity. Annual competition between the world’s strongest national teams has created a tournament that combines high-level volleyball with opportunities for player development, tactical innovation and international rivalries.
The history of the Volleyball Nations League also reflects the changing balance of power in world volleyball. Russia dominated the opening men’s editions before Brazil, France and Poland each claimed championships of their own. In the women’s tournament, the United States built the first dynasty before Italy emerged as the leading team of the current era, while Turkey celebrated a historic breakthrough in 2023.
Another defining feature of the VNL has been its competitive balance. Unlike many international competitions where one nation dominates for long periods, the Volleyball Nations League has produced a wide variety of finalists and medalists. This depth has made every edition unpredictable and has contributed to the tournament’s growing popularity among volleyball fans worldwide.
As new generations of players emerge and established teams continue to evolve, the list of Volleyball Nations League champions will undoubtedly continue to grow. Every season adds another chapter to the tournament’s history, creating new rivalries, memorable finals and milestones for the sport.
Whether you are looking for the latest champions, comparing national team achievements or exploring the history of the competition, the Volleyball Nations League remains one of the best indicators of excellence in modern international volleyball.
Quick Summary
- The Volleyball Nations League began in 2018.
- The 2020 edition was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Poland are the latest men’s champions (2025).
- Italy are the latest women’s champions (2025).
- Russia, France and Poland share the men’s record with two titles each.
- The United States and Italy share the women’s record with three championships each.
- Poland has won the most men’s VNL medals.
- Brazil has reached the Women’s VNL final four times.
- The tournament continues to evolve, with new champions and emerging contenders adding to its history each season.
Last updated: Following the conclusion of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League season.
Be the first to comment