For a nation accustomed to sporting triumphs, the 55-year wait for another FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship title has been a quiet, persistent hum in the background of German sports. Their last gold glittered in 1970. Their most recent podium finish, a bronze in 2014, felt like a tease. Now, as the FIVB World Championship heads to Manila, Philippines (September 12-28), German volleyball stands at a fascinating crossroads: bidding adieu to a living legend while simultaneously ushering in a vibrant new era.
György Grozer: The Architect of Endurance
At the heart of Germany`s unfolding narrative is György Grozer, the indefatigable opposite hitter, who at a spry 40 years of age, is set to make his third World Championship appearance. Eighteen years have passed since his national team debut in 2007, a career span that frankly defies the relentless demands of elite volleyball. Grozer is more than just a player; he is a bridge across generations, the sole remaining member of that 2014 bronze-medal squad. His résumé reads like a testament to longevity and consistent performance: two Olympic Games (London 2012, Paris 2024), a European Championship silver (2017), and a European Golden League gold (2009). This World Championship is widely anticipated to be his swansong, a final opportunity for Germany to craft a memorable send-off for arguably their greatest volleyball star.
The Winiarski Effect: From Relegation Battles to Olympic Heights
The German resurgence is not a spontaneous eruption; it`s a meticulously engineered turnaround orchestrated by head coach Michał Winiarski. When the Polish tactician took the reins in 2022, the team finished a rather disappointing 15th at the World Championship. Fast forward two years, and the transformation is stark. Winiarski steered Germany to an unbeaten qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, dispatching powerhouses like Brazil, Cuba, and Italy with a confidence that few had seen from “Die Adler” (The Eagles) in years. Their narrow 3-2 quarter-final loss to eventual champions France in Paris further underscored their elevated status, proving they could not only compete but push the very best to their limits.
This remarkable ascent, supported by CHF 288,000 from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme for long-term coaching (including Fabian Tobias as Coach for Science), highlights a strategic investment paying significant dividends. It seems a well-placed financial nudge can indeed move mountains, or in this case, propel a national team up the global rankings.
Youthful Vigor Meets Veteran Wisdom
While Grozer provides the invaluable experience, the future of German volleyball is already taking flight. Winiarski has deftly integrated a cadre of dynamic young talents, many of whom proved their mettle during the recent VNL 2025. Filip John, the 204cm opposite, emerged as the competition`s third-best scorer with 210 points, showcasing a potent attacking prowess that suggests he`s not just Grozer`s eventual successor, but a star in his own right. Outside hitter Erik Röhrs delivered an impressive all-round performance, excelling in both attack and reception.
Middle blocker Simon Valentin Torwie, another VNL standout, will join seasoned Tobias Krick and the well-rested Anton Brehme to fortify the net defense. The return of outside hitter Moritz Reichert, following his VNL absence, adds further depth. With long-serving captain Lukas Kampa having retired, Jan Zimmermann is entrusted with the critical setting duties, while 21-year-old Leonard Graven steps in as starting libero, signifying a bold and confident commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Manila Calling: The World Championship Challenge
Currently ranked 8th in the FIVB World Rankings, Germany enters the World Championship in Pool E, alongside Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Chile. Their campaign kicks off against Bulgaria on September 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Following this, they will face Chile on September 15, concluding their pool phase against top seeds Slovenia on September 17. The draw presents a demanding, yet navigable path. Each match will be a crucial test, not just for qualification into the knockout rounds, but for solidifying their newfound identity as a formidable force on the global stage.
This tournament is more than just a competition; it`s a narrative unfolding. It’s the final chapter for one of the sport`s enduring figures and the thrilling prologue for a team on the cusp of etching its own legendary status. Germany isn`t just sending a team to Manila; they`re sending a statement.
A Glimpse into the Future
The blend of Grozer’s swan song and the emergence of bright young stars paints a compelling picture. It’s a carefully managed transition, where the torch is not simply passed but thoughtfully transferred. The objective is clear: to ensure the Global Volleyball Movement receives a compelling glimpse into Germany`s future, while simultaneously honoring the past. As the German squad steps onto the courts in Manila, they carry the hopes of a nation, the legacy of a legend, and the vibrant promise of what’s yet to come. The unfinished symphony of German volleyball awaits its next, perhaps most harmonious, movement.
Rupert Caldwell