Central Julia Kudiess, from Minas Tênis Clube, was named last Saturday (27) as the 5th best volleyball player in the world by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). The 22-year-old athlete shone defending the Brazilian team in the Nations League (VNL) and this year’s World Cup, competitions in which she was the biggest blocker.
In a post on social media, the FIVB highlighted Julia’s skills as a blocker, but also cited the player’s other skills: “Deadly slides and attacks at a lightning-fast pace make her a constant threat: efficient, intelligent and fearless. At just 22 years old, she has already won the hearts of her fans, the trust of her teammates and the admiration of coaches and opponents around the world.”
THE BEST OF 2025!
#5 Julia Kudiess 🇧🇷
No one blocked more in 2025. A wall with timing, instinct and authority, Julia finished as the top blocker at #VNL2025 🥈 and #WWCH2025 🥉, and continues to lead the charts in the #Superliga 🇧🇷with her formative club, @MinasTenisClube.
But… pic.twitter.com/Bx7SDNfMms
— Volleyball World (@volleyballworld) December 27, 2025
The FIVB has been announcing the list of the season’s best athletes over the last few days. Among the women, the names of the top three placed have yet to be announced, and there is the expectation that another Brazilian will appear in the list, the striker Gabi Guimarães.
