France capped their title defense in style at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship, with outside hitter Andrej Jokanovic earning MVP and Best Outside Hitter honors and leading a quartet of French players on the tournament’s Dream Team.
The 17-year-old Jokanovic was dominant from start to finish in Tashkent. He scored 158 points across nine matches, including 126 kills, 16 blocks and 16 aces, while hitting at nearly 47 percent efficiency.
The 2.00-meter outside hitter hit double digits in every match and put away 24 points in the final against Poland to seal France’s second straight world title.
“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 said.
The 2025 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship Dream Team stand together after receiving their awards in Tashkent.
Joining him on the Dream Team were outside hitter Noa Duflos Rossi, middle blocker Daniel Lyegbekedo and libero Guillaume Respaut. Duflos Rossi brought consistent firepower on the left. Lyegbekedo controlled the middle with strong finishes and key blocks. Respaut anchored the defense with clean passing and sharp reads in transition.
Poland’s Madej Drag was named Best Setter for his confident control of the offense throughout the tournament. Tymoleusz Lenik joined him as one of the top middle blockers after delivering clutch performances at the net.
Spain’s Cesar Irache earned Best Opposite honors after leading all scorers with 154 points. He exploded for 38 points in the bronze medal match against Iran.
2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship: full schedule
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FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship
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