The 37-year-old Brazilian led Sada Cruzeiro to their fifth world title with strong performances

Star opposite Wallace de Souza’s outstanding performances that led Sada Cruzeiro to secure their fifth world title were rewarded with the Most Valuable Player award of the 2024 edition of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship.

The trophy is also a testament to the longevity of the 37-year-old opposite, who won the same award 11 years ago, back in 2013, when Sada Cruzeiro won the first of their five world titles.

Wallace, who first played for the club from 2009 to 2015 and then returned in 2021, was part of four of the team’s five victories. He’s now just the second player to claim the MVP award in multiple editions of the tournament – Cuban-born Italian outside hitter Osmany Juantorena did it on four occasions.

“Winning the title is always the most importing thing,” he reacted. “We got here as the third or fourth strongest team in the eyes of most people. Many doubted us and doubted me, because I’m older now. But we were fantastic and deserved to win.”

The 37-year-old opposite is one of the most accomplished players in club history, having won four world titles, six South American Championships, six Brazilian Superligas, four Brazilian Cups and four Brazilian Supercups.

The veteran, who retired from the Brazilian national team in 2022, also had a remarkable international career, winning gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics and silver at the London 2012 Games, as well as three medals at the FIVB World Championship.

Wallace’s impact in Sada Cruzeiro’s campaign was undeniable as he was the team’s top scorer in four of the five matches played in Uberlândia, including Sunday’s gold medal match against Italy’s Trentino Itas, when he tallied 23 points. The opposite ended the tournament ranked first in points scored, with 108.

The Brazilian was named to the tournament’s Dream Team, alongside three of his teammates – middle blocker and fellow Olympic champion Lucas Saatkamp, setter Matheus Brasília and libero Alexandre Elias. Runners-up Trentino had outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto and middle blocker Marco Pellacani in the lineup, while outside hitter Alireza Abdolhamidi represented third-placed Foolad Sirjan Iranian.

Men’s Club World Championship Dream Team

MVP: Wallace de Souza (Sada Cruzeiro)
Best Setter: Matheus Brasília (Sada Cruzeiro)
Best Opposite: Wallace de Souza (Sada Cruzeiro)
Best Outside Hitters: Alessandro Michieletto (Trentino Itas) and Alireza Abdolhamidi (Foolad Sirjan Iranian)
Best Middle Blockers: Lucas Saatkamp (Sada Cruzeiro) and Marco Pellacani (Trentino Itas)
Best Libero: Alexandre Elias (Sada Cruzeiro)

FIVB