China: Hilir Henno set for move to China after surprise change of plans

The French outside hitter had been expected to make his SuperLega debut with Italian Club Pallavolo Padova, but will instead continue his career in the Chinese Volleyball League after Shanghai acquired his contract.

After an impressive season in Poland’s PlusLiga with the jersey of Bogdanka LUK Lublin, French outside hitter Hilir Henno appeared destined for a move to Padova. However, plans have changed, and the 22-year-old will now spend the 2026–27 season in China.

The 22-years-old player came through the French national training system at the CNVB before continuing his development in the NCAA with UC Irvine between 2021 and 2025. Last season, he joined Bogdanka LUK Lublin in Poland’s highly competitive PlusLiga, where he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign.
With Lublin, he won both the Polish Cup and the Polish Super Cup, while also helping the club reach the PlusLiga Finals.
The son of former French national team libero Hubert Henno, Hilir established himself as one of the league’s most promising young outside hitters.
During the PlusLiga season, he scored 288 points, finishing with a 47% attack success rate (240/514), 29% attacking efficiency, 42% positive reception, 32 aces, and 16 blocks.
He also impressed in the CEV Champions League, delivering several standout performances, including 20 points against Galatasaray and 26 points against Halkbank Ankara, confirming his potential at the highest European level.

Although Padova had secured Henno’s signature for the 2026–27 season and many expected him to make his long-awaited SuperLega debut, the transfer will no longer take place.
Instead, Shanghai Bright Volleyball Club has acquired the player’s contract from Padova, completing a deal that will see Henno play in the Chinese Volleyball League for the upcoming season.
Shanghai has recently become one of the league’s most ambitious clubs, having featured internationally renowned players such as Georg Grozer, Michał Kubiak, Filippo Lanza, and Thijs ter Horst during the previous season.

The move represents a new chapter in Henno’s rapidly developing career. Like his older brother Mathis Henno, who is set to join Sir Safety Perugia next season, Hilir continues to attract international attention as one of France’s brightest young volleyball talents.

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