VolleyBar57# : Tuesday August 4, 2026
3 min read
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Welcome to the 57th episode of VolleyBar, the very first daily column dedicated to bringing together the main volleyball news of the day in one place ā something we will always proudly highlight, especially for those who have recently started following us and may not be aware of the unpleasant plagiarism episodes we have faced in recent months.
These included several poor imitations of VolleyBar, with daily columns appearing just a few hours after we introduced the idea.
Now that transfer market news has become increasingly limited and the top clubs have already taken shape for the new season, will these āgreat professionalsā also be able to copy the other stories we will discover and share?
Today is Mariusz WlazÅy‘s birthday ā one of Volleyballās greatest Opposites!
His spectacular attacks soaring above the blocks of the worldās strongest national teams became a defining feature of some of Polandās greatest sporting triumphs. With his explosive playing style, remarkable athleticism, and extraordinary reach at the net, Mariusz WlazÅy helped redefine the role of the opposite hitter in modern volleyball.
Born on August 4, 1983, in WieluÅ, Poland, WlazÅy is widely regarded as one of the finest players in the history of Polish volleyball.
He became a true legend at PGE Skra BeÅchatĆ³w, where he spent the vast majority of his career before retiring with Trefl GdaÅsk. Along the way, he also enjoyed a stint with Al Arabi Doha in Qatar.
His list of achievements at club level is extraordinary. With Skra, he won nine Polish Championship titles (2005ā2011, 2014 and 2018), seven Polish Cups (2005ā2007, 2009, 2011ā2012 and 2016), four Polish Super Cups (2012, 2014, 2017 and 2018), as well as one CEV Champions League silver medal (2012) and two bronze medals (2008 and 2010).
On the international stage, he led Poland to the 2014 FIVB Menās World Championship title on home soil, earning the tournamentās Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Eight years earlier, he helped Poland claim the silver medal at the 2006 World Championship, while in 2003 he celebrated victory at the FIVB Menās U21 World Championship.
Happy Birthday, Mariusz!
Staying in Poland, after two seasons with JastrzÄbski WÄgiel, physiotherapist Szymon Åabuz has officially left the club.
āIt was a short but unforgettable journey. I met many wonderful people with whom I was able to share incredible moments, as well as difficult ones. JastrzÄbski WÄgiel will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always remember every victory, the amazing fans, and the people I had the opportunity to work with with great emotion.
It is painful that it ends this way, but I deeply believe that JastrzÄbski WÄgiel will come back stronger. Once again, thank you for everything!” he said.
In Austria, outside hitter Markus Berger is staying with UVC McDonaldās Ried.
Moreover, here is latest FIVB Men’s Rankings.
The heavyweights of the volleyball world as of August 4, 2026.
The Top 20:
1. šµš± Poland
2. š®š¹ Italy
3. š·šŗ Russia
4. šøš® Slovenia
5. šŗšø USA
6. šÆšµ Japan
7. š§š· Brazil
8. š«š· France
9. š§š¬ Bulgaria
10. š¹š· TĆ¼rkiye
11. šŗš¦ Ukraine
12. š©šŖ Germany
13. š·šø Serbia
14. š¦š· Argentina
15. šØšŗ Cuba
16. š«š® Finland
17. š§šŖ Belgium
18. šØš¦ Canada
19. š®š· Iran
20. šØšæ Czech Republic
Finland and Russia are officially set to compete in the 2027 Men’s Volleyball Nations League!
The tournament will expand from 18 to 19 teams for the 2027 edition, allowing Russia to return to international competition while preserving Finland’s historic VNL debut as the highest-ranked team not participating in the 2026 VNL before Russia’s reinstatement.
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