Meet the 14 captains leading France’s Alterna Volstar teams into the new 2026/27 season!

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The new season of France’s top men’s volleyball division gets underway on Saturday, October 17, bringing with it fresh ambitions, new faces and another year of competition in one of Europe’s most competitive domestic leagues.
Ahead of the opening weekend, attention turns to the 14 players entrusted with the captain’s armband, each tasked with leading their team both on and off the court.
The list brings together a diverse group of players, including seasoned international performers, experienced league veterans and leaders who know their clubs inside out. Their roles will be particularly important over a long campaign in which consistency, team spirit and the ability to handle pressure can make the difference.

Hugo de Leon brings considerable experience to newcomers Royan. The Brazilian outside hitter, 36, arrives from Sète and will use his leadership and international experience to help his new team establish itself.

One of the biggest names in the league will wear the captain’s armband at Tours. Earvin Ngapeth, 35, returns to French volleyball after his spell with Fenerbahçe. The 1.94-metre outside hitter is among the most recognisable players in the international game, and his presence brings considerable experience and personality to a Tours side with ambitions of competing at the highest level.

At Plessis-Robinson, Timo Beriot returns to familiar territory after his spell with Toulouse. The 25-year-old opposite/outside hitter stands at 2.03 metres and will be responsible for guiding his team through the challenges of the new season.

At Tourcoing, the captaincy belongs to middle blocker Raphaël Pascal, 30, who joins after playing for Plessis-Robinson.

In the French capital, Joachim Panou will captain Paris. The 29-year-old outside hitter, who previously played for Polish club Suwałki, adds experience from abroad to the Parisians’ ambitions.

At Sète, American middle blocker Michael Marshman takes on the captain’s responsibility after leaving Tours. The 32-year-old, who stands 2.01 metres tall, will be expected to provide leadership in the middle of the net as well as stability within the squad.

Chaumont, meanwhile, will be led by setter Thomas Gill, 26, who also arrives from Toulouse. At two metres tall, he will have a central role in organising his team’s attacking play.

Experience is particularly prominent among the captains of Nice, Poitiers and Toulouse. Rodney Ah-Kong, the 39-year-old middle blocker from Seychelles, is set to begin his 14th season with Nice, an extraordinary spell of continuity that underlines his importance to the club. At Poitiers, Argentine libero Franco Massimino, 38, enters his third season with the team. His defensive responsibilities and experience make him a natural figure of authority on the court.
At Toulouse, Argentine libero Facundo Santucci, 39, will continue to lead the side as he enters his ninth season with the club. His longevity and knowledge of the team make him one of the most established leaders in the division.

Another familiar face will lead Cannes, where Italian middle blocker Omar Biglino, 31, is preparing for his fifth season with the club. His continued presence provides Cannes with an experienced leader as the team looks ahead to another demanding campaign.

Narbonne will be captained by Italian outside hitter Tim Held, 28, who joins from Padova. His arrival brings experience from Italian volleyball to a team hoping to make its mark in the French league.

Croatian setter Petar Višić, 28, takes the captaincy at Saint-Nazaire after playing for Romania’s Brașov. His responsibilities will extend beyond distributing the ball, with his position placing him at the heart of the team’s tactical organisation and communication.

Finally, defending champions Montpellier will be led by Argentine outside hitter Ezequiel Palacios, 34, who is preparing for his seventh season with the club. His long-standing connection with the team offers continuity and experience as Montpellier prepares for the challenges ahead.

Across the 14 clubs, the captains represent a wide range of nationalities, playing positions and career paths. Some are beginning new chapters with their teams, while others will draw on years of familiarity and shared experience. From setters responsible for directing the attack to liberos anchoring the defence and hitters expected to deliver in decisive moments, each will have a different way of shaping their team’s identity.
With the opening round approaching, these 14 players will be among the key figures to watch throughout the 2026/27 season. Their influence will not be measured solely in points or statistics, but also in the leadership, composure and unity they bring to their respective teams.

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