Golden Goodbye: Simone Anzani Bids Emotional Farewell After Italy’s World Championship Triumph

by WoV October 1, 2025

written by WoV

The 2025 Men’s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines will be remembered not only for Italy’s golden triumph but also for the powerful stories of resilience, emerging stars, and emotional farewells that defined the tournament.

Italy, the reigning champions, once again stood on top of the volleyball world, cementing their dynasty. Poland maintained its place among the global elite, while Bulgaria and Czechia emerged as the tournament’s biggest revelations. Among Bulgaria’s shining lights were the Nikolov brothers, who officially arrived on the world stage with spectacular performances.

But perhaps the most touching moment came from Italy’s Simone Anzani, a true warrior both on and off the court. After battling life-threatening heart problems that sidelined him from the Paris Olympics, the 33-year-old middle blocker returned stronger than ever. His determination was rewarded with another World Championship gold medal—his final act in the Azzurri jersey.

“This medal around my neck is special, but my greatest medal is all of you, my teammates,” Anzani said during an emotional farewell speech at the post-final dinner in Manila.

Born in Como in 1992, Anzani played 211 matches for Italy, earning silver at the 2015 World Cup, bronze at the 2015 European Championship, gold at Euro 2021, and back-to-back World Championship titles in 2022 and 2025. His journey, marked by resilience and sacrifice, made him an inspiration far beyond volleyball.

As the Italian team returned home to a hero’s welcome in Rome, Anzani’s farewell resonated across the volleyball world. For a player who fought back against health scares, setbacks, and doubt, his legacy goes beyond trophies. He leaves as a symbol of courage, perseverance, and love for the game.