Timeless Wonder Wallace Wins MVP Award After Leading Sada Cruzeiro to Fifth World Title

Brazilian volleyball star Wallace de Souza, at 37 years old, proved his enduring brilliance by leading Sada Cruzeiro to their fifth Men’s Club World Championship title. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious MVP award at the 2024 FIVB Men’s Club World Championship, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

This latest triumph highlights Wallace’s longevity and dominance, as the veteran opposite previously won the same MVP honor 11 years ago in 2013 when Sada Cruzeiro clinched their first-ever Club World Championship title.

Wallace’s Remarkable Journey and Influence

Having played for Sada Cruzeiro in two separate stints—first from 2009 to 2015 and then returning in 2021—Wallace has been integral to four of the club’s five world titles. His consistency and skill now place him among an elite group of players, as he becomes only the second athlete to win the MVP award multiple times in this prestigious tournament. The other is Italian-Cuban outside hitter Osmany Juantorena, who claimed the accolade four times.

“Winning the championship is always the most important thing,” Wallace stated. “We entered the tournament ranked as the third or fourth-best team in most people’s eyes. Many doubted us, and they doubted me because of my age. But we showed our strength, and we deserved this victory.”

A Decorated Career for Wallace de Souza

Wallace’s latest MVP award adds to his already illustrious career. Domestically, he has been a dominant force in Brazilian volleyball, helping Sada Cruzeiro secure:

• Four Club World Championships
• Six South American titles
• Six Brazilian Superliga Championships
• Four Brazilian Cups
• Four Brazilian Super Cups

Internationally, Wallace also enjoyed remarkable success with the Brazilian national team. He played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. His achievements further include three medals at the FIVB Volleyball World Championships, making him one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. Wallace retired from international competition in 2022, but his club performances remain as impactful as ever.

Wallace’s Dominance in the 2024 Championship

Throughout the tournament in Uberlândia, Wallace’s influence was undeniable. He led Sada Cruzeiro as the team’s top scorer in four of their five matches, including the gold medal match against Italy’s Trentino Itas. In that decisive game, Wallace delivered a standout performance, scoring 23 points to secure the title for his team.

Wallace’s exceptional play throughout the competition also earned him the distinction of being the tournament’s overall top scorer, with an impressive total of 108 points.

The Dream Team Recognition

Wallace’s contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was named to the tournament’s Dream Team alongside three of his Sada Cruzeiro teammates:

• Middle blocker and Olympic champion Lucas Saatkamp
• Setter Matheus Brasília
• Libero Alexandre Elias

Runners-up Trentino Itas had two players recognized: outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto and middle blocker Marco Pellacani. Meanwhile, Alireza Abdolhamidi, an outside hitter for Foolad Sirjan Iranian, represented the third-place team.

Wallace’s Timeless Impact on Volleyball

Wallace’s leadership and resilience continue to inspire. Despite being doubted due to his age, he has shown that skill, experience, and determination are timeless assets in volleyball. His MVP performance at the 2024 FIVB Men’s Club World Championship cements his status as a living legend and highlights his significant role in Sada Cruzeiro’s success.

With Wallace still delivering elite performances on the court, Sada Cruzeiro remains a dominant force in global volleyball, and fans can only admire the timeless wonder that is Wallace de Souza.