Top 10 highest-paid volleyball players in the world in 2025
Volleyball continues to grow as a global sport, with top athletes now earning more than ever. The highest-paid volleyball players in the world are not just stars on the court but also major figures in the sports business. From club contracts to sponsorships, their earnings reflect the rising popularity and value of the game.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Highest-paid volleyball players in the world
- 10. Ivan Zaytsev - $850,000
- 9. Matt Anderson - $850,000
- 8. Gyorgy Grozer - $870,000
- 7. Aleksandar Atanasijevichane - $920,000
- 6. Bartosz Kurek - $920,000
- 5. Robertlandy Simon - $950,000
- 4. Dmitriy Muserskiy - $950,000
- 3. Earvin N’Gapeth - $1 million
- 2. Maxim Mikhaylov - $1.3 million
- 1. Wilfredo Leon - $1.4 million
- Who are the top 10 highest-paid women's volleyball players in the world?
- Frequently asked questions
- Do Olympic volleyball players get paid?
- Who is the best volleyball player?
- Who is the best passer in volleyball?
- Who is the richest volleyball player of all time?
- Who is the richest female volleyball player in the world?
- Who is the hottest volleyball player in the world?
- Who is the highest-paid beach volleyball player?
- Which is the highest-paid volleyball position?
- What is the average volleyball player's salary?
Key takeaways
- The highest-paid volleyball players in the world in 2025 are earning multi-million-dollar salaries through club contracts and endorsements.
- Players from countries like Poland, Brazil, China, and the USA dominate the top-earning list.
- Women's volleyball stars, particularly from Asia, are among the top earners, with Zhu Ting often leading the pack.
- European and Asian professional leagues remain the most financially rewarding environments for elite players.
Highest-paid volleyball players in the world
These are elite athletes who earn the most through a combination of club salaries, sponsorship deals, and international appearances. They often compete in top-tier leagues across Europe and Asia, where financial rewards are the greatest. Here are the top 10 highest-paid volleyball players in the world.
| Rank | Full name | Country | Position | Current team | Estimated earnings |
| 10 | Ivan Zaytsev | Italy | Outside Hitter | Cuneo Volley (Italy) | $850,000 |
| 9 | Matt Anderson | USA | Outside Hitter | Nippon Steel Sakai Blazers (Japan) | $850,000 |
| 8 | György Grozer | Germany | Opposite Hitter | Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie (Poland) | $870,000 |
| 7 | Aleksandar Atanasijević | Serbia | Opposite Hitter | Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece) | $920,000 |
| 6 | Bartosz Kurek | Poland | Opposite Hitter | Tokyo Great Bears (Japan) | $920,000 |
| 5 | Robertlandy Simón | Cuba | Middle Blocker | Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza (Italy) | $950,000 |
| 4 | Dmitriy Muserskiy | Russia | Middle Blocker | Suntory Sunbirds (Japan) | $950,000 |
| 3 | Earvin N’Gapeth | France | Outside Hitter | Fenerbahçe HDI Istanbul (Turkey) | $1.0 million |
| 2 | Maxim Mikhaylov | Russia | Outside Hitter | Zenit Kazan (Russia) | $1.3 million |
| 1 | Wilfredo León Venero | Poland/Cuba | Outside Hitter | LUK Lublin (Poland) | $1.4 million |
The details in this article are based on estimates from news sources and public information. Actual salaries or net worth may be different, as many contracts and earnings are private. This list is meant to give a general idea and should not be taken as exact or official.
10. Ivan Zaytsev - $850,000
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Ivan Vyacheslavovich Zaytsev
- Date of birth: 2nd October 1988
- Age: 37 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Opposite
- Current team: Cuneo Volley
Volley Lube’s Ivan Zaytsey comes at number 10 with a salary of $620,000. He was awarded the Most Valuable Player award three times in 2010, 2012, and 2016.
Even though he has Russian roots, he opted to play for Italy's men's national volleyball team, where he is currently the captain. In his career, he has managed to win almost all the major awards in the game.
As of the 2025‑26 SuperLega season, Ivan Zaytsev is playing for Cuneo Volley, having signed with the newly promoted Italian club in June 2025.
9. Matt Anderson - $850,000
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Matthew John Anderson
- Date of birth: 18th April 1987
- Age: 38 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Outside hitter / Opposite
- Current team: Nippon Steel Sakai Blazers
Matt Anderson’s volleyball salary per month is $850,000 as of 2025. The American volleyball player has bagged several titles while playing for Zenit Kazan.
On the club level for the 2025‑26 season, he signed with Nippon Steel Sakai Blazers in Japan’s SV League, departing from Turkey’s Ziraat Bankası Ankara after a successful run, including Turkish Championship and CEV Cup titles.
He is highly valued in his country, having represented it at:
- The 2016 Olympic Games
- 2018 FIVB World Championship
- FIVB Nations League
- FIVB World League
- NORCECE Championship
8. Gyorgy Grozer - $870,000
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Gyorgy Grozer
- Date of birth: 27th November 1984
- Age: 41 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Opposite
- Current team: Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie
The Hungarian volleyball player Gyorgy Grozer has an annual salary of $870,000. He has been a crucial member of his national team, having represented it in the 2009 CEV European League, 2014 FIVB World Championship and 2017 CEV European Championship.
He has played for about 16 volleyball teams since 1992, when he made his professional debut. The German opposite spiker currently playing for Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie in Poland’s PlusLiga, wearing jersey number 9.
7. Aleksandar Atanasijevichane - $920,000
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Aleksandar Atanasijević
- Date of birth: 4th September 1991
- Age: 34 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Opposite
- Current team: Olympiacos Piraeus
Aleksandar is a wealthy volleyball player who plays for the Serbian national team and the Italian club Sir Safety Perugia. He has represented Skra Belchatow and Partizan.
He was part of the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2011 & 2019 European Championships. He has been recognised as one of the best spikers and scorers alive.
As of May 2025, Aleksandar Atanasijević is under contract with Olympiacos Piraeus in the Greek Volley League. That confirmed Serbian opposite spiker is officially listed with Olympiacos, where he continues to wear jersey number 16 during the 2024–25 season and into the 2025 European Cup competitions.
6. Bartosz Kurek - $920,000
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Bartosz Kamil Kurek
- Date of birth: 29th August 1988
- Age: 37 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Outside hitter/opposite
- Current team: Tokyo Great Bears
Even though he began his career as a basketball player, Bartosz switched to volleyball and emerged as one of the best in the game. He debuted as a professional volleyball player in the 2004/5 season, playing alongside his father. He is a 2009 European Volleyball Championship gold medalist and earns about $1.1 million.
As of the 2025–26 season, Bartosz Kurek has signed with the Tokyo Great Bears, returning once again to the Japanese V.League for a one-year contract—his third stint in Japan after JT Thunders (2016) and Wolfdogs Nagoya (2020–24).
5. Robertlandy Simon - $950,000
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Robertlandy Simón Aties
- Date of birth: 11th June 1987
- Age: 37 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Middle blocker
- Current team: Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza
Being an important member of the Cucine Lube Civitanova squad means that Robertlandy Simon is a rare talent. He ranks first among professional volleyball players with salaries below the $1 million mark.
He has previously played for Al Rayyan, El Jaish and Copra Elior Piacenza. His best position is as a blocker, for which he is believed to be among the best in the game. He served as the Cuban national team captain for five years.
As of the 2025–26 season, he is under contract with Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza, returning for his fourth consecutive season with the Italian SuperLega team, and marking his eighth straight year playing in Italy.
4. Dmitriy Muserskiy - $950,000
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Dmitry Aleksandrovich Muserskiy
- Date of birth: 29th October 1988
- Age: 37 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Middle blocker / Opposite
- Current team: Suntory Sunbirds
Dmitriy Muserskiy’s salary is $950,000 as of 2025. He is a Ukrainian-born Russian volleyball player who plays for the Suntory Sunbirds. He started playing volleyball at the age of 8 under Coach Boris Osnach.
His best position is as a middle blocker, and he has won the FIVB World Cup and FIVB World League. He has also been awarded Best Blocker and Most Valuable Player honours several times.
3. Earvin N’Gapeth - $1 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Earvin N'Gapeth
- Date of birth: 12th February 1991
- Age: 34 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Outside hitter
- Current team: Fenerbahçe HDI Istanbul
Zenit Kazan's outside hitter is also a force to reckon with regarding professional volleyball players' salaries. The French national earns $1.35 million per year.
Earvin made his debut for Tours VB in the 2008/9 season and managed to win a Pro League Title after three seasons. He joined Fenerbahçe in January 2025 after penning an 18-month contract with the Turkish club.
2. Maxim Mikhaylov - $1.3 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Maxim Mikhaylov
- Date of birth: 19th March 1988
- Age: 37 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Opposite hitter
- Current team: Zenit Kazan
Maxim Mikhaylov is yet another Zenit Kazan player who makes it to the list of the highest-paid volleyball players in the world. He has won gold medals in the World Cup in 2011 and the 2012 London Olympic Games. He also got a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
As of July 2025, Maxim Mikhaylov remains under contract with Zenit Kazan, having chosen to extend his spell into the upcoming season. The club confirmed on July 27, 2025, that Mikhaylov and teammate Alexander Gutsalyuk will continue with the team through the 2026 campaign.
1. Wilfredo Leon - $1.4 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Wilfredo León Venero
- Date of birth: 31st July 1993
- Age: 32 years (as of 2025)
- Position: Outside hitter
- Current team: Bogdanka LUK Lublin
Cuban-Polish Wilfredo Leon ranks first among the highest-paid male volleyball players in the world. Wilfredo León is playing for Bogdanka LUK Lublin in the Polish PlusLiga. He signed with the club in July 2024 and is listed as their current outside hitter, wearing #9
By the age of 24, he had already won all the titles in professional volleyball. Wilfredo Leon’s salary is more than $1 million, and he is also among the highest-paid volleyball players in the world.
Who are the top 10 highest-paid women's volleyball players in the world?
In 2025, the top-paid women’s volleyballers in the world are earning record-breaking salaries, reflecting the sport's growing global appeal. Leading the list is China’s Zhu Ting, who previously earned up to $1.6 million per season playing in Turkey and China.
Close behind are stars like Paola Egonu (Italy), Tijana Bošković (Serbia), and Kim Yeon-koung (South Korea), all of whom command salaries well over $1 million annually through top European and Asian clubs.
These elite athletes not only dominate internationally but also set the bar for future professionals, including the highest-paid women’s college volleyball player, who now benefits from rising NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand the earning power of today’s top volleyball stars.
Do Olympic volleyball players get paid?
Different countries have different ways of paying Olympic volleyball players through salaries and tertiary prize money.
Who is the best volleyball player?
Karch Kiraly is undoubtedly the best in the game, with multiple records.
Who is the best passer in volleyball?
Micah Christenson stands out as the best passer in professional volleyball.
Who is the richest volleyball player of all time?
The richest volleyball player of all time is widely considered to be Karch Kiraly (USA). The only player to win Olympic gold in both indoor volleyball (1984, 1988) and beach volleyball (1996).
Who is the richest female volleyball player in the world?
Determining the world's richest female player in volleyball is challenging. It depends on whether you are considering career-focused, social-media-backed earnings or on-court contracts and net worth estimates. Gabrielle Reece and Zhu Ting are among the top on the list.
Who is the hottest volleyball player in the world?
The title of the "hottest volleyball player in the world" is subjective and varies depending on personal taste, media trends, and cultural influence. Zehra Güneş is one of the most frequently named "hottest volleyball players" today—balancing elite-level play with fashion, elegance, and a massive social media following.
Who is the highest-paid beach volleyball player?
The highest-paid beach volleyball player of all time is considered to be Karch Kiraly. In women’s beach volleyball, Kerri Walsh Jennings leads the list in all-time earnings and net worth among her peers.
Which is the highest-paid volleyball position?
The highest-paid position in professional volleyball is typically the Opposite Hitter (also known as the Opposite Spiker).
What is the average volleyball player's salary?
The average salary of a pro volleyball player varies widely based on country, league level, gender, and experience. Players in top European leagues such as Italy, Poland, and Turkey typically earn between $100,000 and $300,000 per year, while those in elite Asian leagues can earn similar or even higher amounts, especially in China and South Korea.
Those in lower-tier leagues or entry-level pros earn between $12,000 and $55,000 annually. In the U.S., rising professional leagues and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals for college athletes have also boosted earnings, with some top women’s college players earning $50,000 to $150,000+ from sponsorships and endorsements.
The highest-paid volleyball players in the world in 2025 are redefining what it means to succeed in the sport. Their impressive incomes demonstrate the significant progress volleyball has made in terms of visibility and market value. As fans and investments pour in, these athletes are leading the charge—both in performance and paychecks.
Tuko.co.ke recently published a list of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood. The showbiz industry has seen the rise of several actors, most of whom have made a name for themselves globally.
Tyler Perry tops the list, earning $800 million. He recently made history by opening the first all-African movie studio. Others on the list are Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and other famous actors. Hollywood.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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