Turkey claimed their second Volleyball Nations League women's title on Sunday after a thrilling comeback victory over Brazil in Macao, with opposite hitter Melissa Vargas delivering a performance that earned her the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.
The South Americans controlled the opening set behind the attacking firepower of 22-year-old outside hitter Ana Cristina, who helped Brazil build a five-point lead at 23-18. Turkey rallied to within one, but substitute opposite Kisy Nascimento sealed the set 25-23 for Brazil.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second set. Vargas began to dominate at the net, and outside hitter Hande Baladin delivered a crucial monster block to push Turkey to match point before Vargas hammered home the set-winning point for 25-23.
The third set was a back-and-forth battle that went to extra points. Vargas was unstoppable, scoring 11 points in the set alone, as Turkey closed it out 26-24 when Ana Cristina sent an attack out of bounds.
Brazil showed resilience in the fourth, recovering from an 8-2 deficit and even briefly leading 19-18, but Turkey's composure in the closing stages proved decisive. Setter Elif Sahin orchestrated the attack and Vargas continued her scoring spree to clinch the set 25-21 and the title 3-1.
Italy also claimed bronze earlier in the day. For Brazil, it was a familiar disappointment — the South Americans' fifth silver medal in VNL history without ever claiming gold.
Vargas finished as the best scorer in a single VNL final match, cementing her status as one of the sport's premier players. The title, Turkey's second after their 2023 triumph, came under the guidance of Italian coach Daniele Santarelli.
Sources
- https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/news/turkiye-triumph-as-vnl-champions-for-second-time-in-history
- https://www.ivolleymagazine.it/2026/07/26/pallavolo-vnl-f-la-turchia-conquista-il-trofeo-per-la-seconda-volta-nella-storia/
