Top 5 Best Outside Hitters In Volleyball 2024

Creating a list of the best outside hitters of all time, and ensuring their relevance to the game of volleyball in 2024 has been my recent endeavor.

I’ve compiled a list of who, in my opinion, are the current best outside hitters in the world.

This list has been curated based on both historic/career performance and current form.

The fact that every player on my list happens to play professionally in Italy is more of a coincidence than a deliberate choice, yet it speaks volumes about the exceptional level of play within that league.

Best outside hitters in volleyball emphasize their remarkable achievements, dominance, and contributions to the sport.

So let’s start!

5. Yoandy Leal

Yoandy, originally from Cuba and now a Brazilian citizen, has established himself as one of the most dominant outside hitters for quite a substantial period.

At 33 years old and standing at an impressive 201cm (6’7″) tall, he currently showcases his talent with Modena Volley in Italy.

Renowned for his ferocious athleticism and an incredible 371cm spike reach, Leal stands as one of those exceptionally gifted players who possess both height and the ability to leap to extraordinary heights.

Despite experiencing a relatively uneventful 2022, his recognition as the best outside hitter in the 2021 Nations League solidifies his continued relevance and impact in the game.

Included on my list due to his absolute domination during the 2016/17 season, Yoandy Leal’s exceptional performance is a pivotal reason for his inclusion.

Recently shared on his Instagram (@yoandyleal), Leal reminisced about the season where he clinched two best outside hitter awards, a best spiker title, and an MVP award, illustrating his remarkable achievements.

Equally impressive was his ability to replicate virtually the same level of performance in the subsequent season, showcasing consistent excellence.

4. Earvin N’Gapeth

Earvin, of Cameroonian descent and a French national, attained an Olympic gold medal as his team triumphed, securing their inaugural Olympic championship in Tokyo.

In addition to securing Olympic gold, N’Gapeth earned both the MVP title and the best outside hitter accolade, further solidifying his exceptional performance during the tournament.

His performance in the Olympic games embodies precisely what aspiring volleyball players dream of achieving.

At just 31 years old and standing 194cm (6’4″) tall, Earvin is a player for Modena Volley in Italy, showcasing his skills and prowess in the league.

Despite an average start to 2022, N’Gapeth’s exceptional performance at the Olympics undoubtedly compensates for any earlier setbacks.

Rising to prominence in the sport, Earvin showcased his dominance around the period of his 2015 season in Italy.

From 2014 to 2016, this individual achieved an impressive total of 5 best outside hitter awards and secured 3 MVP titles.

Having graced two of the world’s top clubs—Modena Volley in Italy and Zenit Kazan in Russia—Earvin has solidified his position as one of volleyball’s greatest outside hitters.

Dominating the 2020/21 Russian Superleague, he earned yet another best outside hitter award, further highlighting his exceptional performance in the sport.

A definite player to keep an eye on if you’re an outside hitter.

3. Matey Kaziyski

In my opinion, Matey Kaziyski stands as a living legend in the sport of volleyball.

At 37 years old and standing tall at 203cm (6’8″), Matey, hailing from Bulgaria, remains one of the older professional volleyball players, yet competes fiercely against the world’s best.

Boasting one of the most impressive vertical jumps in volleyball, reaching a 390cm spike height, he defies both physics and logic with his incredible athleticism.

Truly something special is Matey’s ability, at 37 years old, to outperform players almost half his age and showcase greater athleticism than most on the court.

Earning an MVP award in both the Italian Cup and Super Cup this season, he showcased exceptional performance, definitively proving that he’s far from being washed up.

Playing for Trentino Volley in Italy, I eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued dominance on the court for years to come!

2. Osmany Juantorena

Widely regarded as one of the best outside hitters in volleyball today, Juantorena, originally born in Cuba, has showcased his talent by representing both the Cuban and Italian national teams.

At 36 years old, standing 200cm tall, Osmany possesses an incredible 370cm spike reach, establishing himself as one of the most physically dominant outside hitters the game has ever witnessed.

During his exceptional 2019/20 season, Osmany secured accolades for best spiker, best outside hitter, and MVP, showcasing his outstanding performance on the court.

Following his remarkable performance in 2019/20, Osmany continued his success by earning another MVP and best outside hitter award in the 2020/21 season.

Apart from his participation in the Club World Championship final, Osmany Juantorena hasn’t accumulated a plethora of recent accolades this year.

Since 2015, Juantorena has been a pivotal player for Volley Lube in Italy, contributing significantly to his long and illustrious career marked by success.

Simply put, few players in volleyball are as consistently impressive as he is, having remained at the top for an extended period.

1. Wilfredo Leon is One of The Best Outside Hitters In Volleyball

Ultimately, when considering his career, this player might be remembered as the greatest volleyball player of all time.

Playing for Sir Safety in Perugia, Italy, since 2018, this 28-year-old Cuban-Polish athlete stands tall at 201cm (6’7″).

This individual presents such an extensive list of accomplishments that determining where to begin can be quite challenging.

As of my writing, Leon’s lead in the 2022 rankings is so substantial that it seems rather unfair to the rest of the competition.

In the ongoing season, he has already amassed two best server awards, the best scorer title, the best outside hitter recognition, and an MVP award, highlighting his exceptional performance.

The considerable age gap between him and the other players within the top 5 is quite alarming, indicating his remarkable skill and success at a relatively younger age.

In the context of history, he already stands as the greatest outside hitter of all time.

In 2022, it appears he’s showcasing some of his most exceptional form yet.

Comparing Leon to the Lebron James of volleyball, he’s undeniably a special athlete worthy of keen observation.

Also Read: How Tall Are Outside Hitters In Volleyball 2024?

Best Outside Hitter In Women’s Volleyball In 2024

This posed a challenge, considering that the two most dominant players in the history of women’s volleyball both excel as outside hitters!

1. Kim Yeon-koung

Kim Yeon-koung’s dominance in women’s volleyball has been apparent for an extensive period, marking her as one of the most formidable players in the sport’s history.

Playing for Shanghai Bright Ubest in China, the 34-year-old from South Korea stands at an impressive 192cm (6’3.5″) tall.

With China’s Zhu Ting contending with injury, Kim is reclaiming the spotlight, often overshadowed despite her prowess, and emerging as a prominent figure in women’s volleyball.

Given her recent domination in the Korean V-League and current form, it seems she’s in a better position than Ting at the moment, albeit Ting’s situation is largely impacted by injury.

Given her prolonged tenure at the pinnacle of the sport compared to Ting, Kim currently retains my top ranking for female players in volleyball!