Top 5 Best Setters In Volleyball 2024

As I see it, today we’re going to look at the 5 best setters in volleyball world.

Putting together this top 5 list was one of the more difficult tasks, considering there are quite a few players you could argue belong somewhere in the 3-6 position.

Based on both historic/career performance and current form, this list is formulated.

The criteria I’ve used to compile this list include the total number of matches under their belt, consistency over the years, awards to their name, and current form.

So let’s start!

5. Micah Christenson

One of those guys who could easily rank higher on this list, for several reasons, is Micah Christenson.

At this point in his career, he’s a veteran setter with north of 300 matches under his belt.

Currently playing for Russian powerhouse Zenit Kazan, he stands at 198cm (6’6″) tall and is only 29 years of age.

He could be fairly classified as one of those very physical, athletic setters, being almost 2 meters tall, which places him right at the top of the height range for this position.

Adding to his prowess, Micah boasts impressive jumping abilities. With a 349 cm spike reach and a remarkable 340cm block reach, he stands as one of the most formidable blockers in the sport of volleyball.

Having received the best setter award in the Italian league during the 2020/21 season, as well as being recognized as the best setter for the 2021/22 CEV cup, Christenson’s recent solid form undoubtedly earns him a deserving place on this list.

With many fans proclaiming that he’s currently the top setter in the world, there’s a strong argument that he deserves to be much higher on this list. This assertion might not be far from the truth!

4. Simone Giannelli

Another phenomenal athlete many argue to be the current best setter in the world is Giannelli, an Italian national team player.

Having gained a ridiculous amount of professional experience at such a young age, he played in Italy for over a decade, serving as captain for Trentino and now Perugia.

Starting to play volleyball in the toughest professional league in the world for Trentino at age 17, Simone amassed just shy of 400 professional matches, an achievement that is unheard of.

If Simone isn’t already the best setter in the world, at only 25 years old and standing at 199 cm tall, he has more opportunity than most to grow into that position.

In excellent current form, Giannelli received the award for best setter at the 2021/22 Italian Cup, along with an MVP award at the 2021 European Championships.

3. William Arjona

A living legend in the sport of volleyball, William Arjona stands as one of its esteemed veterans.

Having commenced his career in 1996, he has spent all but a few years of his professional journey in Brazil.

Not the most physical of athletes, which is fairly common for players from Brazil, the 42-year-old stands at only 185cm tall.

In talent and experience, he more than compensates for what he lacks in height.

Still racking up best setter and MVP awards at an exceptional rate to this day, he’s by no means washed up.

His achievements, though he might be nearing the end of his career, are too extensive to overlook.

Deserving to be right at the top by many metrics, it’s really difficult to pinpoint exactly where Arjona belongs on this list. Regardless of his placement, he certainly deserves a spot here.

2. Pavel Pankov

Ranked in second place due to his blistering form in recent times, Pavel Pankov stands out in my list.

At 198cm (6’6″) tall, this 26-year-old giant hails from Russia.

Similar to Christenson, Pankov is an extremely physical athlete, boasting great length and impressive jumping ability.

Competing against the likes of Micah, Pankov finds himself in the Russian Superleague, renowned for attracting some of the largest and most physical professional volleyball players in the world.

Dominating the Russian league and making a mark, Pankov’s recent accolades include:

• Best Setter & MVP, Russian Superleague 2020/21
• MVP, Russian Cup 2020/21
• Best Server & MVP, CEV Cup 2020/21
• Best Setter, Russian Cup 2021/22
• Best Setter, Best Server, & MVP, Russian Superleague 2021/22
• MVP, Russian SuperCup 2021/22

Having finished 2021 as the second-highest-ranked volleyball player on the planet and currently holding the 5th rank in 2022, Pankov notably secured a place in the top 20 in 2020 as well.

With his current form, this guy’s a machine and stands an excellent chance of potentially going down as the greatest setter of all time!

1. Bruno Rezende is One Of The Best Setters In Volleyball

More often than not, if you ask any volleyball player who the greatest setter of all time is, they’ll likely answer with ‘Bruno.’

For good reason, the Brazilian is widely considered the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

Having played the sport for his entire life, at 35 years of age, he has amassed almost 400 matches in his career.

Standing at 190cm tall, akin to most Brazilian players, he’s not particularly physically gifted, yet he compensates for it with simply unmatched talent.

Still performing at the highest level, Bruno currently ranks as the 7th highest volleyball player of all time, showcasing his skills while playing in Italy for Modena.

Recognized as a pretty massive celebrity in Brazil, Bruno has had an impressive career, securing 2 silver Olympic medals and 1 gold.

Also Read: Volleyball Setter Plays [Guide 2024]

Best Setter In Women’s Volleyball In 2024

Deciding it wouldn’t be fair to only discuss men, I’ve included who I believe is the top women’s volleyball setter in today’s game.

1. Maja Ognjenović

Between Maja and Nootsara Tomkom, this was a pretty close decision for the top women’s volleyball setter in today’s game.

As much as I wished to grant the top women’s setter position to Nootsara, considering my residence in Thailand, I couldn’t overlook Ognjenović, whom I believe holds the title of the top female setter in the world presently.

With almost 300 matches under her belt, the Serbian stands at 183cm, making her a very tall and athletic setter.

A significant factor in my consideration for Maja as the most worthy of the top spot is her extensive career in Turkey, widely regarded as the highest standard of professional women’s volleyball.

Still a dominant force in the Turkish league, Maja, at 37 years old, continues to accumulate MVP and best setter awards, showcasing her enduring prowess.