Beyond fueling Turkiye’s pursuit of an elusive title at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, brothers Adis and Mirza Lagumdžija draw motivation from something deeper than volleyball—a desire to cement their family legacy on the sport’s grandest stage.
As Turkiye advanced to the World Championship Round of 16 with a sweep of Pool G, the Lagumdžija brothers continued their journey, determined to honor their family name.
Their inspiration comes from none other than Ekrem Lagumdžija, a former outside hitter for the Yugoslavia national team (1990–1993, 1995–1997) who also had professional stints in Serbia, Greece, and Italy. Adis and Mirza credit their father for instilling in them the pride and drive to represent Turkiye on the international volleyball stage.
“It’s amazing because we are continuing the legacy of our father. He was also a volleyball player in Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Competing on the highest stage with my brother is an incredible feeling,” Adis told members of the press after scoring a game-high 15 points in Turkiye’s straight-sets win over Canada to close out Pool G play on Wednesday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“I think we brothers have really good potential—that’s what our coach always says. But if you don’t use your potential, it goes to waste. We have to keep developing and growing with our team so we can compete with the top four or five teams in the world,” he added.
(C) Volleyball World
True to that promise, Adis and Mirza have become central figures in Turkiye’s campaign, helping the team sweep fan favorites Ryujin Nippon and the Maple Leafs to claim the top seed in Pool G with a perfect 3-0 record.
Adis concluded the preliminary phase with a total of 45 points from 38 attacks, boasting an efficient 55-percent attack rate. Meanwhile, younger brother Mirza showcased his own potential, totaling 17 points, including a nine-point performance against Canada.
Their stint with the national team also marked a reunion for the brothers, who last played together during the 2019–2020 season with Arkas Spor in Izmir, Turkiye.
“We’ve been playing together for a couple of years, but being in the starting six together again is special. We’ll also play for the same club next year. Playing with your brother is funny because I can’t get too angry with him, though sometimes I still do,” Adis shared.
Even Turkiye head coach Slobodan Kovac—who coincidentally played alongside Adis and Mirza’s father during a four-year stint with Serbian club Vojvodina Novi Sad—beamed with pride at how the brothers’ dedication to honoring their father’s career is paying off.
“I played with him for six years. We were not just teammates; we even shared an apartment and slept near each other. I know them very well. We are good friends, and this connection shows on the court. They respect me immensely, both on and off the court, and always try to do everything I ask,” Kovac said.
“For that, I am so proud.”
#WATCH: The Lagumdzija brothers, Adis and Mirza, carry on their father Ekrem’s volleyball legacy as Turkey reaches the #MWCH2025 Round of 16! 🇹🇷🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/dTLHL02gfg
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 17, 2025
