Since joining Argentina’s men’s volleyball team as a raw 18-year-old prospect in 2006, Luciano de Cecco has become the embodiment of leadership, longevity, and hard work — quickly ascending to become one of the most decorated setters the sport has ever seen.
Over 19 years and countless accolades with Argentina, De Cecco continues to impress. In his sixth World Championship appearance at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships, he showcased poise beyond his years as the South American squad completed a thrilling reverse sweep over Finland on Sunday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The playmaker from Santa Fe, who sat out the first three sets against Finland, proved he remains the metronome that has long dictated Argentina’s rhythm of success in the fiercely competitive international men’s volleyball scene.
“I think my mentality is to lead the younger players and to contribute my experience, talent, and mindset to help the group grow. I am one of the veterans, so I try to guide these guys and enjoy the game,” De Cecco said, finishing the match with an impressive 41.03-percent setting efficiency in just two sets played.
“We could have let the first two sets affect us, but after that, we shifted our mentality and effort. I think we played really good volleyball. Being down 0-2 is tough, but we’re happy and really enjoyed this victory,” he added.
Despite stellar runs with multiple overseas clubs in Italy and consistent success with the national team, one achievement has remained elusive for De Cecco: the sport’s ultimate prize, a World Championship.
(C) Volleyball World
In his previous five attempts, Argentina struggled to make a breakthrough. The team finished outside the top eight in every edition since 2006, except for a lone quarterfinal appearance in 2022.
At 37, one of the oldest players in the tournament, De Cecco has every reason to consider retiring gracefully. His decorated résumé includes an Olympic bronze medal, a Pan American Games title, a Pan American Cup championship, and five top-two finishes in the South American Championship.
Yet, driven by his passion to lift Argentina to the pinnacle of international men’s volleyball, De Cecco remains eager for a potential final chase at the World Championship.
“I want the best for the national team. I can play, and I can try to help my team and my country reach the highest level. If this is my last tournament, I don’t know, but playing for Argentina is the best experience of my life,” said De Cecco, Argentina’s flagbearer at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
With a morale-boosting victory over Finland now behind them, De Cecco emphasized that Argentina’s mission is far from over. The team aims to challenge top men’s volleyball powerhouses like World No.1 and defending VNL champion Poland, reigning titlist Italy, and Olympic champion France.
Fueled by determination and experience, De Cecco and Argentina are chasing their first World Championship medal since finishing third on home soil in 1982.
“We have a new opportunity today and in the next match against South Korea. The team is in great shape, and we’re well-prepared. We need to enjoy the moment and focus on winning the games,” he concluded.
#WATCH: At 37, Luciano de Cecco leads Argentina to a thrilling reverse sweep of Finland, eager to chase the elusive World Championship in his sixth Worlds appearance 🏐🇦🇷
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 pic.twitter.com/shvQYgxQfn
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 14, 2025
