Watch the international tournament wrap up hot this weekend – only on Cignal TV, which comes with your PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399!

Star athletes competing in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship often sacrifice a lot, particularly in terms of family life. They support their families mainly through demanding sports schedules that keep them far from their loved ones.

PLDT Home FIVB Mens World Championship 2025

What gives them the strength to compete at the highest level? More often than not, it’s the same love that greets them off the court. For these athletes, home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling found wherever their family is.

Here, we highlight several men’s volleyball idols who play the hero both on and off the court, and pay tribute to their partners, children, and supporters cheering them on from the sidelines.

FIVB Benjamin Toniutti France Photo courtesy: Benjamin Toniutti’s Instagram

Benjamin Toniutti (France)

As the seasoned 10-year veteran setter and captain of the French national volleyball team, Benjamin Toniutti is widely recognized for his skillful orchestration on the court. Currently, he competes professionally in the prestigious PlusLiga in Poland, one of Europe’s top volleyball leagues. Throughout his career, Toniutti has been known for his cerebral playmaking, leadership, and composure under pressure, contributing significantly to France’s international successes, including their gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Off the court, Toniutti is a devoted husband to Emilie and a proud father of three daughters.

Balancing the demands of a high-profile athletic career with family life remains central to Toniutti’s philosophy. His dedication during matches stems from the motivation to inspire and make his family proud, seeing every performance as an expression of gratitude for their unwavering support. Each set he delivers on the world stage stands as a testament to the strong support system he relies on, allowing him to lead with confidence and resilience.

“My wife and three children are in France on a daily basis, so I spend more time alone between training and matches,” Toniutti said in an interview with PLS earlier this year, speaking on the decision to keep his family in France.

“(My eldest daughter) has close friends in France and also plays volleyball, so we wanted to provide her with more stability and joy in her social life. As soon as there are some breaks in school, my family visits me in Poland, so we see each other quite often, on average once every six weeks. When my family comes to visit me, we spend as much time as possible with each other.”

FIVB Earvin Ngapeth France Photo courtesy: Earvin N’Gapheth’s Instagram

Earvin N’Gapeth (France)

Nicknamed “Magic” for his explosive and unpredictable style (as well as after his namesake, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson), the French outside hitter, Turkish league pro player, and two-time Olympic champ is a force to be reckoned with. But beyond the court, N’Gapeth is a dedicated father to his two sons, Mathys and Dany.

Last year, following the French national team’s gold in Paris, N’Gapeth signed with local club Stade Poitevin Poitiers – a move that gave him some much-needed quality time with his brood.

“(Playing for Poitiers) gave me the opportunity to be home for four months with my family, something I hadn’t done for a long time, so it gave me a lot of strength to come back and say I’m able to go until (the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics),” he said in a recent interview.

N’Gapeth’s journey highlights the profound sacrifices athletes make to be away from their loved ones while competing. He has spoken about his close bond with his boys, showing that love and connection remains a powerful motivator, propelling him to new heights in his career.

FIVB Micah Christenson USA Photo courtesy: Micah Christenson’s Instagram

Micah Christenson (USA)

Team USA’s captain and Olympic bronze medalist Micah Christenson, a key figure in international volleyball, has a uniquely personal ritual to stay connected with his family during the demanding international competition schedule. His wife, Brooke, and their three children – Ezekiel, Quinn, and Finley – send him off before each major tournament by decorating his volleyball shoes with supportive doodles and messages. This tradition began when Christenson started traveling extensively for his career, as a way for his young children to feel involved and for him to carry a piece of home on the court.

Recently, while competing at the FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila, Christenson shared with a local publication how seeing his family’s colorful artwork provides emotional strength and comfort during challenging matches. At 32, Christenson credits these loving messages as a powerful reminder of why he plays. “It’s a piece of family and home that I have with me when I’m on the court,” the distinguished setter explained, showing that even under the immense pressure of world-class competition, the support of his loved ones makes a substantial difference in his performance and well-being.

FIVB Wilfredo Leon Poland Photo courtesy: Wilfredo Leon’s Instagram

Wilfredo Leon (Poland)

Wilfredo León, the Cuban-born Polish outside hitter, is recognized as a key member of the celebrated “Generation of Miracle” in Cuban volleyball, a group credited with bringing Cuba international acclaim in the sport. León, now 32 years old, is highly regarded not only for his formidable athletic achievements, including numerous MVP awards and leadership roles with top European clubs, but also as a devoted family man.

His social media prominently features his wife, Ma?gorzata, and their three children, showcasing his commitment to family life off the court. León has openly expressed that fatherhood is his proudest accomplishment, stating in a heartfelt Instagram post after his daughter was born in 2017, “No other achievement can compare to (the birth of his child).”

One of his biggest life decisions, however, was to secure a Polish citizenship not only to get better treatment as an athlete outside of Cuba, but also to honor and be closer to his journalist-wife Ma?gorzata. The two connected back in 2011 in a heartwarming love story that sprouted from their work.

“(One of the reasons I left Cuba is) the fact that my wife – my girlfriend at that time – is Polish and I couldn’t see her outside of Cuba,” he said in a 2020 interview with Olympics.com. “I love everything about (Poland). My life here is nice, I’ve never had any kind of problems.”

FIVB Bryan Bagunas Philippines Photo courtesy: Bryan Bagunas’ Instagram

Bryan Bagunas (Philippines)

Alas Pilipinas’ power hitter, Bryan Bagunas, stands as a remarkable example of drawing inspiration and strength from his roots. Currently playing professional volleyball for the Win Streak club in Taiwan’s Top Volleyball League, Bagunas has earned recognition as one of the Philippines’ top outside hitters. In 2023, he married his long-time partner, Nicole Tracy Tan. The couple celebrated another milestone when they welcomed their first child in May 2024, balancing the demands of both family and international sports commitments.

“A single moment that changed my life forever,” Bagunas wrote on Instagram, honoring his wife. “You are beyond amazing. Watching you bring our son into this world was the strongest and most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed. (I’m so proud of you), and so thankful I get to walk this new journey with you.”

Bryan’s story is particularly inspiring as he manages a successful career as an overseas professional basketball player, often requiring him to spend extended periods away from his home in the Philippines. Despite these challenges, he remains deeply motivated by his close-knit family, who serve as his primary inspiration. Bryan’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with his loved ones, regardless of the physical distance, highlights the enduring strength of family bonds and serves as a powerful reminder of what drives him to excel in his career.

Volleyball fans, get ready for the exciting finale of this year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship! Don’t miss out on the remaining high-stakes matches as top international teams battle for the ultimate title and volleyball glory. Experience every spike, block, and game-changing moment from the comfort of your home when you subscribe to the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399. This exclusive bundle includes Cignal TV, giving you access to live broadcasts of your favorite sports events—plus a wide range of entertainment channels for the whole family. Sign up now and transform your home viewing experience with unlimited internet and endless entertainment. For more details and to subscribe, visit pldthome.com/fiber-unli-all.

Manila Travel Tour Packages You Should Try

Klook.com

Follow and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more Travel related updates.