Side by side: the twin bond of the Garcez sisters

The atmosphere in the Baku locker room is an electrifying mix of nerves and focus. The Portuguese women's national team is in the Azerbaijani capital to compete at the CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 under the strategic guidance of head coach Hugo Silva. Yet, amidst the dynamics of a group focused on making history, a unique connection stands out. Two 20-year-olds, starters for both SL Benfica Lisbon and the national team, share far more than just the same jersey and passion for volleyball – they share the exact same DNA.

Mariana and Joana Garcez finish each other's sentences long before the ball goes up on the court. When asked about how it all started at seven years old, their memories intertwine effortlessly.

"I always told my dad I wanted to play a sport, and we had Cascais Volley4All right near our house. I loved it so much at first that I ended up dragging Joana along," recalls Mariana, the team's setter.

Her twin sister, a middle blocker, smiles and nods in agreement: "It was more our dad who pushed us toward volleyball. Mariana liked it first and I followed. That's where a huge passion was born, one that brought us all the way here together, all these years later."

On the court, that deep-rooted connection turns into a formidable tactical advantage, though not without high expectations. Mariana conducts the offense, and her telepathy with her sister is clear, even as she keeps a cool head.

"We understand each other really well, but there's another side to it: I demand a lot from her, and she demands a lot from me. I set the ball to whoever is hot and scoring. If it's her, perfect; if not, I manage the game with the other players. But if Joana spots something wrong with my set or the block, she helps me immensely to adjust what I can't see."

For Joana, having her sister as a setter means guaranteed trust and irreplaceable emotional support during long stretches away from home.

"I feel that most of the time I'm going to score because of the bond we share on and off the court. I know I can always count on her. Since our U18 days in the national youth teams, we've faced every challenge together; if one of us stumbles , the other pulls her up."

Their bond shines brightest when they describe each other on the court. Mariana defines her sister with infectious energy: "She has so much strength and drive, like a wild horse, and so do I!"

Joana returns the compliment with the warmth only a twin can express: "Mariana is a true safe haven. The word that defines her best on the court is versatile."

Should the winning point of this European Championship come from a flawless set by Mariana to a thunderous spike by Joana, the moment is already written in their minds.

"It would be incredible, a dream come true on a stage of this scale," Joana admits.

Mariana closes with a spark in her eyes: "I'd be so proud of her, of us, and of the team. It would simply be perfect."