Special welcoming of EuroVolley champions
News
Poland has long been known as Volleyland, and the welcome prepared for the national team on their return home from CEV Enel EuroVolley 2026 Men showed that, no matter how many medals the team brings back from major tournaments, the excitement among Polish fans never fades.
On Saturday, Poland were crowned back-to-back EuroVolley champions, becoming the first team in more than 20 years to successfully defend the European title. The last team to achieve the feat was Italy, who won consecutive editions in 2003 and 2005. The achievement was fully recognised by Polish Volleyball fans, who made sure the European champions received a memorable welcome on their return home.
The team flew back to Poland on Sunday morning, but the celebrations began even before they landed. Polish Airlines LOT changed the name of the flight to LOTGOLD in honour of the European champions. On board, the players and coaching staff received congratulations from the aircraft crew and fellow passengers, who loudly sang “Polska Biało-Czerwoni” - “Poland, White-and-Reds” - in a spontaneous ovation for the newly crowned champions.
After landing, the team received a traditional water salute, while the welcome continued at the airport. Staff and passengers congratulated the players before hundreds of fans gathered in the arrivals hall to greet their heroes.
The celebrations continued with a specially organised press conference, where the entire team met with the media and reflected on their successful EuroVolley campaign and their qualification for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The European champions were also welcomed by Polish Volleyball Federation President Sebastian Świderski and Interim President of the Polish Olympic Committee Marian Kmita, who congratulated the players and coaching staff on their outstanding EuroVolley triumph and the Olympic qualification.
Kewin Sasak“We are extremely grateful to the fans for their support and also for showing up at the airport in such big numbers to welcome us. We really appreciate it, and we are really happy that all those fans gave their time to come here and welcome us.”
player of Poland
Aleksander Śliwka“Wherever we played, in Sofia or Milano, we felt like we were at home. Our fans are incredible; they are with us everywhere. Today, at the airport, they gave us an amazing welcome. I don’t know how many people were here, but I remember that maybe back in 2018, after winning the World Championship, there was such a huge crowd that it was hard even to make it through to the hotel. So, big thanks to the fans, because they also played a big part in this medal.”
captain of Poland
The celebrations extended far beyond the Volleyball community, with thousands of fans, athletes from other sports, politicians - including the President and Prime Minister of Poland - and celebrities joining in the congratulations. Nikola Grbić’s achievement was also recognised beyond Poland, as Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djoković congratulated the Poland's head coach on social media after he guided the team to his tenth medal in ten tournaments at the helm.
From the moment they stepped off the plane, the message was clear: Poland may be accustomed to seeing its national team return from major tournaments with medals, but every medal - especially gold - still feels extraordinary.