The towering volleyball player standing 2.18 meters tall bids farewell to professional volleyball.

One of the world’s outstanding volleyball spikers is preparing to retire.

The Russian male volleyball star - Dmitriy Muserskiy has officially announced his retirement following the conclusion of the Japanese National Championship season. Muserskiy made the announcement directly on the court in front of over 7,500 spectators at Asue Arena, Osaka, after Suntory Sunbirds Osaka’s convincing victory over Tokyo Great Bears last week, which secured their top position in the standings.

"Thank you all for coming to support. I hope everyone enjoyed the match.", Muserskiy expressed emotionally. "I also want to thank you for your support over the past 8 years. I hereby announce that I will retire after this season. However, the season is not over yet, and I will do my best to help the team win the championship."

At 37 years old, the Russian player of Ukrainian descent closes his elite playing career with a significant impact in Japan. Joining Suntory Sunbirds in 2018, this was his first foreign club and also his final stop in his career. Before that, Muserskiy was affiliated with Belogorie Belgorod (Russia), where he won numerous prestigious titles, including the Club World Championship with MVP honors, the CEV Champions League, CEV Cup, and multiple domestic championships.

Wearing the Suntory Sunbirds Osaka jersey, Muserskiy continued to prove his class by helping the team win the 2023 Asian Club Championship and four domestic titles in Japan, including back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025. Originally a middle blocker, the 2.18-meter spiker transitioned to the opposite hitter position and maintained consistent performance, becoming a key player wherever he played.

Muserskiy’s career became even more illustrious with the Russian national team. He was a central figure in Russia’s gold medal victories at the 2012 London Olympics, the 2011 World Cup, the 2018 VNL, the 2011 and 2013 World Leagues, and the 2013 European Championship.