Myriam Sylla’s Grit and Glory: The Heart of Italy’s Triumph Over Brazil
September 7, 2025, Lodz, Poland – In a thrilling display of athletic prowess and unyielding determination, Myriam Fatime Sylla led the Italian women’s national volleyball team to a historic victory over Brazil in the final of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, securing the gold medal on July 27. The match, a clash of titans, showcased not only Sylla’s skill as an outside hitter but also her embodiment of the cultural bridge between Italy and Brazil, a connection she celebrated with heartfelt pride. “We were a team,” Sylla declared post-match, her words echoing the unity and strength of the Azzurre. “Proud of us, fantastic women.”
Sylla, born in Palermo, Italy, to Ivorian parents, has long been a symbol of resilience and multicultural identity. Her journey from a young girl in Lecco, who stumbled into volleyball at age 12 during a tryout with her cousin, to a global volleyball star is nothing short of inspiring. Her performance against Brazil was a testament to her growth, as she scored the decisive point that sent Italy into ecstasy, propelling them toward the gold-medal match against the United States at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they also claimed victory.
The Italy-Brazil showdown was a spectacle of power and elegance, with Sylla’s slow-motion spikes capturing the essence of her class as a player. Her ability to perform under pressure was pivotal, as Italy blocked Brazil’s final push, securing a historic win after a tense video review confirmed the set point. This victory was not just a sporting triumph but a celebration of the shared passion and vibrancy that Sylla, with her Italian upbringing and African heritage, brings to the court—a spirit that resonates with Brazil’s dynamic volleyball legacy.
Sylla’s leadership was instrumental in Italy’s dominance, with four players, including Sylla, earning spots on the VNL 2025 Dream Team alongside Brazilian stars like Gabi and Julia Kudiess. Her performance earned her yet another accolade as one of the best outside hitters, adding to her illustrious record, which includes gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 2021 European Championship, and the 2022 VNL, as well as multiple individual awards.
Off the court, Sylla’s voice carries equal weight. A vocal advocate against racism and femicide, she embraces her multicultural identity with pride, telling Vogue Italia, “Anyone born and raised in Italy must have citizenship.” Her journey, detailed in her 2019 book Tutta la Forza Che Ho (With All the Strength I Have), reflects the challenges she overcame, including personal battles with bulimia and the loss of her mother, to become a beacon of strength for her team and fans worldwide.
As Italy celebrates its volleyball triumphs, Sylla’s words—“Proud of us, fantastic women”—encapsulate the spirit of a team that transcends borders. Her determination mirrors the beauty of the Italy-Brazil connection, blending Italian precision with the passion of South American volleyball. For American fans, Sylla’s story is a reminder of the universal language of sport, where grit, grace, and unity shine brightest.
Sources: Wikipedia, Sportal.eu, Getty Images, Il Messaggero, Stade360, Olympics.com