Conad Volley Tricolore’s first new signing for the 2026/2027 season comes from Bulgaria, Rusi Zhelev. A 2001-born spiker, fresh from his experience in Serie A2 with Macerata, he will wear the Granata jersey in the upcoming season, bringing technical skills, international experience, and a strong desire to grow to Reggio Emilia.
Born in Stara Zagora, Zhelev developed his volleyball career at Beroe 2016, a club with which he played several seasons in the Bulgarian top division and in European competitions, establishing himself as one of the most exciting prospects of his generation. His career also included experience with the Bulgarian youth national teams, culminating in a call-up to the Under-22 European Championship.
Last season, he made his first experience in the Italian league, playing for Macerata in Serie A2. A positive year that saw him collect 296 points in 28 matches, recording 22 aces and 36 blocks, numbers that confirm his qualities both in attack and in the fundamentals of serving and blocking.
For Volley Tricolore, this is an important addition to the spikers department, a player who is still young but already has international experience and is eager to continue his growth in the Italian championship.
