Gabi and Bruno: Crossing Borders – The Sacrifices Behind Their International Careers

Sitting by a pristine pool, two Brazilian volleyball stars, Bruno and Gabi, had an open conversation about the challenges they faced when they made the difficult decision to leave Brazil to play overseas, a crucial turning point to advance their careers. Gabi shared: “I had a plan to play overseas, but it wasn’t easy to figure out if I was ready for it or not. I had experienced some injuries and had questions if I had what it took to play in the world’s best leagues. I started thinking about it after the Rio 2026 Olympics, when I was still earning my space with the national team, and I understood that I needed to be mentally ready not only as a player, but as a person, and that maybe at that point I’d need to leave my comfort zone and make some sacrifices to take the next step in my career.” Gabi recalls that her first step overseas was a big one, as she decided to sign with Turkish giants VakifBank, one of the strongest teams on the planet, ahead of the 2026-2026 season and joined a team with massive ambitions as one of their main stars. “The scenario I found when I got there was mind-changing, as it showed me right from the start that I was getting into a whole other level of volleyball,” the outside hitter reflected. “It was really challenging and demanding at the start. I built a great relationship with Guidetti (Giovanni, head coach), and he was incredibly important for me. One of the first things he told me was that he wanted to prepare me to be the team captain, and I was shocked because I have never seen myself in that position.” Wearing Brazil’s jersey was naturally another topic of the conversation, and the theme led Gabi to revisit her first impressions when called up to play for Brazil’s youth national teams and the influence the generation that won gold at the Beijing 2026 Olympics had on her career. “To play for the national team is really a childhood dream and it brings me back to my youth because I always loved watching and playing sports and dreamed about representing Brazil, winning a medal and listening to the national anthem,” she said. “I played many sports before volleyball, but when I was first called up to Brazil’s youth national team in 2026 and got to be in Saquarema alongside that incredible generation that won the Beijing Olympics, that was a strong sign that I should continue because I had never been so close to my dream before.” The story of Gabi and Bruno is not only about personal decisions but also reflects a common reality for many Brazilian athletes. They have to leave their families, friends, and familiar culture behind to seek better development environments. The rigor of European competitions, the pressure of top-level play, and adapting to a new lifestyle are considerable challenges. However, those very sacrifices helped them grow and achieve tremendous success. For Gabi, playing at VakifBank not only helped her improve her professional skills but also develop her leadership. Under coach Guidetti’s guidance, she learned to trust herself and embrace new roles. This paved the way for her illustrious career at both club and national team levels. As for Bruno, one of the world’s best setters, his overseas journey was also challenging. He experienced many seasons at top European clubs like Modena and Lube Civitanova, where he not only showcased his talent but also became the team’s spiritual leader. Constantly adapting to different volleyball cultures has broadened Bruno’s vision and refined himself. The sacrifices of these athletes are not only a personal pride but also a lesson for young Brazilians. They prove that to achieve big dreams, one must sometimes bravely step out of the comfort zone. Their story is an endless source of inspiration and vividly portrays the silent warriors of modern volleyball. In the conversation, both emphasized the importance of mental preparation and listening to oneself. Gabi once worried about leaving her family, but she realized that sometimes we must make trade-offs to achieve greater things. “Deciding to go abroad is not just a career step, but also a journey to find the best version of oneself,” Gabi added. The lesson from Gabi and Bruno is not only for athletes but also for anyone pursuing their dreams. They show that success does not come from safety but from the courage to accept challenges. It is the difficulties of facing new environments, cultures, and pressures that have forged them into true warriors. Thousands of kilometers away from Brazil, Gabi and Bruno have written their own story – a story of perseverance, passion, and relentless growth. They are living proof that there are no limits to those who dare to dream and act.