'The Nightmare of the Modern Era' Leo became a resident of 'Sky Castle' 12 years after his V-League debut

Aug 12, 2024

photo courtesy of Hyundai Capital

Leo came to Hyundai Capital. Leo, who was like a nightmare, is now a resident of Castle of Skywalkers.

Hyundai Capital Volleyball Team reported on the 12th that Leonardo Leyva (34, Leo), a new foreign player, will enter the country in the 2024-2025 season.

Previously, Hyundai Capital selected Leo as the second overall pick in the 「2024 Men's Volleyball Foreign Player Draft」 held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May. It has been proven that he has played only in the V League since the 2012-2013 season.

In the 2023-2024 season, when he played as a member of OK Financial Group, he still showed off that he is the best foreign player in scoring, attack comprehensive, rear attack, and serve, and also ranked first overall with an open attack success rate of 50.36%. As a result, he was honored as the fourth regular season MVP in his career. He holds the most MVP trophies in the men's history of the V-League.

Leo during Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance. Sports Chosun DB

There is no shortage of being evaluated as the most famous and most valuable foreign player in V-League history. In particular, he has won the championship by sinking Korean Air in the first season of his debut and Hyundai Capital in the championship game in the second season.

In particular, OK Financial Group failed to play spring volleyball in the first two seasons, but in the third season of 2023-2024, it scored its second career 5,000 points in the V League history, leading the team to the postseason.

Leo when he was at OK Financial Group. Sports Chosun DB

Hyundai Capital is the team that was collapsed by Leo's fierce attack in the semi-playoff. Leo won the series MVP award, once again giving him that kind of 'nightmare'. OK Financial Group advanced to the championship match with Leo, but was blocked by Korean Air with the 'Invincible Fleet'.

And this year, Leo will play for Hyundai Capital. It is another unique attraction for volleyball fans. He met Moon Sung-min and Jeon Kwang-in, the Korean players who bothered Leo the most in the offense and defense, as teammates. Attention is also focusing on how he will show chemistry with Hyundai Capital coach Philip Blanc, who was not very compatible with OK Financial Group coach Ogino Massage last year.

photo courtesy of Hyundai Capital

Leo said "Hyundai Capital is the most famous team in the V League. It's an honor. We'll do our best to win," he stressed.

When Leo played for Beijing BAIC Motor for three years from the 2018-2019 season, he also worked with Deng Xinfeng, who joined Hyundai Capital in the Asian quarter this year.

Leo will move to Cheonan, have his first meeting with fellow players at the club's base camp, and immediately join the team's training.

lunarfly@sportschosun.com