# Cuban Volleyball Legend Joel Despaigne Honored in Rome Ahead of Hall of Fame Induction

**Date:** 07/03/2026

Cuban volleyball legend Joel Despaigne Charles was honored this week during a ceremony at the Cuban embassy in Rome, celebrating his upcoming induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF).


The event, attended by members of the Cuban diplomatic mission and the Cuban community in Italy, was held on the eve of Despaigne's 60th birthday. Despaigne was born in Santiago de Cuba on July 2, 1966.


The former outside hitter was selected in May by the IVHF to join its Class of 2026, becoming the first men's volleyball player from Cuba's national team to receive the honor. His formal induction will take place on October 17 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, widely regarded as the birthplace of volleyball.


During the Rome ceremony, former national teammates including Raúl Diago, Osvaldo Hernández and Idalberto Valdés, along with fellow Cuban volleyball greats Ana Luisa Hourrutinier and Yumilka Ruiz, sent video messages of congratulations. Olympic athletes Javier Sotomayor and Ana Fidelia Quirós also took part.


Regarded as one of the most feared attackers of his era for his vertical leap and spike power, Despaigne played for Cuba's national team throughout the 1980s and 1990s, racking up more than 350 international matches. He was a key figure in Cuba's gold medal at the 1989 FIVB World Cup in Japan and its silver medal at the 1990 FIVB World Championship, where he was named the tournament's best player. He also competed at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympics.


Now based in Italy, where he works as a volleyball coach, Despaigne thanked organizers for the tribute and spoke of his pride in having represented Cuba throughout his athletic career.


(With information from Prensa Latina / Cubadebate)