The return of the Cuban middle blocker will be one of the headlines of this year’s World Championship. His last appearance in the event dates back to 2010, when he captained a young Cuban squad to a second-place finish in Italy. Simon, 35, did not play for his country’s national team between 2010 and 2021, but he established himself as one of the best middle blockers in the world during that period while playing at a club level. Very strong, quick and productive, the 2.08m-tall Simon will be the most recognisable face on the Cuban team. The islanders recently won the Volleyball Challenger Cup and are working to return to the elite of the sport.