The opposite Welinton Oppenkoski asked to be released from training with the Brazilian men’s team. The Cruzeiro player cited personal reasons for not presenting himself to the Bernardinho coach. Voleibol’s Confederação Brasileira confirmed the decision last Monday.
The 26-year-old gaucho had been called up for the preparatory period of Liga of Nações. Brasil debuts on June 11th against Bélgica. With the absence of Oppenkoski, the Samuel pointer, from Minas, must be integrated into the group.
Oppenkoski shines in the Superliga final and becomes a national highlight
Welinton Oppenkoski was the big name in the Superliga Masculina 2025/26 decision. Ele received the MVP trophy of the final and also finished as the highest scorer in the decisive match. The performance helped Cruzeiro win the title.
The opposite has spent years with the Minas Gerais team. Ele arrived at Cruzeiro in 2019 and established himself as one of the main members of the cast. In the season that ended, Oppenkoski showed consistency throughout the competition.
- The player played in all phases of Superliga 2025/26
- Ele led the points statistics in several knockout games
- In the final, Oppenkoski overcame his opponent’s double blocks with powerful attacks
- Seu’s attack performance was above the competition’s average
The call up to the national team came shortly after the end of Superliga. Bernardinho assembled the initial group with names in good form. Oppenkoski was part of the list of 14 athletes.
CBV confirms dismissal and explains next step
Confederação Brasileira of Voleibol issued an official statement about the case. The technical department reported that Oppenkoski requested a waiver for personal reasons. The entity respected the athlete’s decision.
With the reduction, the technical command is already working on replacement. Samuel, who was a guest at training, gained summoned status. The pointer should reinforce the group starting this week.
Bernardinho commands the jobs on Rio from Janeiro. The preparation seeks quick rapport before traveling to the first stage of the VNL. The tournament has a high weight in the Olympic race.
Carreira of Oppenkoski continues to rise in Cruzeiro
Nascido in Bento Gonçalves, in Rio Grande of Sul, Welinton Oppenkoski is 26 years old. Ele transferred to Cruzeiro at a young age and evolved within the club. Hoje is one of the technical leaders of the celestial team.
The opposite is experiencing the best moment of his career. The 2025/26 season consolidated his name among the country’s top strikers. Superliga’s title came with an outstanding performance in the final.
However, the focus now returns to day to day life at Cruzeiro. The club is already planning the next season and counts on Oppenkoski remaining as a pillar of the project.
Impacto absent from selection preparation
Liga of Nações starts in a few weeks. Brasil seeks good performance to gain points in the world rankings. The dismissal of Oppenkoski changes Bernardinho’s plans in the offensive sector.
Samuel gets the opportunity to show service. The Minas player already participated in initial training and knows part of the tactical scheme. Outros names can also be called if new lows emerge.
The men’s team has a positive history in the VNL. Nas last editions, the team alternated between podiums and intermediate positions. The coach values the balance between experience and renewal.
Detalhes from the final that crowned Oppenkoski
The decision of Superliga 2025/26 marked the season. Welinton Oppenkoski dominated the game against Campinas. Ele explored the spaces on the network well and finished with high success.
The title represented the end of a consistent campaign by Cruzeiro. The team overcame injuries and physical wear and tear over the months. Oppenkoski was a central part of this recovery.
The player gave an interview after the final. Ele celebrated the title and individual recognition. Agora, the focus returns to rest and resumption with the Minas Gerais club.
Confederação Brasileira of Voleibol continues with normal programming. Training continues at Rio and Janeiro with the updated squad. The debut against Bélgica sets the tone for the Brazilian campaign in Liga of Nações.