The FIVB is deeply saddened by the passing of Willner Rivas, captain of the Venezuela men’s national team, his wife and former Venezuelan national team player Mariángel Pérez, and their young son Theo, who lost their lives in the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June. Their passing was confirmed on Sunday 5 July, following an eleven-day search that united the volleyball community around the world in hope.
Born on 2 April 1995, Rivas was one of the finest players of his generation in Venezuela and an inspirational leader of the national team. An outside hitter of exceptional talent, he began his career with Distrito Capital before embarking on an international journey that took him to clubs across Europe, Asia and South America.
In 2025, Rivas enjoyed one of the most successful years of his career. He captained Venezuela to a triumph at the Pan American Cup in Mexico, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and helped his country to the bronze medal at the inaugural men’s Copa America in Brazil, earning selection to the competition’s Dream Team. This summer, he had signed with Spanish champions CV Guaguas ahead of the 2026-2027 season, in what was set to be a new chapter in his distinguished career.
Mariángel Pérez, a former member of the Venezuela women’s national team, was an accomplished outside hitter. Born in 1991, she played collegiate volleyball in the USA before continuing her career in Europe with Greek side ASP Korinthos. She had exceptional talent and devotion to volleyball and was held in high regard within the Venezuelan volleyball community and beyond.
Willner and Mariángel leave a legacy that will continue to inspire young players in Venezuela and beyond.
The FIVB extends its sincere condolences to the Rivas and Pérez families, their friends, former teammates and colleagues, the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation, and the volleyball and sports communities in Venezuela and around the world. The FIVB’s thoughts also remain with all those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela.
