Brazilian Volleyball Babe Natalia Pereira: A Career of Triumph and Tenacity
From the sandy beaches of Brazil to the international courts of volleyball glory, Natalia Pereira has emerged as a true volleyball sensation. This Brazilian volleyball superstar has left her indelible mark on the sport with an impressive list of achievements and accolades. From her beginnings as a young talent to becoming an Olympic champion and conquering both domestic and international competitions, Natalia Pereira’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Natália Zilio Pereira |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Born | April 4, 1989 (age 34) |
| Place of Birth | Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 83 kg (183 lb) |
| Spike Height | 311 cm (122 in) |
| Block Height | 295 cm (116 in) |
Volleyball Information
| Position | Outside Hitter |
|---|---|
| Current Club | Russia Dynamo Moscow |
| Number | 12 |
National Team
| Years Active | 2005–2021 |
|---|---|
| National Team | Brazil |
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on April 4, 1989, in Joacaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Natalia Pereira’s athletic journey started at a young age. Her initial foray into sports led her to the world of volleyball during her school years, where her raw talent quickly became apparent.
This paved the way for her to join the junior national teams, where she showcased her skills by winning the gold at the Women South American Championship U18 in 2004 and the Women World Championships U19 in 2005.
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Professional Debut and National Success
Natalia Pereira began her professional career in 2004 with Oi/Campos. Her debut season with the club was nothing short of remarkable, finishing second at the Carioca Championship and third at the Brazilian Superliga.
In the same year, she was called up to represent the Brazilian national teams, securing the title at the World Championships U19 in 2005 with the junior squad and winning the FIVB Grand Champions Cup with the senior team. Natalia’s exceptional talent was evident as she was named the MVP of the U19 World Championships.
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In 2005, Natalia joined Oi Macae, repeating her success from the previous season, claiming silver at the Carioca Championship, and earning a third-place finish at the Brazilian Superliga. With the national team, she further solidified her legacy by securing titles at the South American Championship U20 and Pan American Cup.
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Dominance at Sollys Nestle/Osasco
Natalia’s career reached new heights when she signed with Sollys Nestle/Osasco in 2006, where she would remain for five seasons. During her time with the club, she achieved numerous milestones, including winning the Brazilian Superliga in 2009/2010, the Brazilian Cup in 2008/2009, and the Paulista Championship in 2006/2007 and 2007/2008.
She also clinched three consecutive South American Club Championships from 2008 to 2011. Simultaneously, Natalia represented the Brazilian national team and collected several accolades, including gold at the World Championships U20 in 2007, two South American Championships in 2007 and 2009, and victory at the Pan American Cup in 2009 and 2011.
Golden Years with Unilever Volei and the London 2012 Olympics
In 2011, Natalia Pereira signed with Unilever Volei, which proved to be a fruitful move. She and her team claimed the Brazilian Superliga title in 2012/2013, as well as two Carioca Championship titles in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013.
The pinnacle of her career came at the London 2012 Olympics, where Natalia and her Brazilian teammates secured a gold medal, solidifying her status as a volleyball legend.
International Ventures and Returns to Brazil
Natalia Pereira continued her journey by joining Volei Amil/Campinas in 2013, where she added to her repertoire with a bronze at the Paulista Championship and Brazilian Cup, along with a fourth-place finish at the Brazilian Superliga. She also represented Brazil, securing the gold at the World Grand Prix in 2014 and a bronze at the World Championships in the same year.
In 2014, Natalia joined Rexona/Ades, marking her debut season with a spectacular triple victory, including the Carioca Championship, Brazilian Superliga, and South American Club Championship. Her commitment to the national team remained unwavering, with additional gold medals at the International Cup and South American Championships in 2015. However, the 2016 Rio Olympics saw Natalia and her team finish in 5th place, a testament to the intense competition on the global stage.
A Global Odyssey with Fenerbahce Grundig and Beyond
Natalia Pereira embarked on her first international club venture in 2016, signing with the Turkish volleyball club Fenerbahce Grundig. In her inaugural season, the team secured both the Turkiye Kadınlar Voleybol Ligi and the Turkish Cup.
She continued to shine with the national team, clinching gold at the International Cup, Montreux Volley Masters, World Grand Prix, and South American Championships, as well as a silver at the FIVB Grand Champions Cup. Her commitment to global success saw her excel in both domestic and international arenas.
Return to Brazil and Further International Success
In 2018, Natalia returned to Brazil, signing with Itambe/Minas, where she added several titles to her name, including the Mineiro Championship, Brazilian Superliga, Brazilian Cup, and the South American Club Championship. With the national team, she secured a silver medal at the Volleyball Nations League in 2019.
In 2019, Natalia Pereira made a return to Turkey, joining Eczacibasi VitrA to win the Turkish Supercup and the Club World Championship. The subsequent year saw her transition to Russia, signing with Dinamo Moscow. Her time with the club was marked by success, including a gold at the Russian Cup and a silver in the Russian Superleague, alongside participation in the Champions League.
On the international stage, she captured the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Volleyball Nations League, and a gold at the South American Championships.
A New Chapter in Italy and Returning to Russia
In 2021, Natalia Pereira embarked on a one-season journey with the Italian volleyball club Savino Del Bene Scandicci, securing the Challenge Cup. However, her return to Russia in 2022 saw her rejoin Dinamo Moscow, achieving a double victory with wins in the Russian Superleague and Russian Cup.
Natalia Pereira’s remarkable career is a testament to her unwavering dedication and her ability to excel on both national and international stages. With a plethora of titles, awards, and a legacy as an Olympic champion, she remains a true Brazilian volleyball icon, inspiring generations to come with her story of triumph and tenacity.
