After five years, the collaboration between Emanuele Zanini and the Red Dragons will come to an end. Following cordial discussions, the federation and the coach did not find an agreement for the future.

Topvolley Belgium would like to recognise the important volleyball results, the standards Zanini helped establish, the development of the team and the enormous personal energy and commitment he invested in the Red Dragons.
Beyond the sporting results, Zanini left his mark on the team's identity and mentality.
After five intense and successful years, the expiry of his contract marks the right moment to conclude the collaboration and begin a new chapter.

Zanini took charge of the Belgian men's national team in 2022 (FIVB-28) and guided the Red Dragons back towards the top of world volleyball (currently FIVB-15). In 2023, they missed out on qualification for the Olympic Games by a single point. In 2025, the Red Dragons finished 7th at the World Championship, and in 2026 the team competed in the prestigious Volleyball Nations League for the first time and achieved the right to play again in the 2027 VNL. Zanini concludes his tenure with a 6th place finish at the most recent European Championship.

Technical Director Kris Eyckmans: "Over the past five years, Emanuele Zanini has dedicated himself to the Red Dragons with tremendous energy and commitment. He helped build the team we have today, pursued high standards and achieved important results. We are sincerely grateful to him for that. The foundations laid during this period will remain an important part of Zanini’s legacy and contribute to the further development of the Red Dragons."

Zanini also looks back on his time with the national team with appreciation: "I look back with pride on my five years with the Red Dragons. Together, we have built a lot, gained international respect, obtained important results and developed a team that is once again competitive at international level. Firstly and sincerely I would like to thank all the players, staff members, federation people and everyone who supported us during this period for their trust and cooperation. I have always worked for Belgium with great energy, conviction and ambition and I will look back on this period with great respect and warm memories. I am grateful to the Belgian Federation for the opportunity it gave me and I wish the Red Dragons every success in the future."

Topvolley Belgium will shortly begin the process of appointing a new head coach.