Great echo: Footvolley European Championship 2025 thrills in Schwäbisch Gmünd
Great echo: Footvolley European Championship 2025 thrills in Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd, July 10, 2025 - The Footvolley European Championship 2025 has ended with a bang - and transformed Schwäbisch Gmünd into a European footvolley metropolis. In a spectacular atmosphere, the best men's and women's teams on the continent met from 27 to 29 June and delivered top sporting performances on the center court on Johannisplatz in Gmünd and on the second court on Marktplatz, in the heart of the city, which caused a sensation far beyond Germany.
Numerous nations competed, accompanied by thousands of enthusiastic spectators on site and an international livestream audience via footvolleyleague.com.
New chapter for the sport of footvolley in Europe
The European Championship 2025 not only marked a sporting highlight, but also a turning point for the European footvolley scene: the election of the new President of the European Footvolley League (EFVL), Igor Alberto Oliveira from Portugal, marks the beginning of a new phase of professionalization and expansion.
“This European Championship was a milestone for our sport - in terms of organization, sporting level and media coverage,” says Igor Alberto Oliveira, newly elected President of the EFVL. "I am thrilled with the energy with which Germany - and Schwäbisch Gmünd in particular - organized this event. It shows the potential that footvolley has in Europe. My goal is to spread this spirit to all member nations."
Strong organization, strong emotions
The local organizing committee led by Sascha Kühne, one of the pioneers of footvolley in Germany, was responsible for the successful event. “What we experienced here is far more than just a tournament - it was a real footvolley festival,” says Sascha Kühne, main organizer and footvolley pioneer. "The enthusiasm on the market square, the fairness among the teams and the many positive responses from home and abroad - all this shows that footvolley has arrived in Europe. We have written a piece of footvolley history here in Schwäbisch Gmünd."
Top-class sport - spectacular finals
The quarter-finals on Saturday evening offered the spectators thrilling duels. Germany II defeated Austria I in a thrilling match, while Germany I was narrowly eliminated by Italy I. “It was the best day of the event in eleven years of Playa de Gamundia,” enthused Kühne. The stands were packed and some spectators stood in rows of eight to catch a glimpse of the action. In the final, Joel Nisslein and Lukas Kicherer faced the Israeli duo Ron Ben Ishai and Maor Haas, who were considered the favorites. "It was tough. Israel has incredible quality," said Lukas Kicherer after the match. The Israelis, who had only recently beaten a top team from Brazil, also showed their class in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Despite the defeat, there was great joy at reaching the final. “I'm still disappointed for a moment and then the pride and joy will come,” added Kicherer. "I'm overwhelmed by all the support. It was an outstanding day for us," said Noel Nisslein after the final. Kicherer thanked his family and friends who were there to support him. The atmosphere in Schwäbisch Gmünd was electrifying and the spectators created an unforgettable atmosphere. "I already had goosebumps when I ran in. It was awesome here," said Kicherer.
While Israel took the men's title, the Spanish team secured victory in the women's competition. Keyla Faria, one of the European champions, praised the organization: "It was a very well organized tournament. The crowd was great. I'm very pleased that so many spectators came in such hot weather." The Spaniards prevailed in the final and were crowned the new European champions ahead of Portugal and the two teams from Austria. All results are available online at footvolleyleague.com.
Media reach and positive response
The European Championship also achieved significant media reach: Over 1.5 million engagements were recorded across social media and livestream platforms. The highlight clips and spectacular rallies in particular achieved high click rates across Europe. In addition to the positive development of the athletes, one of the formulas for success is that the Playa de Gamundia was held for the eleventh time. And in Schwäbisch Gmünd, so many helpers have been working with heart and soul for years to make footvolley even better known in Europe.
Future secured
With the tailwind of this successful European Championship, the EFVL is now planning to further expand the tour and work more closely with local associations. Schwäbisch Gmünd has established itself as a reliable and passionate venue - a return of the European Championships to this location in the coming years is not out of the question.
(Review: Jörg Hinderberger)
