A style recognized worldwide. Even Líder Máximo, Fidel Castro, was convinced of the importance of Cuban women in volleyball between the late 1970s and early 1990s. They carried messages that went beyond sport. This is how the volleyball tradition in Cuba was born, leading to the conquest of three Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996, and 2000) and two consecutive World Championships, in 1994 and 1998. The famous “Morenas del Caribe“ paved the way, overcame Japan’s dominance, and wrote a page in history.

The domination of Cuban women in this sport became a symbol of freedom and empowerment in a country first stifled by the embargo and then by economic and social hardships. For the girls born between Havana and Cienfuegos, the dream of becoming volleyball champions coincided with a desire for self-assertion and emancipation. The same dream shone in the eyes of Melissa Vargas, the 25-year-old who dominated the Italy-Turkey World Championship final on September 7 in Bangkok. Blonde short hair, a statuesque body marked by tattoos, the ‘die hard’ volleyball player gave Italy plenty of trouble in winning the 2025 World title.

Melissa Vargas: Why She Left Cuba

Rock personality, eccentric with immense talent. In Cuba, they realized it very early: at the age of 13, Melissa Vargas debuted in the National Team. In 2014, at just 15, she was the top scorer in the Pan American Cup and Central American Games. In 2015-16, Vargas was allowed to play in Europe, in the Czech Republic with Prostějov. She achieved the double: national cup and league title. Then a serious shoulder injury kept her off the court for some time. This was the moment of the rift between the star’s family and the Cuban Federation.

At the time, the Cuban volleyball government had stringent rules. The family’s diaspora cost Vargas a 4-year suspension, including a lawsuit. It was never clarified whether it was revenge; what was certain was only a long stop that risked compromising the career of the young volleyball prodigy.

The Rise Between Turkey and China

In 2018, after her suspension, Melissa Vargas first went to play in Switzerland and then in Turkey with Fenerbahçe, marking the beginning of her rebirth. She alternated between the Istanbul team and the Chinese Tianjin. She won team and individual titles in both countries. In 2019, she began the process of naturalization as a Turkish citizen. Two years later, she received citizenship from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In 2023, she won gold at the Women’s European Volleyball Championship, along with individual awards as Best Spiker and MVP of the tournament. In 2025, silver at the World Championship, second only to Italy under coach Julio Velasco. Vargas was once again named the world’s best opposite.

Melissa Vargas: Dogs, Tattoos, and Style

A stunning 194 centimeters of power, extravagant style, a passion for tattoos and dogs. The Vargas world off the court still carries the liveliness of the Cuban soul. Her haircuts and colors change often, reflecting her moods. Short blonde dreadlocks are her favorite. Her tattoos are numerous and reflect different life experiences: from Cuba to Turkey, passing through China, with symbols that carry personal meaning.

And then there are her inseparable dogs: different breeds, a deep love shared on her Instagram profile. Like many Gen Z girls, social media is the diary where you can discover the passions of the world’s top spiker. On the court, she moves to the rhythm of music, an inseparable companion during training and relaxation. Salsa for when she misses her roots; hard rock and rap for intense workouts. Vigorous sessions are often shared in her videos. And then there’s the Vargas style: Melissa also loves elegant, frequently oversized clothing. Wide dark jackets or dresses worn over blouses or vests. With a pair of headphones, Vargas flies in her world.