After 25 years of playing beach volleyball, one of the best and most successful beach volleyball players the world has ever seen has announced he is retiring from the sport.
The 42 year old Emanuel Rego now looks forward to spend his days away from the sand and be with his wife Leila Barros and family.
According to this FIVB article:
Emanuel has amassed 152 domestic and international titles highlighted by the Athens 2004 Olympic gold medal with Ricardo Santos. Prior to that success, Emanuel teamed with Jose Loiola to claim gold at the 1999 FIVB World Championships in France (Marseille) followed by another podium topping World Championship effort at the 2003 event on Copacabana.
In the years to come, Emanuel and Ricardo netted a bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games followed by a 2011 FIVB World Championship title with Alison Cerutti. Emanuel teamed with Alison also claimed the silver medallion at the London 2012 Summer Games.
Since starting his beach volleyball career full-time in 1991 as a 17-year old, Emanuel has been the dominant player on the FIVB World Tour with 76 gold medals with five different players with the Rio Grand Slam next week being appearance No. 255 – the most by any player in the history of the sport.
Emanuel has also won 62 Brazilian domestic, seven American domestic, three Brazilian “King of the Beach” and two PanAmerican titles during his 25-plus season career. For FIVB events, Emanuel has set the standard for match wins (1,225), matches played (1,545), medals won (156) and “final four” appearances (174).
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READ THIS: Emanuel with the past, present and future.
Thank you so much for all the memories Emanuel! Legends like you will always have a special place in our hearts. We wish you the best as you begin a new chapter in your life with your beautiful family!