Brazilian · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Born 25 August 1961Brazilian volleyball coach known as 'Bernardinho', one of the most successful coaches in volleyball history with Olympic golds coaching both men's and women's t
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1961, Bernardo Rocha de Rezende emerged from Brazil's volleyball culture to become one of the sport's most influential figures. His early exposure to volleyball in Rio's competitive environment shaped his deep understanding of the game's tactical nuances and team dynamics. Rezende's coaching career reached its zenith during Brazil's golden era of volleyball in the 2000s. He guided the Brazilian men's national team to consecutive Olympic gold medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, establishing Brazil as the world's premier volleyball nation. His work with the women's national team proved equally successful, leading them to Olympic gold and silver medals while developing a distinctive Brazilian style of play characterized by fluid offense and aggressive defense. The coach's trophy cabinet includes multiple World Championship titles with both men's and women's teams, cementing his status as volleyball's most accomplished leader. International recognition followed his team successes, with multiple World Coach of the Year awards acknowledging his tactical innovations and ability to maximize player potential. His teams consistently demonstrated exceptional technical skill combined with the mental fortitude necessary for championship-level competition. Rezende's three-decade tenure transformed Brazilian volleyball from a regional power into a global dynasty. His tactical intelligence revolutionized modern volleyball strategy, particularly in developing Brazil's signature fast-paced offensive system that influenced coaching philosophies worldwide. The cohesion he instilled in Brazilian teams became a model for international volleyball programs, while his player development methods produced multiple generations of world-class athletes. His systematic approach to team building and tactical preparation established new standards for volleyball coaching, making him the most successful coach in the sport's history and ensuring Brazil's position as volleyball's dominant force throughout the early 21st century.
Only coach to win Olympic gold medals with both men's and women's volleyball teams
How They Played
As a coach, Rezende is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to adapt strategies mid-match based on opponent weaknesses. He emphasizes strong defensive systems combined with explosive attacking combinations, developing players who can excel in multiple positions.
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized Brazilian volleyball coaching and is considered one of the greatest volleyball coaches of all time
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 4x (coach, both genders)
- World Champion 4x (coach)
- World Coach of Year multiple
- Olympic Gold Medal 2004 (men's coach)
- Olympic Gold Medal 2008 (women's coach)
- Olympic Gold Medal 2012 (women's coach)
- World Championship 2002 (men's coach)
- World Championship 2006 (men's coach)
- World Championship 2010 (women's coach)
- World Championship 2014 (women's coach)
Brazilian Athletes