Queen of Aces Arina Fedorovtseva: Fenerbahce’s volleyball star returns
Arina Fedorovtseva in action during a CEV Champions League game for Fenerbahce, Istanbul, Türkiye, Dec. 15, 2023. (Created with Canva)
Arina Fedorovtseva, the 21-year-old Russian volleyball sensation, continues to dominate the volleyball world with her extraordinary talent and professionalism.
Standing at an imposing 1.94 meters (6 feet 4 inches) with a spike reach of 315 cm, she plays a crucial role for Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul in the 2025 CEV Women’s Champions League.
Known for her unmatched serving abilities, she leads Fenerbahce’s undefeated run in the group stages of the tournament this season.
Arina Fedorovtseva’s journey from Russia to Fenerbahce
Born on January 19, 2004, in Moscow, Fedorovtseva began her professional journey with Dinamo Kazan in the Russian Super League.
Her stellar performances led to her transfer to Fenerbahce in 2021, where she became a cornerstone for one of Europe’s toughest leagues, delivering aggressive attacks, powerful serves, and strong defense.
Arina Fedorovtseva’s key role in the Champions League Volley 2025
In the 2025 CEV Women’s Champions League, Fedorovtseva delivered outstanding performances:
| Metric | Stat |
| Matches Played | 8 |
| Total Points | 160 |
| Winning Spikes | 127 |
| Kill Blocks | 9 |
| Aces | 24 |
| Positive Reception (%) | 41% |
Her excellence at the service line earned her the title “Queen of Aces” for 3 consecutive seasons:
- 2023/2024: 34 aces
- 2022/2023: 35 aces
- 2021/2022: 24 aces
In her first Champions League match of 2025, she served an impressive 8 aces. Together with teammates Melissa Vargas and Eda Erdem Dundar, she played a key role in Fenerbahce reaching the quarterfinals, setting up an intense clash against VakifBank.
Arina Fedorovtseva’s challenges during her time in China
During the first half of the 2024/25 season, Fedorovtseva played on loan for Shanghai Bright Ubest in the Chinese Volleyball League. However, her time there was fraught with challenges.
- According to her management company, the club failed to meet contractual obligations, forcing her to terminate the agreement early
- Shanghai’s head coach, Wang Zhiteng, accused her of breaching the contract, which escalated into a formal complaint with the FIVB
On January 11, 2025, Fedorovtseva made the following statement:
I remained silent as I waited for an official decision from the FIVB. Now that it’s resolved, I can confirm I’m no longer with Shanghai Bright Ubest.
Despite my efforts to adapt, the club’s inability to honor financial commitments forced me to act. With support from my agency, SB Community d.o.o., and legal advisors, I secured my release.
I am now free to focus on my career with Fenerbahce.
Her struggles extended beyond contractual issues. She faced cultural challenges, describing the attention she received in China as overwhelming.
She had admitted, “Everything here is different—from volleyball to daily life. It’s completely new and unsettling.” She also faced constant attention due to her height and appearance, which she found intrusive.
Upon returning to Istanbul, she resumed training and prepared for the second half of the season, proving she is determined to continue her successful career in Fenerbahce.
Arina Fedorovtseva leads Fenerbahce to crucial victories
Fedorovtseva wasted no time proving her worth after her return to Fenerbahce.
- In a recent Sultanlar Ligi match against Besiktas, she delivered a stellar performance, scoring 16 points and leading her team to a commanding 3-0 victory.
- The set scores of 18-25, 19-25, and 26-28 reflected her ability to maintain consistency and pressure throughout the game
- This performance helped Fenerbahce secure their 15th win in 17 matches, solidifying their position at the top of the league standings
What lies ahead for Arina Fedorovtseva and Fenerbahce
Fedorovtseva’s ability to deliver under pressure makes her essential for Fenerbahce’s European ambitions. The upcoming Champions League quarterfinal against VakifBank will test her mettle and influence the team’s trajectory.
Additionally, Fedorovtseva represents Russia on the international stage, including her participation in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Her diverse experiences add depth to her career.
Arina Fedorovtseva’s season has been defined by her return to Fenerbahce and her impactful performances in both domestic and international competitions. Following a challenging stint in China, she has now refocused her efforts on contributing to Fenerbahce’s success in the Sultanlar Ligi and the Champions League Volley 2025.
