Erik Shoji quietly packed his bags for the FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila, fueling fan excitement for Team USA’s return to the Philippines.
Leave it to Erik Shoji to show off his excitement in going back to Manila.
Ahead of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines, the American libero shared a playful post on TikTok.
“Pack with me for World Champs in the Philippines while I tell you all the reasons why I’m not excited to play in the Philippines…”
And as it turned out, Shoji stayed quiet through the whole “packing session”—proof enough that there’s no reason he wouldn’t be thrilled to return to Manila.
The 36-year-old libero has become one of the most beloved international players in the country, winning over Filipino crowds during the 2024 VNL Manila Leg.
[ALSO READ: VNL: Team USA’s Erik Shoji shares admiration for Bryan Bagunas, Alas Pilipinas]
Heading back to Manila, the stakes are bigger this time around for Team USA.
Anchored by Shoji’s rock-solid reception, the Americans will be pitted in Pool D with Cuba, Portugal, and Colombia.
Backed by stars like Matt Anderson and Aaron Russell, Team USA is chasing redemption after a bronze finish in Paris and a podium miss in the VNL.
For Filipino fans, his return to Manila gives them another chance to cheer and possibly meet the libero at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
[ALSO READ: US volleyball star Erik Shoji comes out as queer during Pride Month]
Tickets for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship are available via this link.