For over 20 years, Foad Elmaarug gave it his all for Libya. Now at 42, the captain-libero hung up his shoes at the FIVB Men's World Championship. He will be leaving with applause, a prized Kento Miyaura jersey, and much hope for the future.
It was a party and the applause Libya's captain-libero Foad Elmaarug Almarrug would never forget.
Libya's final match of the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship ended in a straight-set defeat to Japan, 20-25, 17-25, 12-25, late Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On one side, majority of the 4,833 fans were cheering for Japan's first victory in the tournament—a consolation after a shock elimination for the World No. 7 in the pool stage.
On the other side, the Libyans had formed two rows to high-five their captain. The 42-year-old libero high-fived them all before hanging his shoes at the net.
The crowd roared.
The Japanese team turned to give their applause in turn.
Libya's captain-libero Foad Elmaarug hung up his shoes, signaling the 42-year-old's retirement from playing volleyball. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
And then Elmaarug walked towards Japan's opposite spiker Kento Miyaura while removing his shirt.
Miyaura took his off in turn and gave the jersey to Elmaarug. The crowd's roar turned to a shriek.
They didn't need much words. Just "Congratulations" and a hug.
"We are waiting for this chance to be here."
The 42-year-old Elmaarug has been part of the Libyan volleyball scene for more than two decades.
And now, he has led them to the FIVB Men's World Championship after 43 years.
This is only their second appearance after finishing 24th in 1982.
"This is the first time we are here after so many times. We are waiting for this chance to be here," opposite spiker Ahmed Ilkhbayri translated for Elmaarug on the broadcast after the match.
Libya managed to take a set each from Canada and Turkiye before bowing in straight sets to Japan.
"That's why we love sports"
For Abdel Zoubi, one of the men who last represented Libya in the World Championship and is now a coordinator for the team, this is a surreal moment.
"As a sportsman here, now, I thank this guy," Zoubi said as he put his arm around Elmaarug's shoulders while talking to the media, speaking on his behalf. "He played well, he did everything good for sports, for his history. I wish him all the best."
Zoubi though had plenty to say for the Philippine crowd who gave Elmaarug his flowers.
"We say thanks a lot for all the people who were watching this game and the other games before," he said. "The people are loving sports."
"And this is the [message] which we have to send to everybody. We saw the people here, they are all very happy. That's why we love sports. That's why we're all here together, like brothers, like friends."
"Because today, we had a party we never can get."
Foad Elmaarug acknowledges the applause and cheer from the Philippine crowd. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
A son just like Miyaura
Asked regarding the jersey swap with Miyaura, Elmaarug explained through Ilkhbayri that it wasn't really about the Libya captain.
"He looks exactly like his first son," Ilkhbayri translated. They're both left-handed as well.
"Before he came here, he decided to do that and to bring it to his son."
"You will see them again"
All throughout these moments, there was always someone speaking for Elmaarug in English.
But the captain made sure there was one message that would get across.
"We hope to play more competition. You will see them again," Ilkhbayri said.
"He says, we hope you will see these guys, our team, our young teams in the next World Cup," Zoubi added.
In Quezon City, Elmaarug gave it his all and left his shoes. He will be leaving with much-deserved applause, a prized Miyaura jersey, and much hope for Libya in the future.
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.