Brazilian · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Born 25 August 1959Brazilian 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
No volleyball coach has won more major championships than Bernardo Rocha de Rezende. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, where he developed a deep understanding of the game's tactical nuances, he built Brazil into the dominant force in world volleyball across a span of three decades. Rezende's coaching career reached its zenith during Brazil's golden era in the 2000s. He guided the 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. His trophy cabinet includes multiple World Championship titles with both men's and women's teams, earning him multiple World Coach of the Year awards. His teams consistently demonstrated exceptional technical skill combined with the mental fortitude required 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. 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 — making him the most accomplished coach in the sport's history.
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