In an unexpected revelation, Robertlandy Simon Aties, the esteemed volleyball player, took to social media to inform his fans and followers that he would not be partaking in this year’s national team season. The announcement came as a shock to his fervent supporters and the broader volleyball community, prompting an immediate outpouring of supportive messages.
The Cuba-born sportsman elaborated on his decision, emphasizing the need to put his health first. By doing so, Simon hopes to prolong his professional career and ensure he can continue performing in the seasons to come.
Simon’s Statement
In his personal statement shared on Instagram, Simon Aties clarified, “I wanted to tell you that this year, unfortunately, I’ve made the decision not to play for the national team. Not because I don’t want to, but simply to fully recover physically.” He conveyed optimism that his fans would understand his decision and closed his heartfelt message with, “a hug, Landy.”
A Glance at Simon Aties’ Prolific Career
Born on 11th June 1987, Robertlandy Simon Aties embarked on his professional volleyball journey with the Cuban national team. He quickly became recognized for his exceptional physical attributes and impressive skills. Standing tall at 2.08m (6 ft 10 in), Simon boasts one of the highest spike touches in the world.
Early Beginnings and Cuban National Team
Simon’s professional career took off in Cuba, where he played for the national team from 2005 until his official departure in 2010. His dynamic performances helped the Cuban team secure victory in the 2009 NORCECA Championship and attain a second-place finish in the 2010 FIVB World League.
Transition to International Clubs
In 2011, Simon Aties left the Cuban national team and relocated to Italy, where he signed with the Serie A club, Trentino Volley. His decision sparked controversy as the Cuban Volleyball Federation does not allow its players to sign with foreign teams. Despite the controversy, Simon’s international career continued to flourish.
From Italy, he moved to play for Brazil’s Sada Cruzeiro Vôlei, where his high-impact performances contributed to the club’s success in the domestic and international stages. He then took his talents to Asia, playing for Al Rayyan SC in Qatar and Shanghai Golden Age in China.
Return to the Cuban National Team
In 2019, in a landmark event, Simon was allowed to return to the Cuban national team. His return was marked by impressive performances in the 2019 NORCECA Championship, where he helped Cuba secure a second-place finish.
Interesting Facts About Robertlandy Simon Aties
- Incredible Spike Reach: Simon’s spike reach is a staggering 3.76m (12 ft 4 in), one of the highest in professional volleyball.
- Diverse Career: He has played in professional leagues across four continents: North America (Cuba), Europe (Italy), South America (Brazil), and Asia (Qatar, China).
- Inspiring Return: His return to the Cuban national team in 2019 was an unprecedented event, marking a potential change in policy for Cuban volleyball.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Detail |
| Full Name | Robertlandy Simón Aties |
| Nationality | Cuban |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1987 (age 36) |
| Place of Birth | Guantánamo, Cuba |
| Height | 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 114 kg (251 lb) |
| Spike | 384 cm (151 in) |
| Block | 362 cm (143 in) |
Volleyball Information
| Attribute | Detail |
| Position | Middle blocker |
| Current Club | Gas Sales Piacenza |
| Number | 13 |
Career Overview
| Years | Teams |
| 2012–2014 | Copra Elior Piacenza |
| 2014 | Al Rayyan |
| 2014–2016 | OK Savings Bank |
| 2016 | El Jaish |
| 2016–2018 | Sada Cruzeiro |
| 2018–2022 | Cucine Lube Civitanova |
| 2022–present | Gas Sales Piacenza |
National Team Participation
| Years | Team |
| 2005–2010 | Cuba |
| 2019–present | Cuba |
Representing Cuba in Men’s Volleyball
World Championship
- Silver Medal – Second Place, 2010 (Italy)
World League
- Bronze Medal – Third Place, 2005 (Belgrade)
Pan-American Cup
- Gold Medal – First Place, 2022 (Gatineau)
NORCECA Championship
- Gold Medal – First Place, 2009 (Bayamón)
- Gold Medal – First Place, 2019 (Winnipeg)
- Bronze Medal – Third Place, 2007 (Anaheim)
Robertlandy Simon Aties’ decision to prioritize his health and recovery underscores the importance of self-care in extending a professional athlete’s career. As he steps back from the court this season, fans around the world eagerly anticipate his return, hoping to witness more of the volleyball excellence they’ve come to associate with his name.
