Brazilian Volleyball Star Julia Azevedo Survives Near‑Fatal Shooting and Returns to Hungarian NB I

Brazilian outside hitter Julia Azevedo was shot in the back while traveling with her father in Rio de Janeiro in November 2025. A bullet penetrated the car and missed her spinal cord by only one millimetre, leaving her unharmed aside from a brief hospitalization and a short period in a wheelchair. Azevedo thanked medical staff and supporters on social media, noting she received excellent care and will recover fully.

After the incident she signed with KHG KNRC, a women's team competing in Hungary’s top‑level NB I. The 29‑year‑old brings experience from collegiate play in the United States and professional stints in Cyprus, Finland and Spain, and is expected to strengthen the club’s attack despite a brief recovery pause.

The story highlights the athlete’s narrow escape from a potentially fatal injury and her swift return to elite volleyball.