Bellos delighted to be back on court for Euros in Germany

The England pair have put in excellent performances at their previous two Euros competitions, finishing fifth in 2023 in Austria and ninth the Netherlands just under 12 months ago. 

But a knee injury to Javier means the brothers have not taken to the court in tandem since April at the Elite 16 event in Saquarema, Brazil. 

It means that while they go in as number six seeds, they will be hampered by the disadvantage of having no match practice ahead of facing what is a seriously tough level of competition. 

Nevertheless, the siblings are just pleased to be out on the sand in Germany after three months of being unable to compete. 

“The injury related to overuse that is quite common for beach volleyball players, associated with repetitive jumps and sharp changes of direction,” said Javier. 

“It was in Saquarema at the beginning of April when the level of pain would not allow me to continue. The challenge has been to return for this European Championships. 

“I’m not 100%, but far enough along the road to recovery to play. It has been a difficult process and we’re not done yet, but starting to see the other side and excited for the opportunity to play.” 

Joaquin added: “I am very pleased to be back competing with Javier. I have had some really positive experiences while he’s been out injured, mostly playing King of the Court and National Tours with my younger brother and other partners, while Javier was focusing on his recovery. 

“It does make it harder to prepare having not competed for so long, yes, but we have prepared for this event as best as we could, keeping in mind Javier’s need to gradually come back to full jumping and full speed. 

“I feel really good physically and will be ready to support him and lead our team.” 

Javier admits it has been strange to be sidelined for so long, having played so regularly as they began their meteoric risen up the rankings. 

However, he says the down time has given the brothers chance to take stock of their progress. 

“This week marks nine years since we started competing internationally, over 96 tournaments together… It shows how lucky I am to be injured for the first time for this long,” he said. 

“I broke a small bone in my hand in 2022, but that was a lot quicker to recover from. There is never a good time to get injured, but it’s a little better that we have this problem at the beginning of this Olympic cycle. 

“We have to think long-term, and being out for a little while has been helping me develop in different ways, so we try to focus on that. 

“Germany is a really good place to make our return as it is a great host for sports events and a great place to play. 

“The organisation is always impeccable, with fans filling the stadiums to cheer for their teams and that’s something that what we enjoy and look forward to.” 

Pool F has been labelled the Pool of Death by some, given the strength of teams who will join the Bellos. 

Their first opponents, Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wickler, won the Olympic silver medal for Germany in Paris last summer, while the Nerherlands’ Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot have claimed three Elite 16 podium places in 2025 and were part of their nation’s team which finished runners-up to Norway at the recent CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup 2025. 

Talented Swiss pair Yves Haussener and Julian Friedli make up the quartet of teams, but the Bellos concentration for the moment in solely on their first match against the home favourites tomorrow evening. 

Joaquin said: “This year we are seeded much higher than in the previous editions, but with so many great teams competing, we know there will not be any easy games for anyone. 

“Our first match will be against the silver medallists in Paris and home team, so our main focus is on them for now. 

“The rest of the pool, and the whole tournament, is full of experienced teams and, as we always say, everyone knows how to play, so we have to focus on each game and take it step by step.” 

Javier added: “After two great events in 2023 and 2024, this tournament has become really special for us. 

“With my injury, we are just grateful and excited to be here again to play against some of the top teams in the world, with the support of our whole family who have come all the way again to cheer for us.” 

While the Bellos have pushed hard to reach their target of being back for the Euros, their schedule that immediately follows depends on how they fare. 

Another key aim for the rest of the season is to secure a place at the FIVB World Championships 2025 in Australia in November. 

“This is the first big tournament after a few months of not competing and it will depend on how well Javier’s knee responds,” said Joaquin. 

“All being well, we will play next week the Challenge event in Baden (Austria) and then straight to Montreal (Canada) for the Elite16, where we will start from the Main Draw. 

“There will be three more tournaments at this level (one in Germany and two in Brazil) before the qualification period for the World Championships closes, and that is what we will be aiming for.” 

You can watch the brothers progress on EuroVolley TV (subscription only) and also watch out for updates across Volleyball England’s social media channels.