Karch Kiraly (who was named 'Greatest Volleyball Player of the Century' by FIVB, the international governing body) is the most recognized recent volleyball player in the world and arguably the best player ever lived.
Kiraly retired his successful career in 2007 as three-time Olympic gold medalist (1984, 1988 indoor champion; 1996 beach volleyball champion).Karch Kiraly is the only player who has won both indoor and beach volleyball Olympic gold medal – and  perhaps will be the only player ever to reach gold medal in both sports.