Both athletes had requested to leave official sports over nonpayment of more than $100,000 earned on international circuits
14ymedio, Andy Lans, Matanzas, 13 August 2026 / In the summer of 2024, they thrilled all of Cuba by reaching the round of 16 in beach volleyball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In the summer of 2026, the Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon presents them as brand-new signings for its indoor volleyball team. On a one-year contract and, as a source confirms to us, completely independent of the Cuban Volleyball Federation. That is, in short, the story of Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo, who seem bound by the same sporting destiny, whether on sand or on a hardwood court.
But what happened between 2024 and 2026? Unlike what happened with other promising Cuban beach volleyball pairs, Díaz and Alayo received greater opportunities to compete abroad. They played on major circuits, made more than one podium finish, reached ninth place at the 2025 Adelaide (Australia) World Championship, and made it into the world ranking’s Top 10. However, Cuba’s state sports apparatus lacked the mechanisms to get them the money earned through their sporting achievements.
According to the Facebook page CubanSp1ke, which specializes in Cuban volleyball, the debt had reached $107,000, and this was reportedly the main reason both athletes had already requested to leave Cuban sports back in February of this year.
“We’re in a new country, and if I had come alone, the emotional side might have weighed more heavily. With Noslen here, it’s easier”
In statements to Sporting Lisbon’s official website, the Villa Clara native and the Artemisa native affirmed a bond forged through spikes, blocks, and digs. Jorge Alayo said: “We’re in a new country, and if I had come alone, the emotional side might have weighed more heavily. With Noslen here, it’s easier.” For his part, Noslen Díaz stated: “We’re still together in this new stage of our lives, and that’s fundamental. Each of us has support to count on.”
Thanks to his finishing ability and skill at blocking, Jorge Alayo, 25 years old and standing over 1.90 meters, will be moved to the opposite hitter position. Meanwhile, Noslen Díaz, 23 years old and 2.07 meters tall, will take on the outside hitter position, aiming to give the team offensive and defensive balance.
“Our program is very attractive both nationally and internationally, and this was an opportunity with two extraordinary, very young beach volleyball players who wanted to make the jump to indoor volleyball”
Joao Fidalgo, coordinator of Sporting’s volleyball program, explained the recent signings: “These signings are somewhat different from the usual ones, and we acknowledge that, but we’re also alert to every possibility the market offers us. Our program is very attractive both nationally and internationally, and this was an opportunity with two extraordinary, very young beach volleyball players who wanted to make the jump to indoor volleyball. When we learned of this, Sporting moved quickly to understand the conditions that would make it possible. We analyzed in detail the type of transition for each of them, and we’re very excited about both of their arrivals. We firmly believe this path will be best for both parties.”
Throughout its history, Sporting Lisbon has established itself as one of Portugal’s most important sports institutions. Its volleyball team is the current national champion, and its soccer and handball teams, to name just a couple of examples, are also of the highest caliber.
Translated by GH
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