Marina Markova has established herself as the leading force for VakıfBank Istanbul, completing a brilliant season highlighted by winning the MVP awards for both the Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi and the Turkish Cup. Standing at 2 meters tall with a reach of 3.30 meters, the outside hitter became a central element in her team's success. By balancing power and tactical precision, she consistently helped her club navigate through the highest levels of competitive volleyball.

The intense Istanbul derbies against rival Fenerbahçe Medicana provided the perfect setting for Markova to showcase her reliability under pressure. She frequently surpassed the 30-point mark in these high-stakes matchups, starting with a 30-point performance that secured a tight 3-2 regular-season win. She followed this up with a remarkable 37-point display in another close battle, before scoring an exact 30 points in the decisive third game of the finals to help clinch the league title.
Throughout the competitive Turkish Sultanlar Ligi, her performance metrics remained steady. Wearing the number 16 jersey, she handled a massive portion of the team's offensive plays while maintaining an attacking efficiency close to 50 percent. Her consistency was visible right from her 27-point season opener against Zeren Spor, and she proved just as valuable on defense, regularly contributing 3 to 4 crucial blocks per match against top-tier hitters.
On the European stage, Markova successfully brought that same steady presence to the CEV Champions League, helping VakıfBank complete an undefeated continental run. She performed exceptionally well against strong opponents like Milano, earning multiple Match MVP honors. 
Her ability to score points during critical transition moments secured her a well-deserved spot as one of the best outside hitters on the Champions League Dream Team.
Her season reached its peak during the Final Four weekend in Istanbul, where VakıfBank captured their seventh Champions League crown. After helping her team recover from a 0-2 deficit in a tough semifinal against Imoco Conegliano, Markova delivered a strong performance in the final against Eczacıbaşı Dynavit. 
Scoring 26 points, she teamed up effectively with Tijana Bošković to control the pace of the match and secure the European trophy.
Photos: VakifBank