Butterfly Players Worldwide introduce Butterfly players who are making an impact around the world.
This time, we feature Leonardo Iizuka from Brazil.

Profile of Leonardo Iizuka

　 　 　

Place of origin	Brazil
Playing Style	Right Hand, Shakehand, Attacking
Date of Birth	7 April 2006
Achievements	2025 Pan American Championships Men’s Doubles Champion 2025 Pan American Youth Championships U19 Boys’ Singles Champion 2024 ITTF World Youth Championships U19 Boys’ Singles 3rd
Equipment	Blade: Fan Zhendong ALC Forehand Rubber: Dignics 09C Backhand Rubber: Dignics 09C

Explore Leonardo Iizuka Q&A

Q1. How did you start playing table tennis?

My father played table tennis as a hobby, and when I was four years old, he took me to a club. That was the first time I picked up a racket.

Q2. What’s your nickname?

People usually call me “Leo.”

Q3. Who is your favorite table tennis player?

I really look up to Hugo Calderano from Brazil.

Q4. What do you focus on in your daily practice?

I always try to enjoy table tennis. For me, passion is essential to keep doing what I love most.

Q5. What kind of play are you best at?

I’m an attacking player, so I always try to stay on the offensive. I like to take the initiative and put pressure on my opponents from the start.

Q6. What do you do when you’re behind in a match?

I focus on finding solutions and avoid getting caught up in negative thoughts. Of course, those thoughts sometimes come to mind, but I try to move past them quickly and focus on figuring out how to turn the match around.

Q7. What’s the match you remember the most?

The one that stands out the most is my quarterfinal win in the U19 Boys’ Singles at the 2024 World Youth Championships, where I beat Bertelsmeier (Germany) 4–2 and won my first-ever medal at the World Youth Championships.

Q8. What are your hobbies?

I love watching dramas, cooking, taking photos, and I’m also a big fan of cars.

Q9. What kind of music do you like?

I often listen to “Hey Hello” by Peder Elias and Cha Eun Woo. My favorite artist is Jung Kook from BTS.

Q10. What’s your favorite food?

I love raw fish.

Q11. What’s your favorite place in Brazil?

My hometown, São Paulo, is my favorite place.

Q12. What’s your favorite country outside Brazil?

Right now, I really like Singapore, though there are still many countries I’d love to visit.

Q13. What equipment do you currently use, and why did you choose it?

I use the Fan Zhendong ALC blade with Dignics 09C on both sides. This setup gives me the power I need while still offering great control, making it a perfect combination for matches.
Dignics 09C helps me control my serves and receives easily, and I love how it allows the ball to curve nicely, it just feels great to play with.

Q14. How has becoming a Butterfly Advisory Staff changed things for you?

Since I’ve always used Butterfly equipment, nothing has changed in that regard. But having a sponsor that believes in me and always supports me gives me the strength to keep doing my best.

Q15. What’s your short-term goal?

My goal for next year is to become the Pan American Champion and break into the world’s top 50.

Q16. What’s your ultimate goal as a table tennis player?

To win a medal at the Olympic Games.

Q17. Do you have a message for your fans?

I just want to say a huge thank-you to everyone for all your support!