Water polo is one of the oldest and most traditional sports in existence, known for requiring skill, endurance and a lot of strategy. Practiced by both men and women, the sport has revealed great talents who stand out in national and international competitions.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to highlight these athletes and have come up with a list of the 20 best water polo athletes in the world today! Today, the sport has elite athletes who not only shine in their national teams, but also influence the next generation of players around the world.
So check out the 20 best water polo athletes in the world today!
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Top 20 water polo athletes in the world today: complete list
- Filip Filipović (Serbia)
- Maggie Steffens (United States)
- Dénes Varga (Hungary)
- Ashleigh Johnson (United States)
- Andrija Prlainović (Serbia)
- Melissa Seidemann (United States)
- Petar Muslim (Croatia)
- Anni Espar (Spain)
- Aleksandar Ivović (Montenegro)
- Kiley Neushul (United States)
- Francesco Di Fulvio (Italy)
- Maica García (Spain)
- Viktor Nagy (Hungary)
- Stefania Haralabidis (Greece/United States)
- Marton Vamos (Hungary)
- Madeline Musselman (United States)
- Aaron Younger (Australia)
- Rachel Fattal (United States)
- Nikola Jakšić (Serbia)
- Beatriz Ortiz (Spain)
Top 20 water polo athletes in the world today: find out more about them
1. Filip Filipović (Serbia)
Titles: Filipović is considered one of the greatest players in the history of water polo. He has won three Olympic medals, including gold in 2016 and 2021, as well as numerous titles at European and world championships.
Accolades: He is recognized for his ability to score goals and is one of the greatest scorers in the history of water polo.
Teams: Filipović played for clubs such as Pro Recco (Italy) and Szolnoki Vízilabda (Hungary), where he won several leagues and championships.
Life story: Filipović started water polo as a child, inspired by his country’s sport. He is known for his strong leadership spirit and the fact that he often decides games in the last seconds.
2. Maggie Steffens (United States)
Titles: Steffens is one of the most admired players in women’s water polo, with three Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, 2021) and several victories at FINA World Championships.
Accolades: She is the top scorer in a single Olympic edition and one of the greatest of all time in international competitions.
Teams: Steffens has played for several clubs in Spain and the United States, always standing out as one of the top players.
Life story: Maggie comes from a family of athletes, and her brother also plays water polo. She is known for her intelligence in the game and her leadership skills in the pool.
3. Dénes Varga (Hungary)
Titles: Varga is one of Hungary’s leading players, having won the Olympic gold medal in 2008, as well as numerous European and world titles.
Accolades: He is known for his versatility and for being one of the most complete players today, with great ability in defense and attack.
Teams: He has played for clubs such as Ferencváros and Szolnok, where he has won national leagues and LEN Champions League titles.
Life story: Dénes is the brother of Dániel Varga, another big name in water polo. He is admired for his calmness under pressure and his ability to make quick decisions.
4. Ashleigh Johnson (United States)
Titles: Johnson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having helped the United States win Olympic gold in 2016 and 2021.
Accolades: First African-American woman to represent the United States in Olympic water polo and win a gold medal.
Teams: As well as playing for the American national team, Johnson competed for clubs in Europe and the United States.
Life story: Johnson has broken racial barriers in sport and is an icon for her ability to block the most difficult attacks. She is seen as an inspiration to young athletes, especially African-American women.
5. Andrija Prlainović (Serbia)
Titles: Prlainović is one of Serbia’s most renowned players, with four Olympic medals (gold in 2016 and 2021) and several European and world titles.
Accolades: He is one of the Serbian national team’s top scorers, known for his accurate shooting and strategic play.
Teams: He has played for clubs such as Pro Recco (Italy) and Szolnok (Hungary), winning several national and continental championships.
Life story: Prlainović is admired for his consistency and ability to lead his team at crucial moments. In addition to his undeniable talent, he is a player who is highly respected for his sporting ethics and conduct.
6. Melissa Seidemann (United States)
Titles: Seidemann has three Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016, 2021) and several world and Pan American titles.
Accolades: She is one of the main defenders on the American team, known for her physical strength and intelligence.
Teams: In addition to the national team, she has played for clubs in the USA and Europe, always standing out for her performance.
Life story: Melissa began playing water polo through the influence of her family, and is known for her discipline and dedication to the sport. Her role as a defender is vital to her team’s success.
7. Petar Muslim (Croatia)
Titles: Muslim is one of Croatia’s most outstanding players, having won the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and several European titles.
Accolades: Recognized for his ability to score goals at decisive moments and for his physical presence on the pitch.
Teams: He played for clubs such as Jadran Split and Pro Recco, where he won several titles.
Life story: Petar is known for his competitive spirit and his ability to change the course of a match with his experience and technique.
8. Anni Espar (Spain)
Titles: Espar is one of the stars of women’s water polo, with an Olympic silver medal (2012) and several European and world titles.
Accolades: She is known for her ability to set up play and score decisive goals, making her one of the most complete players today.
Teams: She has played for clubs in Spain and the United States, excelling in every league she has played in.
Life story: Anni comes from a family of athletes and started playing water polo at a very young age. She is recognized for her vision of the game and tactical intelligence.
9. Aleksandar Ivović (Montenegro)
Titles: Ivović is one of Montenegro’s biggest water polo stars, with several medals at European and world championships.
Accolades: Known for his versatility, he is one of the few players capable of playing in several positions with equal effectiveness.
Teams: He played for clubs such as Pro Recco (Italy) and Jadran Herceg Novi (Montenegro), where he won several titles.
Life story: Aleksandar is admired for his leadership and for being a role model in and out of the pools, motivating his teammates and being a true captain in his team.
10. Kiley Neushul (United States)
Titles: Neushul has two Olympic gold medals (2016, 2021) and several world titles.
Accolades: She is one of the main players on the American team, known for her decision-making and ability to score goals at critical moments.
Teams: She has played for clubs in the USA and Europe, being a key player in all the competitions she has participated in.
Life story: Kiley is known for her agility and ability to read the game, making her one of the most feared players in international competitions.
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11. Francesco Di Fulvio (Italy)
Titles: Di Fulvio is one of Italy’s leading players, with an Olympic bronze medal (2016) and several European titles.
Accolades: Renowned for his attacking ability and accuracy in shooting, he is one of the Italian national team’s top scorers.
Teams: He played for clubs such as Pro Recco and CN Posillipo, where he won several national and international championships.
Life story: Francesco is admired for his dedication to the sport from an early age and for his ability to decide important games with his refined technique.
12. Maica García (Spain)
Titles: García is one of Spain’s best players, with an Olympic silver medal (2012) and European titles.
Accolades: Known for her strength and technique, Maica is one of the most difficult players to mark and is also one of her team’s top scorers.
Teams: She has played for clubs in Spain and Greece, always standing out for her performance in major competitions.
Life story: Maica started in the sport at a very young age and is known for her determination and fight in the pools.
13. Viktor Nagy (Hungary)
Titles: Nagy is one of the most iconic goalkeepers in Hungarian water polo, with a world gold medal (2013) and several European titles.
Accolades: Known for his spectacular saves, he is one of the greatest goalkeepers in water polo history.
Teams: He played for clubs such as Szolnoki Vízilabda and FTC-Telekom, where he was a key player in winning several titles.
Life story: Viktor is admired for his ability to save his team at decisive moments and for being one of his team’s natural leaders.
14. Stefania Haralabidis (Greece/United States)
Titles: Haralabidis, who plays for the United States national team, has an Olympic gold medal (2021) and several world titles.
Accolades: She is known for her versatility and ability to score long-range goals, being one of the most unpredictable players on the American team.
Teams: She has played for clubs in Greece and the USA, always being one of the top scorers for her teams.
Life story: Stefania was born in Greece, but chose to represent the United States. She is known for her competitive spirit and for never giving up in a game.
15. Marton Vamos (Hungary)
Titles: Vamos is one of the stars of the Hungarian national team, with European titles and an Olympic silver medal (2021).
Accolades: He is known for his strength in attack and accuracy in long-distance shooting.
Teams: He played for clubs such as Ferencváros and Szolnoki Vízilabda, where he was a standout in several competitions.
Life story: Marton is admired for his determination and ability to decide important games with his powerful shots.
16. Madeline Musselman (United States)
Titles: Musselman is one of the great American players, with two Olympic gold medals (2016, 2021) and several world titles.
Accolades: She is one of the American team’s top scorers, known for her ability to score goals at decisive moments.
Teams: She has played for clubs in the USA and stood out in international competitions for her skill and game intelligence.
Life story: Madeline comes from a family of athletes and is known for her dedication and love of water polo, always standing out for her performance in big games.
17. Aaron Younger (Australia)
Titles: Younger is one of Australia’s leading players, with titles in Asian championships and a prominent place in international competitions.
Accolades: Known for his versatility and ability to play in various positions, he is one of the most complete players of his generation.
Teams: He has played for clubs such as Pro Recco and Ferencváros, where he has won numerous titles.
Life story: Aaron started water polo at a young age and is known for his work ethic and ability to adapt to different styles of play.
18. Rachel Fattal (United States)
Titles: Fattal has two Olympic gold medals (2016, 2021) and several world titles with the US national team.
Accolades: She is one of the team’s main defenders, known for her strength and ability to read the game.
Teams: She has played for clubs in the USA and Europe, always standing out for her defensive performance.
Life story: Rachel is admired for her dedication to the sport and for being one of the most consistent players in international competitions.
19. Nikola Jakšić (Serbia)
Titles: Jakšić is one of the stars of the new generation of Serbian water polo, with two Olympic gold medals (2016, 2021).
Accolades: He is known for his defensive skills and for being one of the main pillars of the Serbian team.
Teams: He played for clubs such as Pro Recco and Partizan, where he won several national and international titles.
Life story: Nikola is admired for his maturity in the game, despite his youth, and for being one of the most promising players of his generation.
20. Beatriz Ortiz (Spain)
Titles: Ortiz is one of the main players in the Spanish national team, with an Olympic silver medal (2012) and several European titles.
Accolades: She is known for her attacking ability and for being one of her team’s top scorers.
Teams: She has played for clubs in Spain, where she has always stood out as one of the top players in national and international competitions.
Life story: Beatriz started water polo at a young age and is recognized for her passion for the sport and for being one of the most dedicated players on her team.
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Top 20 water polo athletes in the world today: complete list
- Filip Filipović (Serbia)
- Maggie Steffens (United States)
- Dénes Varga (Hungary)
- Ashleigh Johnson (United States)
- Andrija Prlainović (Serbia)
- Melissa Seidemann (United States)
- Petar Muslim (Croatia)
- Anni Espar (Spain)
- Aleksandar Ivović (Montenegro)
- Kiley Neushul (United States)
- Francesco Di Fulvio (Italy)
- Maica García (Spain)
- Viktor Nagy (Hungary)
- Stefania Haralabidis (Greece/United States)
- Marton Vamos (Hungary)
- Madeline Musselman (United States)
- Aaron Younger (Australia)
- Rachel Fattal (United States)
- Nikola Jakšić (Serbia)
- Beatriz Ortiz (Spain)
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