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One of the most iconic figures in water polo history, two-time Olympic gold medalist Filip Filipovic, has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of this season.
In a revealing interview with the Alesto Podcast, Filipovic, who will celebrate his 37th birthday this May, shared his decision to conclude his extraordinary career in Serbia with Novi Beograd.
With Filipovic having previously contemplated retirement, his tenure with Olympiacos last season was initially thought to be his swan song, especially after Serbia's performance at the Tokyo Olympics. However, Filipovic expressed a desire to conclude his career on a more triumphant note than a fifth-place finish in the Champions League with the Greek team.
"In your own country, at your home, it seems fitting for it to end this way," Filipovic reflected during his conversation with Serbian podcaster Aleksandar Stojanovic. While he expressed a hint of regret for not ending his career with Partizan, his original club where he currently sits on the board of directors, he firmly stated, "This is definitely my 'last dance' in terms of my club career."
Filip Filipovic: A Career Like No Other
Filip Filipovic is undoubtedly one of Serbia's greatest ever athletes and arguably one of the best water polo players the sport has ever seen.Â
His career is adorned with an unparalleled 35 international titles with the Serbian national team, including two Olympic Gold medals (2016 & 2020) and a Bronze from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
A pivotal and unstoppable figure in Serbia's dominance in European Championships, Filipovic contributed to five titles (2006, 2012, 2014, 2016, & 2018), secured two World Championships (2009 & 2015), and achieved an impressive 10 World League victories.
Serbia retains its Olympic Gold medal in Tokyo. Photo: Albert ten Hove/ Orange Pictures.
His club career mirrors the success of his international exploits.
Debuting for Partizan at just 14 years old in 2001, under Dejan Udobovic, Filipovic's journey began with a league and cup double. He further added early success in his career with Partizan by winning the Serbian national championship three additional times between 2006 and 2009.
Filipovic’s talents were internationally recognized in 2009 when he joined Pro Recco, becoming an integral part of one of water polo’s most storied teams. Despite financial difficulties leading to an early departure from Recco in 2012, Filipovic's impact was profound, contributing to three national league victories and two Champions League titles.
Filipovic in Olympiacos colours last season facing Novi Beograd at the Champions League final-8. Photo: Laszlo Balogh/ Total Waterpolo.
A brief stint with Radnicki in Kragujevac upon his return to Serbia saw him lead the team to a Euro Cup title, though his time there was mixed. Filipovic's heart remained in Genoa, with Pro Recco, and his return in 2014 heralded a period of unparalleled success, capturing multiple domestic league and cup doubles and reaffirming his status as one of the sport's greats.
Filipovic then added national titles in Hungary with Szolnok (2020-21) and in Greece with Olympiacos (2021-2023) to his illustrious resume, before making his final return to Serbia with Novi Beograd for what he hopes to be an unforgettable last chapter in a storied career.
