Dani Ballart, one of Spain’s water polo legends, brings a wealth of experience to this year’s Total Player Award jury. Currently the head coach of CN Mataro, one of Europe’s top women’s water polo teams, Ballart has made a significant mark both as a player and coach.
A key figure in Spain’s “golden generation,” he won Olympic gold in 1996 and silver in 1992, proudly representing his hometown of Barcelona. His illustrious Olympic career spanned four Games, including a fourth-place finish in 2000 and a sixth-place finish in Athens in 2004.
Since transitioning to coaching, Ballart has guided the Sant Andreu men’s team, the Sabadell women’s team, and served as Sabadell’s sports director after retiring as a player in 2011. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation of talent at CN Mataro.
Goalkeeper: Martina Terre (Spain)
Central defender: Maggie Steffens (USA)
Centre forward: Tilly Kearns (Australia)
Right side 1: Simone van de Kraats (Netherlands)
Right side 2: Bea Ortiz (Spain)
Left side 1: Rita Kezsthelyi (Hungary) – MVP
Left side 2: Elena Ruiz (Spain)
This year, jurors need to select the best player for each position. From that team, they must choose the one who stood out the most.
Players selected for the team receive 3 points, and the best player earns an additional 5 points.
Check out how did the other jurors voted – Total Player Award 2024
