Serbian legend reflects on his roots, retirement, and a new chapter with Radnički
Andrija Prlainović, one of the most decorated players in water polo history, has opened up about his journey, his decision to represent Serbia, and the next step in his storied career — joining Radnički Kragujevac for the 2025–26 season.
Speaking on the Swim and Talk podcast, the Olympic and world champion reflected on his beginnings and the early choices that shaped his career.
“At first I decided to play for Serbia, and then I came to Partizan, which offered me excellent conditions,” Prlainović said. “As a family, we are ethnically Serbs — my mother is from Belgrade and came to Herceg Novi in 1986. I immediately got a chance at the European Championships in 2006, with full support from coach Dejan Udovičić and the Federation.”
The 38-year-old, who retired from international duty after the Tokyo 2021 Olympics with another gold medal around his neck, says the decision to step back from the national team came at the perfect time.
“I was ready. I was tired of travelling, hotels, and being away from my family,” he admitted. “Packing for another camp just didn’t appeal to me anymore. My kids were five and seven then — I wanted to be with them. From 2005 onwards, I’d been through 16 straight years of training camps and tournaments. I told myself, ‘enough’, and I’ve never regretted it.”
“Family support can be a double-edged sword”
Prlainović also shared a candid reflection on the role of family in sport — one he knows both as a father and as a son of a former water polo player.
“Family is very important, but pushing can be a double-edged sword,” he said. “My mother took me to training and waited for me, and my father, who played himself, brought me to my first session in Herceg Novi. But after that, he rarely interfered. He never told me I had to be a water polo player — he gave me freedom to choose. I fell in love with the sport because I wanted to, not because anyone pushed me. I’m grateful for that.”
From Herceg Novi to the world
Born in Dubrovnik and raised in Herceg Novi, Prlainović made his senior debut for Jadran as a teenager, before moving to Partizan Belgrade in 2006 — the club that shaped his professional and personal identity. With Partizan, he won multiple national titles and lifted the 2011 Champions League trophy, beginning a career that would make him one of the sport’s true greats.
Over the years, he went on to win the Champions League with four different clubs — Partizan, Crvena Zvezda, Pro Recco, and Szolnok — an unmatched achievement in water polo history.
A new challenge in Kragujevac
Now, after four seasons with Marseille, Prlainović begins a new chapter with Radnički Kragujevac, a club that continues to build on its rich tradition of developing Serbian talent.
His impact was immediate — helping Radnički secure a dramatic win over Hungarian vice-champions Vasas in the opening round of the 2026 Champions League.
“It feels right to be back in Serbia, playing in front of home fans again,” Prlainović said after the match. “Radnički has great ambition, a strong coaching setup, and a mix of experienced and young players. I want to help them reach the next level.”
Legacy of a champion
Prlainović’s national team career speaks for itself: four Olympic medals (including two golds), multiple world and European titles, and over 500 goals for Serbia. Yet for him, legacy is about more than medals.
“I’ll always remember that first gold with Partizan’s generation of ’85 — beating Bečej in the final and scoring my first goal. My uncle recorded it on VHS,” he smiled. “That was the start of everything.”
Now, nearly two decades later, Andrija Prlainović continues to inspire — not just through his achievements, but through his humility, perspective, and enduring love for the game.