Greek international Athina Giannopoulou is set to return to Greek champions NO Vouliagmeni after just one season with Spanish powerhouse CN Sabadell, Waterpolo360 understands.
While no official announcement has yet been made by either club, the move is very likely, and represents a major coup for Vouliagmeni ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Giannopoulou joined Sabadell last summer following a standout campaign that saw her help Vouliagmeni end Olympiacos’ domestic dominance and capture the Greek championship. She arrived in Catalonia as one of Europe’s most sought-after players and a reigning World Cup gold medallist with Greece.
Despite Sabadell assembling one of the most talented squads in Europe, the season never quite clicked into place. The Spanish giants failed to reached the Champions League Final Four and fell short of expectations in a campaign where the team often struggled to find consistency and cohesion.
Giannopoulou’s reputation, however, remains untouched.
Still only 24, the Athens-born attacker is widely regarded as one of the finest right-sided players in the women’s game. A right-handed wing blessed with exceptional speed, movement and finishing ability, she offers a rare combination of tactical intelligence and relentless work rate. Whether attacking from the wing, driving through the middle or contributing defensively, Giannopoulou has become one of the most complete perimeter players in international water polo.
Her return provides a huge boost for a Vouliagmeni side eager to build on its recent domestic success and challenge once again for major European honours.
On the international stage, Giannopoulou has established herself as a key figure for Greece’s golden generation. She represented her country at the Paris Olympics and was part of the Greek teams that captured both the 2025 World Cup and 2025 World Championship titles, helping cement Greece’s position among the world’s elite.
For Vouliagmeni, bringing back one of the nation’s premier talents sends a clear message. The club intends to remain at the summit of Greek water polo and continue closing the gap on Europe’s biggest powers.
And with Athina Giannopoulou returning home, they have secured one of the continent’s most influential players to lead that charge.
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