APOEL has completed the most significant signing in its water polo history, confirming the acquisition of Hungarian legend Dénes Varga for the upcoming season.
The transfer represents a major coup not only for the Cypriot club but for the sport in the region, marking an ambitious step forward in APOEL’s development and international profile.
At 38, Varga remains one of the most decorated and influential players in the modern history of water polo. Over a professional career spanning two decades, he has earned virtually every major honour in the sport, including three Champions League titles (2015, 2019, 2024), an Olympic gold medal (2008), Olympic bronze (2020), and two World Championship golds (2013, 2023). He was named the FINA World Player of the Year in 2019 and was awarded LEN’s European Player of the Year three times (2012, 2019, 2023).
In a statement, APOEL described the signing as “the greatest transfer in the history of Panhellenic water polo,” adding that Varga’s arrival “marks a new era for aquatics in Cyprus.” The club emphasized that the Hungarian international is not only expected to perform in the pool, but also to serve as a mentor and role model, helping to raise the overall standard of Cypriot water polo.
Known as the “Mozart of water polo” for his technical brilliance, vision, and creativity, Varga has represented a number of Europe’s top clubs during his career, including Újpest, Vasas, Primorje Rijeka, Szolnok, and Ferencváros. Most recently, he came out of retirement to compete in the USA National League with the Los Angeles Athletic Club, demonstrating that he still possesses the drive and quality to compete at a high level.
Varga’s move to APOEL signals a clear shift in ambition for the club, which has been working to elevate its profile both domestically and internationally. His presence is expected to draw increased media attention, inspire a new generation of Cypriot players, and attract further investment into the sport.
While questions remain about how his veteran presence will translate on a new stage, there is no doubt about the scale of the acquisition. For APOEL, this is not just a high-profile signing—it is a statement of intent.
Varga is expected to join pre-season training in Nicosia later this summer.
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