On Saturday evening, just hours after helping Racing Club de Strasbourg to a 3-1 win over AS Saint-Étienne at the Stade de la Meinau, Serbian international football goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was spotted pitch-side at a different kind of arena: the Kibitzenau pool.
Petrovic, who transferred from Chelsea FC to Strasbourg last summer, made a surprise appearance to support Team Strasbourg in their French Championship semi-final clash against Pays d’Aix, which the Alsatian side won 14-11 in front of a passionate home crowd. It was the goalkeeper’s first-ever live water polo match at the iconic Kibitzenau—but not his first exposure to the sport.
A Water Polo Heritage
“Of course I know water polo,” Petrovic told Team Strasbourg’s website after the match. “In Serbia, it’s one of the most popular sports—we’ve won so many titles, and every time there’s a big competition like the Olympics or the World Championships, I’m watching the Serbian team.”
That comes as no surprise. Serbia is a water polo powerhouse: Olympic champions in 2016 and 2020, and winners of multiple European and World titles. Growing up in Požarevac, a city nestled on the Danube River, Petrovic would have been immersed in Serbia’s deep aquatic culture. While his career ultimately led him to football—where he now stands out as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Ligue 1—his appreciation for water polo clearly remains strong.
A Local Connection
Petrovic’s visit to the pool wasn’t just a casual outing—it was personal. Since arriving in Strasbourg, he has grown close to several of Team Strasbourg’s Serbian contingent, including Saša Mišić, Vlado Popadić, Martin Gadasevic, and Marko “Pele” Petkovic.
“When I arrived in Strasbourg, I met Saša quite quickly, and we became friends. Now I also know Vlado, Martin, and Pele very well,” he explained. “They’ve come to support me at the stadium several times, so I really wanted to return the favor.”
He couldn’t have picked a better occasion. The semi-final was intense, emotional, and electric, with Team Strasbourg edging Pays d’Aix in a high-scoring battle to advance toward what will likely be a final against French juggernauts CN Marseille.
Goalkeeper to Goalkeeper
As a fellow shot-stopper, Petrovic was naturally drawn to Team Strasbourg captain and French national team goalkeeper Hugo Fontani.
“I’d heard he was a great goalkeeper,” Petrovic said. “Watching him tonight confirmed it. As goalkeepers, we always observe each other closely. Even though it’s a different sport, the way he reads the game, commands his defence, and makes split-second reactions—it’s impressive.”
Petrovic also highlighted the unique challenges water polo goalkeepers face: “From the stands, it looks like any shot can go in! The speed of the game, the splashing water, the bodies in the way—it’s not easy. Like in football, the goalkeeper needs good defenders to block angles, and tonight the team defended really well together.”
Strasbourg United: Football and Water Polo
When asked if he’d return for the final should Strasbourg qualify, Petrovic didn’t hesitate: “Of course! If our schedule allows it, I’ll be here to cheer them on.”
His admiration for Strasbourg—both the city and its sporting culture—is clear. “It’s a great place to live. My family and I have felt really welcomed, especially by other Serbian-speaking families like Saša’s. The city has a great spirit, and the fans are passionate, whether it’s at the stadium or here at the pool.”
With both Racing Club de Strasbourg and Team Strasbourg enjoying successful seasons, Petrovic was enthusiastic about the potential for both clubs to reach European competition next year. “Having both teams in the Champions League would be amazing—not just for the clubs, but for the whole city. It would be a big statement for Strasbourg.”
Footballers vs. Water Polo Players?
Before leaving, Petrovic was asked the ultimate question: who would win in a friendly showdown—his football teammates or Saša Mišić’s water polo squad?
“(Laughs) No doubt, they’d win! Water polo is such a tough sport, and just swimming laps would be hard enough for some of our players… I respect what they do so much.”
Djordje Petrovic: From Požarevac to Premier Leagues
A bit more on the man behind the gloves: Djordje Petrovic, 24, began his career at Čukarički in Serbia, where he made his professional debut before moving to New England Revolution in the MLS. His stellar performances earned him a transfer to Chelsea FC in 2023. After a season in London, he joined Racing Club de Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo ownership group, which also owns Chelsea. Since his arrival in Alsace, he has been one of Ligue 1’s standout performers between the posts.
With international caps for Serbia and a rising reputation in European football, Petrovic’s star continues to rise—but he remains grounded and connected to his roots, never forgetting his country’s love for water polo.
This interview was originally published by Team Strasbourg. You can read the original article here.
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