Filip Filipović, widely regarded as one of the greatest water polo players of all time, has made a surprising return to the sport, signing with Al Qadsia in Kuwait. The 37-year-old, who seemed to have concluded his legendary career after the Final Four in Malta, will now bring his immense talent and experience to the Kuwaiti national league.
After a storied career that included stints with powerhouse clubs such as Olympiacos and Novi Beograd, as well as four Olympic medals (including gold in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), Filipović’s announcement has sent ripples through the water polo world.
A Bold Move to Elevate Kuwaiti Water Polo
Al Qadsia’s decision to sign Filipović reflects their ambition to dominate both senior and youth water polo in Kuwait. Milan Tričković, a former standout player for Bečej and currently a youth coach at Al Qadsia, shared insights into the decision:
“The Kuwaiti league consists of four teams. While the club Kuwait has been dominant in senior competitions, Al Qadsia excels in youth categories. The management decided to bring Filipović on board to take a shot at winning all the titles this season,” Tričković explained.
The Kuwaiti league operates on a condensed schedule, with games played over the course of a week. Each team faces off twice, with matches held at the Kuwait pool. Alongside Al Qadsia and Kuwait, the competition includes Al Kazma and Al Arabi, though the latter two clubs do not employ foreign players.
A Legend Returns
Filipović’s decision to come out of retirement to join a lesser-known water polo league underscores his passion for the game and his willingness to embrace new challenges. His presence is expected to draw significant attention to the league and inspire the next generation of Kuwaiti players.
Throughout his career, Filipović has amassed an unparalleled résumé. With 35 medals, over 677 goals, and appearances in more than 381 international matches, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. His achievements include multiple Olympic and World Championship titles, as well as European crowns.
Filipović’s accolades speak for themselves: MVP of the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, World Championship MVP in 2011, and FINA’s “World Player of the Year” on four occasions (2009, 2011, 2014, and 2021).
Looking Ahead
The Kuwaiti water polo season is set to kick off on December 8, pending a final league meeting this Sunday. Filipović’s involvement promises to elevate the level of play and bring invaluable attention to water polo in the region.
For fans of the sport, seeing a legend like Filipović return to the pool—even in an unexpected setting—offers a reminder of his enduring influence and love for water polo. The eyes of the water polo community will surely be on Kuwait as the league begins its season.