The exodus from Pro Recco continues, with yet another key player making his departure. Gergo Zalanki, who earned the title of the world’s best water polo player in 2023, has left the Italian club after an immensely successful three-year stint. Zalanki’s exit comes shortly after Konstantinos Kakaris left for Greece’s Olympiacos, following in the footsteps of other prominent players.
Pro Recco’s financial instability, triggered by the sudden withdrawal of its largest financial backer in June, has led to a string of player departures. Zalanki, now 29, will bring his impressive skills to Olympiacos, filling the position left by fellow Hungarian Marton Vamos, who returned to FTC-Telekom.
Zalanki’s career has been marked by success at every stage. He began in Hungary with Eger, where he won both a national championship and a cup. His next move to Szolnok added more accolades to his resume, including a league title and Super Cup. During his time with Ferencvaros, Zalanki reached the Champions League final and secured multiple domestic and international trophies, proving his ability to shine on the biggest stages. He also had a brief stint with OSC-Újbuda in the 2016-17 season.
His time at Pro Recco was nothing short of spectacular. Zalanki played a pivotal role in the club’s back-to-back LEN Champions League victories in 2021 and 2022, along with three consecutive LEN Super Cups, three Italian Championships, and two Italian Cups. His international achievements include winning gold with Hungary at the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships and the 2020 European Championships in Budapest, as well as silver at the 2017 World Championships and the 2022 Europeans. At the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, he added a bronze medal to his collection, and at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics, Hungary finished in fourth place.
Excited about his new journey with Olympiacos, Zalanki expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to join Olympiacos! I’ve heard great things about the team, and I can’t wait to start playing in Greece. The country is beautiful, and I’m eager to win as many titles as possible with this historic club.”
Zalanki’s departure from Pro Recco is the latest in a string of high-profile exits, with Kakaris, Ivovic, and Granados all moving on in recent days. The loss of such key players raises questions about the club’s future as it navigates through financial difficulties.