Serbian international Luka Gladovic will leave Novi Beograd and continue his career in the United States after agreeing to join UCLA.
Gladovic confirmed that he will move to Los Angeles for four years of study, while stressing that water polo will remain central to his plans. Serbian reports state that the necessary documents have been accepted, completing his move to one of the leading programmes in American college water polo.
The highly rated attacker developed through the Partizan academy, where he began competing at senior level while still in his mid-teens. After establishing himself as one of the brightest players of his generation, he moved to Novi Beograd in 2024 and gained further experience at the highest level of Serbian and European club competition.
Gladovic has also been closely involved with Serbia’s national-team programme. He was selected for the senior squad at the 2024 World Championships in Doha, where Serbia finished sixth, giving him experience at a major international competition at only 18.
His youth international record underlines his potential. Gladovic was named the best player of the 2023 European U17 Championship after helping Serbia claim the silver medal, while he has also won World Championship silver medals at both U18 and U20 level.
He remained part of Serbia’s senior preparations during 2026, although an injury prevented him from appearing at the recent tournament in Budapest. Gladovic has made clear that moving to the United States will not affect his commitment to the national team and that he intends to remain available for future camps and competitions.
At UCLA, Gladovic will join the reigning NCAA champions. The Bruins secured their second consecutive national title in December 2025, defeating USC 11-10 in the final, and have now won 14 NCAA men’s water polo championships. The programme is led by Adam Wright, who has coached UCLA to six men’s national titles.
His departure represents another significant change for a Novi Beograd squad undergoing considerable rebuilding, while UCLA add one of Serbia’s most highly regarded young players to their developing roster.
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