Pallanuoto Trieste have confirmed the signing of Brazilian international goalkeeper Joao Pedro Fernandes ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 26-year-old joins from Vasas and has signed a two-year contract with the Italian club, bringing extensive experience from several of Europe’s leading domestic competitions. The move will see him play in Serie A1 for the first time after previous spells in Spain, Serbia and Hungary.
Joao Pedro began his European career with Barceloneta, where he developed into a senior-level goalkeeper and won domestic honours in Spain. He moved to Novi Beograd in 2021 before later representing Partizan, OSC Budapest and Vasas.
During his time with Novi Beograd, the Brazilian won the Serbian championship and appeared in consecutive Champions League finals in 2022 and 2023. Both finals ended in defeat against Pro Recco, but established Joao Pedro as a goalkeeper capable of competing at the highest level in European club water polo.
Internationally, Joao Pedro has represented Brazil at youth and senior level. He competed at the World Championships in 2019 and 2025 and was part of the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup Division II tournament in Malta.
Joao Pedro said Trieste’s structure and the opportunity to work under head coach Willy Molina were important factors in his decision. He added that the team’s objective would be to make progress in every competition during the coming season.
Molina described his new goalkeeper as a talented player with significant experience at major European clubs, while general manager Andrea Brazzatti praised his work ethic and commitment to the project.
The signing ends Joao Pedro’s one-season stay with Vasas and provides Trieste with an experienced new first-choice option as the club prepares to compete domestically and in Europe.
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