The 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore concluded with a truly historic final day, as Felipe Perrone capped off his legendary career by guiding Spain to a dramatic 15–13 victory over Hungary in the gold medal match. The five-time Olympian, playing in his 14th and final World Championships, scored Spain’s decisive 15th goal in the final seconds before receiving a standing ovation from teammates and fans alike. His leadership, alongside the brilliance of Alvaro Granados and Bernat Sanahuja, secured Spain’s fourth world crown, joining Hungary and Italy as four-time winners.

This year also marked a milestone in water polo history, with three nations—Spain, Greece, and Hungary—each taking home two medals. Greece completed a historic double, winning women’s gold and men’s silver for the first time, while Spain added a women’s bronze to their men’s title. Hungary settled for two silvers.

In the bronze medal match, Greece dominated Serbia 16–7, continuing their upward trajectory on the global stage and adding a fifth World Championship medal to their collection. Croatia took fifth place with a commanding 19–13 win over Montenegro, repeating their group-stage success, while Italy edged out Team USA 9–8 to finish seventh.

What will be remembered most, however, is the moment Felipe Perrone left the pool for the final time—applauded by his teammates and celebrated as one of the sport’s greatest ever..

Spain 15 – 13 Hungary

Spain claimed their fourth world title in front of a packed house in Singapore, overcoming a spirited Hungarian side in an epic final. Led by the brilliance of Felipe Perrone, Alvaro Granados, and Bernat Sanahuja, Spain bounced back from a third-period deficit to seize the title with a dominant final quarter.

The match exploded into life from the first whistle, with Sanahuja netting Spain’s first three goals and Granados adding two more. Hungary responded through Angyal, Fekete, Vamos, and the Vigvari brothers, matching Spain blow for blow in a thrilling 5–5 opening period.

Spain edged the second quarter 2–1, thanks to goals from Sanahuja and Munarriz, taking a narrow 7–6 lead into halftime. But Hungary surged in the third period, with Burian and Vince Vigvari inspiring a 4–2 run to move 10–9 ahead.

Spain saved their best for last. Granados struck again, Sanahuja added another before being red-carded, and Unai Biel and Perrone delivered clutch goals to secure the win. Perrone’s late goal—his final at a World Championships—sealed a fitting end to his legendary career.

Spain’s class and composure in the final moments proved decisive, capping a brilliant tournament with gold, while Hungary took home silver for the second straight year.

Greece 16 – 7 Serbia

Greece secured a decisive bronze medal victory over Serbia, avenging past defeats in both the 2017 World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics. After an evenly matched first quarter ending 2:2, Greece dominated the second period, scoring six unanswered goals to lead 8:2 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Greece extended their lead to an insurmountable 10:2. Despite Serbia breaking their scoring drought, they couldn’t reduce the deficit significantly. Greece’s attack remained relentless, eventually stretching the margin to double digits.

Greece’s Kalogeropoulos and Pouros each scored three goals, while Martinovic netted four for Serbia. Greece’s shooting accuracy (42%) and fewer turnovers (4 vs Serbia’s 11) were critical factors in their emphatic 16:7 victory, securing their fifth World Championship medal.

Montenegro 13 – 19 Croatia

Montenegro looked for redemption after an earlier group-stage loss to Croatia but ultimately fell short. Despite a promising start and a halftime lead of 6-5, Montenegro unraveled in the third period as Croatia scored five unanswered goals, turning an 8-8 tie into a decisive 13-8 lead.

Croatia’s Marko Zuvela (5 goals), Luka Bukic (4 goals), and Konstantin Kharkov (3 goals) were standout performers. Montenegro’s Gardasevic led his team with 3 goals. Croatia demonstrated superior efficiency in extra-player situations, converting 8 of 13 opportunities, while Montenegro struggled defensively, particularly in the crucial third quarter.

Ultimately, Croatia solidified their dominance over Montenegro, finishing fifth in convincing fashion.

Italy 9 – 8 United States

Italy edged past Team USA to claim 7th place in a tightly contested match. The Americans took early leads of 1:0 and 2:1, but Italy quickly responded, tying the first period at 3:3. Filippo Ferrero netted two quick goals in the second, pushing Italy ahead 5:3, though Chase Dodd cut the gap to 5:4 before halftime.

The second half saw continuous exchanges, with Italy maintaining narrow leads. They twice established a two-goal margin (6:4, 7:5), but each time Team USA responded strongly in extra-player situations. Heading into the final quarter, Italy held a slender advantage.

Edoardo Di Somma’s penalty and Giacomo Cannella’s powerplay goal kept Italy ahead in the fourth. Despite late pressure and Ryder Dodd’s immediate response, the USA couldn’t capitalize on a late two-man advantage. Crucially, Giacomo Nicosia saved Max Irving’s close-range attempt, and a subsequent block on Daube’s final shot secured Italy’s victory. The USA’s extra-player efficiency ultimately fell below 50% (6/13), while Italy improved theirs late in the match (2/6), clinching seventh place.

Final Placings:

1. Spain
2. Hungary
3. Greece
4. Serbia
5. Croatia
6. Montenegro
7. Italy
8. United States of America
9. Japan
10. Romania
11. Canada
12. Brazil
13. Australia
14. China
15. Singapore
16. South Africa

See Waterpolo 360’s Singapore 2025  World Championship Page

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