Spanish standout Robert López Duart is reportedly in talks to join Club Natació Sant Andreu, potentially marking a return to his native Barcelona after a breakout stint in U.S. collegiate water polo.
From Barcelona to the NCAA
López Duart, a 2004-born graduate of IES CAR Sant Cugat, developed at CN Barcelona, winning national youth titles and reaching the LEN Euro Cup semifinals. He has represented Spain from U15 to U20 level, earning bronze at the 2022 Youth World Championships and silver at the U19 Euros.
U.S. success
In 2023, he starred for Long Beach State, scoring 87 goals and earning ACWPC All-America Second Team honors, Big West Freshman of the Year, and a place on the Cutino Award Watch List. He set a school record with eight goals in a win over Stanford.
After transferring to USC in 2024, López Duart quickly made his mark. He scored nine goals in his first four games, earned MPSF Newcomer of the Week, and netted five goals — including the winner — against Stanford. By September 2024, he was USC’s top scorer.
Recent form and return rumours
This spring, López Duart competed for LAAC at the 2025 USA Water Polo Senior Nationals, showing strong form during the collegiate off-season. Reports now suggest he could return to Spain to join CN Sant Andreu for the 2025/26 season — a move that would bring him closer to home and keep him on the radar of Spain’s senior national team.
No deal has been confirmed, but the transfer would be a major addition for Sant Andreu and a logical next step for one of Spain’s brightest young talents.
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