The head coach of Serbia’s men’s water polo team, Uroš Stevanović, who led Serbia to Olympic gold in Paris this summer, has extended his contract through the next Olympic cycle, which will culminate at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. The announcement came today from the Water Polo Federation of Serbia, confirming Stevanović’s continued leadership.
Stevanović’s contract renewal was widely expected after Serbia’s historic third consecutive Olympic gold. Federation President Viktor Jelenić expressed his confidence in the coach, stating:
“We agreed easily. Uroš did an outstanding job in difficult conditions, working with a team whose potential many doubted. Yet, he delivered a fantastic result, securing Serbia’s third consecutive Olympic gold medal. He expressed a strong desire to continue, and we have full confidence in him as we move forward together.”
Stevanović also shared his thoughts on the extension:
“My desire to continue was never in doubt. Being the head coach is the fulfillment of my greatest ambition, and as the president mentioned, we quickly reached an agreement. Now, we embark on a new Olympic cycle and continue our journey.”
Stevanović took over as head coach in October 2022, following the resignation of his mentor and predecessor, Dejan Savić. Despite a challenging start—finishing fourth at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, seventh at the 2024 European Championships in Zagreb, and sixth at the 2024 World Championships in Doha—Stevanović persevered. His leadership, combined with strategic player selections and the support of sports psychologist Andrija Gerić, helped Serbia achieve a historic victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they triumphed over Croatia 13-11 in the final.
With this new contract, Stevanović is now set to lead Serbia’s water polo team through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, continuing his quest to further elevate the team’s dominance on the world stage.