It’s official — CN Barcelona have secured the signature of one of the most exciting prospects in world water polo, Japanese international Taiyo Watanabe, from Pays d’Aix Natation.
The 23-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of the breakout stars of the French Elite Championship, joins the Catalan club ahead of the 2025/26 season. Watanabe’s transfer marks a major statement of intent from Barcelona, who are looking to narrow the gap to the league’s frontrunners and reassert themselves in European competition.
Born in Kyoto, Watanabe began playing water polo at just eight years old. By the age of 17, he had already represented Japan at youth international level, and earned his senior debut at 21. Since then, he has featured prominently in some of the sport’s biggest competitions, including the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, the 2024 Water Polo World Cup, and most recently, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Known for his explosive speed, power, and clinical finishing, Watanabe has been a standout performer this season in France — currently leading the scoring charts for a Pays d’Aix side sitting second in the league. His ability to create space, finish under pressure, and inject tempo into any attack will make him a valuable asset for the Barcelona squad.
In their official announcement, CN Barcelona welcomed Watanabe with open arms, hailing him as “one of the great promises of world water polo” and praising his “talent, intensity, and vision.”
If both moves are finalised, CN Barcelona will be significantly strengthening their roster as they look to improve on this season’s third-place finish in the Liga and compete more aggressively on the continental stage.
For fans of the club, and for lovers of attacking water polo, Watanabe’s arrival signals an exciting new chapter at the Piscines Bernat Picornell.