Ugo Crousillat has announced that he will step away from the French national team for this winter’s European campaign, citing the need for mental recovery after nearly 20 years at international level.
In a heartfelt message shared publicly, the Marseille-born centre-forward explained that while his body remained physically ready, he had reached a point of mental saturation. Upon arriving in Paris to join the squad, Crousillat said he quickly realised he was not in the right mental state to fulfil his role within the group, including his responsibilities as captain.
“My body was responding, but my head wasn’t. I wasn’t in a position to be the teammate and captain the team needs,” he wrote, adding that forcing the situation would not have been beneficial either for himself or for the team.
Crousillat described wearing the French cap as “an immense honour, a source of pride, and a privilege,” but also acknowledged the exceptional level of commitment required over many years — long periods away from home, constant transitions between projects, and the daily sacrifices demanded at the highest level of international sport.
The decision was taken in agreement with the national team staff, whom he thanked for their understanding. Crucially, Crousillat made clear that this is a pause rather than a farewell, stressing that his story with the French national team is not over and that he hopes to return with renewed energy and availability.
During the European Championships, he will follow Les Bleus as a supporter rather than a player.
A career spanning nations, leagues, and titles
Born in Marseille, Crousillat (35) comes from a strong water polo lineage. His father, Marc Crousillat, and his uncle, Michel Crousillat, both represented France at the Olympic Games, competing in Seoul 1988.
Crousillat has enjoyed a distinguished club and international career. He has represented France at multiple major tournaments, including the 2016 and 2024 Olympic Games.
Between 2013 and 2014, Crousillat was naturalised and represented Montenegro, a period that included one of the highlights of his career: a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona, where he scored in the final against Hungary. He also competed in the Adriatic League with VK Budva, winning the Montenegrin championship and finishing as one of the league’s top scorers.
At club level, Crousillat has played across Europe, including stints in Hungary with Szolnok, where he won both the Hungarian championship and the Champions League in 2017, as well as in France with Pays d’Aix Natation. He currently plays for Marseille, with whom he has won multiple French championships, most recently in 2025.
European Championships 2026 Homepage
Visit the WP360 Shop!
Follow Waterpolo 360 on Facebook, Instagram and X