Gergő Zalánki has been recalled to the Hungarian national team set-up, bringing one of the sport’s most influential left-handers back into Zsolt Varga’s plans after a long and highly discussed absence.
The Hungarian Water Polo Federation confirmed on Thursday that 24 players have been invited to the men’s national team’s summer training camp ahead of the World Cup in Sydney. From that group, Varga will eventually select the 15 players who will travel to Australia in July.
Zalánki, currently with Olympiacos, is among the field players named in the preparation squad, marking a significant development in a story that has followed Hungary for much of the post-Olympic cycle.
The 31-year-old has been absent from recent Hungarian squads, including the European Championship and the World Cup Division 1 tournament earlier this year. His absence became one of the major talking points around the national team, not only because of his status as one of the best players in the world, but because of the uncertainty surrounding his future at international level.
Zalánki publicly addressed the situation earlier this year, explaining that his break from the national team had been planned in advance following discussions about his physical and mental workload after years of elite club and international competition. He said the idea of a rest period had been discussed as early as 2023, following advice connected to the national team environment.
However, the issue later developed into a wider public debate. Reports in Hungary described the situation as a “Zalánki case”, with questions raised over communication, selection policy and whether the door remained open for his return. In March, when Varga named his World Cup Division 1 squad without Zalánki, the Hungary head coach said they had spoken after the European Championship, that the national team door remained open, and that Zalánki would receive a summer invitation if his performances justified it.
That invitation has now arrived.
For Hungary, the timing is important. Zalánki gives Varga another elite left-handed option in a squad already containing major names such as Krisztián Manhercz, Gergő Fekete, Szilárd Jansik, Vendel Vigvári, Vince Vigvári and Soma Vogel. With Márton Vámos not listed, Zalánki’s return could be particularly valuable on the right side, where his shooting range, creativity and experience remain among the best in the game.
His recall also comes against the backdrop of growing speculation about his international future. With Zalánki playing abroad for several seasons, first in Italy with Pro Recco and now in Greece with Olympiacos, rumours have circulated in parts of the water polo community about whether he could one day consider representing another country, most notably Italy or Greece.
At this stage, however, there has been no official indication that Zalánki has applied to change sporting nationality, nor any confirmation from the player, Hungary, Italy, Greece, or World Aquatics that such a process is underway. For now, the facts are simple: Zalánki has been invited back by Hungary, and his name is once again on Varga’s list.
Hungary’s preparations will begin gradually, with players from Ferencváros, Ádám Nagy (of Marseille) and those involved in the Champions League Final Four joining later. The full squad is expected to come together for the first time on 29 June.
The key domestic stage of the preparation programme will be the OTP Cup from 3–5 July, where Hungary will face the Netherlands, Serbia and Georgia. The final World Cup squad will then travel to Sydney on 12 July, before playing a preparation tournament against Australia, Greece, Japan and Montenegro from 15–18 July.
Hungary’s World Cup campaign begins on 23 July, when they face Croatia in the quarter-finals.
For Zalánki, the recall may not end every question surrounding his future, but it is a clear step towards reintegration. After months of debate, speculation and uncertainty, one of Hungary’s biggest stars is back in the conversation.
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