Playing in her tenth World Championships, the tournament’s MVP award went to Rita Keszthelyi.Continue reading
Hungary’s men’s water polo team claimed the silver medal at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships after a 15–13 defeat to Spain in a thrilling final at the OCBC Aquatic Center.
Despite a strong fight through three quarters, the team was unable to hold off a powerful Spanish surge in the final period, where the reigning European champions outscored them 6–3. Spain’s Álvaro Granados and Bernat Sanahuja proved unstoppable, each netting five goals.
Márton Vámos and Álvaro Granados Ortega. (Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd)
Hungary’s offense was led by Gergely Burián with three goals, while Vince and Vendel Vigvári, Dániel Angyal, and others contributed, but the team could not maintain momentum in the closing minutes.
This marks Spain’s fifth consecutive win over Hungary this year, including a group-stage comeback victory.
The two teams reached a draw (5–5) after the first quarter, but Spain’s efficiency in power plays (five goals from seven man-up situations by halftime) ultimately made the difference.
Hungarian goalkeeper Kristóf Csoma had several standout saves, and the match saw dramatic moments, including a rare field-player block by Balázs Manhercz after Csoma’s exclusion late in the game.
The men’s result followed another silver for Hungary, as the women’s national team finished runner-up on Wednesday after a loss to Greece in the final. Despite a valiant effort, the Hungarian women were unable to overcome the Greek defense in a tightly contested match.
With two silver medals, Hungary solidified its status as a global phenomenon in water polo, even if both teams fell just short of the gold.
Coach Zsolt Varga. (Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd)
Head coach of the men’s team Zsolt Varga added that the players gained a wealth of experience during the World Championships, which could help guide their work going forward.
It is tough to win a final like this, especially against such an experienced opponent like Spain. These matches are always decided by the team that makes fewer mistakes, and today, we made more. As close as we are to them, this is the current reality. They are a much more seasoned team,”
said the coach, who led Hungary to gold at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, reflecting on the final.
Via MTI; Featured image: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd