Ioannis Fountoulis is a distinguished Greek professional water polo player, renowned for his exceptional skills and leadership on the field. Currently serving as the captain of the Greece men’s national water polo team, Fountoulis has achieved remarkable success on both national and international stages. Notable highlights of his career include winning bronze medals at the 2015 World Championships and the 2016 and 2020 World Leagues, along with competing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, where he showcased his talent on a global platform.
Since 2009, Fountoulis has been a pivotal player for Olympiacos, one of Greece’s most prestigious water polo clubs. His tenure with the team has been marked by significant victories, including the LEN Champions League title in the 2017–18 season, where he scored four crucial goals in the final against Pro Recco. Recognized as a prolific scorer and strategic leader, he has been consistently ranked among the top players in the world, earning the distinction of second-best player globally in both 2016 and 2018.
Fountoulis’s individual achievements further underline his prowess in the sport. He was the top scorer at the 2017 World Championship, netting 23 goals, and also led the scoring at the 2018 European Championship with 17 goals. His contributions have seen him named to the All-Tournament Team in multiple championships and he has been a dominant force in the Greek Water Polo League, being the top scorer six times and winning numerous MVP awards.
In a testament to his stature in the sport, Fountoulis was honored to carry the Greek flag during the closing ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. With over 148 goals in the LEN Champions League, he holds the record for the most goals by a Greek player in the tournament’s history. As he continues to excel with Olympiacos and the national team, Fountoulis remains an inspirational figure in the world of water polo.