1921: The team of Como Nuoto.

The team of Como Nuoto, Italy in 1921. Source: courtesy of Uberto Bazzi

1931: The team of El Ma’arif Club and Alexandria SC

The combined team of El Ma’arif Club and the Alexandria Swimming Club, Egypt that won against an English team in Alexandria in 1931. Source: private collection 

1938: The Water Polo team of Isfahan, Iran

The Water Polo team of Isfahan, Iran in 1938. This was one of the first Water Polo teams in the country. Source: courtesy Fereydoun Jalili

1898: The teams of Wales and Ireland in Belfast

The Water Polo teams of Wales and Ireland that faced each other in Belfast in 1898

Source: courtesy of Mrs. Wendy Coles

1898: The English team vs. Ireland

The Water Polo team of England that played against Ireland, ιn Dublin on August 6^th, 1898 From L-R: G Pragnell (Referee in the white trousers), J F Fisher in the suit (timekeeper), R Taberer (Leicester), S T Pugh (Otter), T Harris (Osborne), E Hunt (Polytechnic), J H Hellings (Ravensbourne), J A Jarvis (Leicester and J H Derbyshire (Osborne).

 Source: courtesy of Mrs Wendy Coles

1958: The team of Valetta Olympiads.

The team of Valetta Olympiads Champions at the Inter City Water Polo League  in 1958. This League was a summer competition between the Valetta Water Polo players - usually the "reserves" teams of Valletta United. Water Polo was very popular during this period of time in Malta. Among the players wirh Cap 1 Joseph Zampa, Cap 3 Lawrence Zammit, Cap 5 John Curmi (Coach of Valletta United in later years), Cap 3 Paul Gauci (squatting). 

Source: Courtesy of Mario Zampa and Jo Meli

1981: The great Water Polo team of Cuba

The National team of Cuba, winner of bronze medal in the 2nd FINA cup of Long Beach, USA in 1981. In the same year Cuba won the gold of the 1st " Coppa Latina" held in Santiago Chile. The team coached by Juan Almeneiro: Oscar Periche, Orlando Cowley, Barbaro Diaz, Lazaro Costa, Pedro Rodriguez, Nelson Dominguez, Jorge Rizo, Arturo Ramos, Carlos Benitez, Gerardo Rodriguez, Oriel Dominguez.

Source: private collection 

1931: The team of Alexandria Sporting Club, Egypt

The Water Polo team of Alexandria Sporting Club, Egypt in1931
Source: private collection 

1958: The Champions of “Comunicaciones”.

The team of Club Personal del Ministerio de Comunicaciones, Buenos Aires, Champion of Argentina in 1958. J.Lucey, E.Parca, J.Gentile, O.Codaro, O.Gentile, N.Romano, J.C.Maganas, N.Caporali. Coach S.Gentile. Official: A.Carralles. 

Source: El grafico 17/1/1958

1881: Early engraving “Water Polo at Malta”

Beautiful early engraving presenting “Water Polo at Malta” within “The illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News of October 8, 1881”

1907: Water Polo match at Cascais bay, Portugal.

The sailors of Alcântara play the first Water Polo macch in Portugal, in the bay of Cascais, October 1907.

Source: Photo Archives of the Town Hall of Cascais

1914: Water Polo teams in Rio de Janeiro.

The Water Polo teams from Rio de Janeiro Brazil in 1914: "Club Internacional", "Guanabara", "São Cristóvão" and "Icaraí". 

Source: Careta, ano 7, número 294, 17 January 1914

1930: Match in the river Urca, Rio de Janeiro.

Water Polo game in the river Urca in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1930.  

Source:  http://riodejaneirofotosantigas.blogspot.gr

1930: Match in the river Urca, Rio de Janeiro.

Lots of spectators assist a Water Polo match in the river Urca in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1930.  

Source:  http://riodejaneirofotosantigas.blogspot.gr

1971: The Champions of CSKA, Sofia Bulgaria.

The team of CSKA Sofia, Champion of Bulgaria in 1971. First row L-R: Valentin Popov, Ivan Ikonopisov, Nikola Exerov, Andrey Constantinov,Lubomir Runtov, Ivan Kovachev; Second row L-R: Nikolay Kamenski, Nikolay Popov,Toma Tomov, Biser Naumov, Vasil Tomov. 

Source: courtesy Andrey Constantinov.

1927: The National team of Hungary.

The National team of Hungary winner against France (9-2) in August 1927. The team: Barta, Fazekas, Homonnay II., Keserű II., Wenk, Vértesi, Keserű I. 

Source: http://www.huszadikszazad.hu/

1927: The National team of France.

The National team of France that lost against Hungary (9-2) in August 1927. The team: Brouet, Perol, Dolberghe, Bultoel, Lasquin, Cuvellier, Trobouillet. 

Source: http://www.huszadikszazad.hu

1926: The National team of France

The National team of France that played against Belgium at the Olympic pooll "Les Tourelles" in Paris on July, 25th 1926. 

Source: private collection 

1967: The team of Circolo Nautico Posillipo, Napoli.

The 1967 team of Circolo Nautico Posillipo, Napoli that played for the first time in the A' Category of the Italian Championship. Standing L-R: Antonio Consiglio, Jobo Kurtini (Coach), Dino Simonelli, Cerbone (President), Franz Dimehlen, Guglielmo (Willy) Marra, Fofò Buonocore, Gegè Siciliani. Squatting L-R: Lucio Rossi, Bruno Scaglia, Cesare Morelli, Buonomo, Ezio Buonaiuto.

Source: courtesy of Dino Siminelli

1968: The Champions of Uintiseura Kuhat, Helsinki

The team of Uintiseura Kuhat, Helsinki Champions of Finland in 1968. Standing L-R: Aimo Lehmusvuo, Ossi Hellman, Tapio Levaaho, Pertti Lehto, Reijo Vartia, Reijo Savaloja, Pertti Nisonen.Seating L-R: Klaus Saavalainen, Matti Eronen, Jukka Makinen, Pekka Hurme.

Source: Kuhat photo archives, Kuhat History book 2011, courtesy of Kati Kettunen and Reijo Vartia

1969: The National team of Greece.

A pre-selection of the Greek National team in 1969. From L-R: Thomas Karalogos (Ethnicos Piraeus), Pericles Damascos (Olympiakos Piraeus, Petros Egogiannis (Panathinaikos), Nicos Tsangas (Ethnicos Piraeus) Homiros Polychronopoulos (Olympiakos Piraeus), Petros Pomonis (Panathinaikos), Nikos Anagnostopoulos (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Tzafolias (Ethnicos Piraeus), Dimitris Constas (Ethnicos Piraeus). Source: courtesy of Petros Pomonis, (Photo: archive of the Greek journalist George Gavalas)

1970, Bangkok: The National team of Iran

The National team of Iran coached by Nico Firoiu, that took place at the 1st Asian Games held in Bangkok in 1970. (1. Japan, 2. India, 3. Indonesia, 4. Iran). Among the players is Khosrow Amini, FINA TWPC Member (second from R to L). 
Source: courtesy of Nico Firoiu 

1952, Helsinki: The team of Argentina.

The National team of Argentina that took part at Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games composed by: Osvaldo Codaro, Luis Díez, Luis González, Rubén Maidana, Roberto Marino, Luis Normandín, Mario Sebastián, Ladislao Szabo, Carlos Visentín, Marcelo Visentín. 
Source: courtesy of Rosana Codaro

1932: The team of Los Angeles Athletic Club

As wtitten in the back of the original picture: "By virtue of their recent win over the Illinois Athletic Club, the Water Polo team of the Los Angeles Athletic Club has been chosen to represent America in the 1932 Olympics. Above are members of the team in Los Angeles. Rear row L-R: Frank Graham, Clyde Swendsen, Head Swimming Coach of the Los Angeles A.C.; Les Henry, Manager, Frank Rivar, assistant Coach, Charles Finn, Joseph Knapp, Gal Strong, Harvey Walters, business Manager. Front row L-R: Austin Clapp, Charles McCallister, Walter (Wally) O’Connor, Captain Philip Daubenspeck, Herbert Wildman." 
Source: Photo ACME news, 26 July 1932.  

1974: The National team of Italy before Vienna

The National team of Italy coached by Gianni Lonzi in Merano, before the European Champions in Vienna in 1974. The players: Mino Marsili, Maurizio Forte, Alberto Alberani, Umberto Panerai, Alessandro Ghibellini, Silvio Baracchini, Sante Marsili, Mario Scotti Galletta, Romeo Collina, Marcello Del Duca, Mamo Fondelli, Gianni de Magistris, Beppe Basevi, Paolo Ragosa and Riccardo de Magistris.

1973, Belgrade : The team of Hungary, World Champions.

Reception in honor of the Hungarian National team winner of the 1st World Championship in Belgrade in 1973. The team: Balla Balázs, Bodnár András, Csapó Gábor, Cservenyák Tibor, Faragó Tamás, Görgényi István, Kásás Zoltán, Konrád Ferenc, , Sárosi László, Szívós István. 

Source: courtesy of Endre Molnár

1957: The winners of Club Natacion Barcelona

The team of Club Natacion Barcelona winner of the Spanish Championship in 1957. The team coached by Lajos Rajki: Ascencio, Bazan, Castillo, Altafaja, Munte, Abellan, Pantinat, Queralt, Mestres. 
Source: El Mundo Deportivo, 28 August 1957. 

1926: The Champions of Club Natacion Barcelona.

The team of Club Natacion Barcelona Champion of Spain in 1926. The team: Gimenez, Puig, Cruells, Baste, Brull, A.Trigo, M.Trigo. 

Source: El Mundo Deportivo, 1926

1932: The National team of France.

The National team of France that played against the team of Spain in Barcelona in 1932. The team: Delporte, Borocco, Diener, Cuvelier, Burteel, Navarre, Vandeplanke I, Lambert, Vandeplanke II, Van de Castel 

Source: El Mundo Deportivo, 1932

1932: The National team of Spain.

The National team of Spain that played against the team of France at the pool of CN Barcelona in 1932. The team: Gonzalo, Gimenez, Brull, Palatchi, Gamper, Rafael Gimenez, Sabata, Cruells. 

Source: El Mundo Deportivo, 1932

1931: The team of “C.R.N. Brussels” Belgium.

The team of “Club Royal de Natation of Brussels” Belgium, prior to a game against the team of “Club Natacion Barcelona” in 1931.

Source: El Mundo Deportivo, 1931

1922: The National team of Austria.

The National team of Austria that played against Hungary. S, Doorak, Standing L-R: Mani, Vorel, Brociner, Raffoy, Dr. Meisel, Dr. Otto Shef

Source: La Jornada Deportiva, August 1922

1922: The National team of Hungary.

The National team of Hungary that played against Austria in 1922. Standing L-R: Keseru II, Keseru I, Hlavacsek, Rudas, Fazekas, Venk, Barta. 

Source: La Jornada Deportiva, August 1922

1923: The team of "III. Kerületi Torna és Vívó Egylet"

The team of "III. Kerületi Torna és Vívó Egylet" TVE, Budapest winner of the Hungarian Championship in 1923.

Source: "La Jornada Deportiva" 4 August 1924

1933: The team of Canoe Club of Madrid

The team of Canoe Club of Madrid, vice Champion in the 1933 Spanish Championship, departing to participate in the International Tournament in Portugal. 

Source: "LUZ" Madrid 7 September 1933

1931: The team of Ethnicos Piraeus, Greek Champion

The team of Ethnicos Piraeus, winner of the Greek Championship in 1931. The team: Chatzigeorgiou, Makris, Stefopoulos, Dedes, Petroutsos, Makrogiorgos, Perdikis. 

Source: "Αthlitikos Typos" Monday 10 August 1931

1930: The team of "AS Aris", Thessaloniki's

The team of "Athlitikos Syllogos Aris", Thessaloniki's winner of the 3rd Greek Championship in 1930. The team: Stelios Dimitriou, Dimitrios Sarris, Pavlos Zombos, Ioannis Varsamis, Fotis Zografos, Agisilaos Zografos, Efthymios Efthymiou. 

Source: "Athlitikos Typos" July 1931

1928: The team of GS Hiraklis Thessaloniki’s

The Water Polo team of "Gymnastikos Syllogos Hiraklis", Thessaloniki's in 1928. From L-R: Stavridis S., Karpetis, Stavridis K, Aggelidis, Papagiannis, Ioannou, Pandokas.

Source: Athlitiki Ebdomas July 1928

1928: The team of "AS Aris" Thessaloniki’s.

The Water Polo team of "Athlitikos Syllogos Aris", Thessaloniki's winner of the 1st Greek Championship organized by the Greek Swimming Federation (EKOF) in 1928. 

Source: Athlitiki Ebdomas 24 October 1928

1932: The team of Ethnicos Piraeus.

The team of Ethnicos Piraeus, Greece in 1932. 

Source: Athlitika Chronika 27 July 1932.

1972: The team of SS Lazio, Italy .

The team of "Società Sportiva Lazio" Rome, Italy in 1972. Standing L-R: Pierluigi Formiconi, Luciano Russo, Andrea Simoncini, Alessandro Amici, Riccardo Catalani, Luigi Palma, Claudio Tomasi, Stefano Brunelleschi, Maurizio Masotti and Franco Baccini (Coach) 

Source: courtesy of Gabriele Cosimi

1980, Moscow: Tribute to the legendary Vladimir Akimov.

Vladimir Akimov was born on July 20th, 1953 in a large family of 5 children. His older brother Anatoly Akimov has been Olympic Champion in Munich 1972 Olympics Games. Vladimir Akimov played for the team of Moscow Navy CSK multiple winner of the USSR National Championship. He was USSR Champion in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1983 and USSR Cup winner 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982. He won the European Cup 1976, the Super Cup in 1976, 1980, 1982 and Cup Winners' Cup in 1980, 1982. He was member of the USSR National team winning the gold medal in Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, in Guayaquil (Ecuador) 1982 World Championships and the silver medal in Split 1981 European Championships. Vladimir Akimov is considered as one of the best defenders of the World in mid 70's, early 80's. He passed away tragically October 5, 1987. His son Roman, honors the memory of his father, 60 years from the date of his birth, with a short video, using rare footage of the USSR National team playing against the teams of Hungary and Yugoslavia in Moscow 1980 Olympics. 

1967: The team of Valletta United Water Polo.

The team of Valletta United Water Polo in 1967. Standing L-R: Jo Zampa, Alfred Bonavia, George Lewis (?), Lino Scerri, Charles Fenech and Charles Taylor Kneeling L-R: Lawrence Zammit, [10], Eddie Xuereb, Harry Cutajar and Frank Zampa. Source: courtesy of Jo Meli, Photo Credit Times of Malta - Picture supplied by Sergio Zampa.

1958: The winning team of Loughborough Colleges.

The team of Loughborough Colleges, winners of the Universities Athletic Union (UAU) Championships in 1958. Standing L-R: T.M.Glover, M.T.Rushton, T.Sketchley (Coach), H.H. Tan, R. Vidge. Seating L-R: J. Smith, B.C.Crompton, R.P.Alp. 

Source: Loughborough Sports Club archives

1950: The Champions of Santiago, Chile.

The team of Santiago, Champion of Chile in 1950. Source: magazine "Estadio N° 364, May 6th, 1950"

1931: The team of SG Andrea Doria Champion of Italy

The team of Società Ginnastica Andrea Doria wins against Società Sportiva Nicola Mameli with 2-1 and becomes Champion of Italy in 1931.
Source: Archivio Storico Luce http://www.archivioluce.com

1964: The Champions of Partizan Belgrade.

The team of Partizan Belgrade European Champion in 1964 composed by Muskatirovic, Perisic, Bonacic, Cukvas, Sandic, Jankovic, Tedeski, Zivkovic, Siljak, Manic, Colovic, Glidjic. 
Source: Archive VK Partizan 

1905: The team of Weston-super-Mare

The team of Weston-super-Mare finalists of the English Chmapionship in 1905
Source: private collection 

1950's: The team of Toulon in the harbor

The team of Toulon in the harbor of Toulon, South France in the 1950's
Source: private collection 

1908: Redondo, Champions in Southern California

The team of Redondo Champions of Southern California in 1908. Top row L-R: L.Hammel, Ed Lachmer, H.M.Hodge, A.W.Watson. Center: George Freeth Lower row: E.L. Lachmer, P.Rachmer, W.Barton, Al Christie. 
Source: Los Angeles Herald; Sunday, July 19, 1908

1910: YMCA, Champions in Southern California

The team of Young Men's Christian Asociation (YMCA) Champions of Southern California in 1910. Standing L-R: E.Peckham, C.K.Steele, J. Pumpheys, Marcus Lee, Ward William, Tom Howlett, H.Blades, Harrell Harrell. Seated L-R: W.M.Barker, E.B.Davison, E.Becker. 
Source: Los Angeles Herald; Wednesday July 20, 1910

1920's: Water Polo match in the river Douro, Portugal

Water Polo match in the river Douro, under the bridge Luis I, between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, in the 1920's. 
Source: courtesy of Siscu Pereira