Petar Porobić is a towering figure in Montenegrin sports, known and respected across the water polo community, particularly in neighboring countries like Croatia and Serbia.

The iconic coach passed away yesterday at the age of 67, and various reports highlight the significant impact he had on a sport to which he dedicated his life.

“The sudden departure of Petar Porobić: Applause in Gruž is a sign that you’ve made a mark in water polo,” reads a headline from Slobodna Dalmacija, recalling Porobić’s memorable moment receiving applause from Jug fans in Dubrovnik while coaching Jadran.

The same outlet also revisits an interview with Porobić after his remarkable achievement of leading Montenegro to victory in Europe in Malaga in 2008, followed by two successive wins in Croatia.

Sports news outlets have confirmed the loss of this celebrated coach, who achieved world and European gold in just three years.

“Petar Porobić was a Montenegrin water polo expert, who recorded the first significant success for Montenegrin water polo—and sports as a whole—since the nation gained independence,” the same media highlighted.

According to the portal Index, Montenegro has lost a legendary figure in water polo.

In Serbian media, veteran water polo journalist Dejan Stevović expressed optimism that Montenegrins will truly appreciate everything Porobić has done for the sport.

“I doubt water polo enthusiasts in Serbia will ever fully grasp the impact of Nenad Manojlović (the famed coach who passed away in 2014), but during our last conversation in Podgorica in 2022, Porobić mentioned that Montenegro will recognize the invaluable contributions of beloved Pero,” Stevović noted.

The portal “Mozzartsport” marked Porobić’s passing as a sorrowful day for regional water polo.

Nova.rs acknowledged the many unforgettable successes Porobić left behind, while RTS recalled the world championship gold he won in 2005 with the team of Serbia and Montenegro.

“He guided an extraordinary generation, which included Šefik, Radić, Gojković, Jokić, Zloković, Janović, Trbojević, Savić, Ikodinović, Vujasinović, Šapić, Udovićič, and Nikić,” RTS reported.

Porobić has been widely commemorated in the region following his death…

“A day of mourning, as the world and European champion has departed,” remarked the Hungarian “Nemzeti Sport.”

The specialized platform “Total water polo” published a comprehensive article on the career of this distinguished coach, titled.

“From Kotor to the peaks of Europe and the world.”

Petar Porobić – a great figure with influence that transcended the borders of Montenegro.

News