29/06/2026
Valentin Bakircilar Returns to Pays d’Aix Natation After Shining with Club Nautique Havrais
Three years after leaving, Valentin Bakircilar is set to return to Pays d’Aix Natation. The French international, who came through the club’s youth system, is heading back to his hometown club following a successful spell with Club Nautique Havrais.
During the 2024–25 winter break, “Bakir” chose to join the ambitious project at CNH, a club that was then in the midst of its development. His objective was clear: to help the club grow and support its rise through the French leagues. Over the course of two seasons, that mission was fully accomplished. After helping the team compete in Nationale 3, Club Nautique Havrais earned promotion to Nationale 2, where it quickly established itself as one of the division’s most ambitious teams.
At the heart of that success was Valentin Bakircilar, who emerged as one of the league’s most dominant players. Delivering outstanding performances throughout the season, he notably scored 14 goals in a single match on two separate occasions—an exceptional feat at this level. As CNH’s offensive leader, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Le Havre club among the strongest teams in Nationale 2.
His performances did not go unnoticed by Pays d’Aix Natation. Since January, Valentin had been training again with the Aix squad to explore the possibility of a return. Alongside former coaches and teammates, including Alexandre Colin, Alexandre Donsimoni, and Enzo Khasz, the idea gradually became a reality.
The move is now official. Valentin Bakircilar will return to the French Elite Championship, a league that matches both his talent and experience.
For Pays d’Aix Natation, the signing marks the homecoming of one of the club’s own, strengthening an already ambitious roster. For Club Nautique Havrais, his departure closes an important chapter while also highlighting the success of a sporting project capable of helping an international player return to the highest level of French water polo. Finally, his performances over the past two seasons could well put Valentin Bakircilar back in contention for a recall to the French national team.