David Popovici was named the best swimmer in Europe in 2025, as part of the European Aquatics investigation.

David Popovici was named the best swimmer in Europe in 2025, winning the title of "Best men’s swimming athlete of 2025" in the European Aquatics survey. This year, Popovici won the world gold in the 100 m freestyle and 200 m freestyle, as well as the continental gold at U-23 in the same events. He also won the bronze medal in the 50 m freestyle at U-23 and holds the European record in the 100 m freestyle. Among the nominees for this title were Hubert Kos (Hungary), Leon Marchand (France), Lukas Mertens (Germany), and Maxime Grousset (France). In the women's category, the winner was the Dutch Marrit Steenbergen.