Natalia Markopoulou

Natalia Markopoulou (Ναταλία Μαρκοπούλου; born 8 February 1982) is a Greek water polo referee, who has officiated at national and international water polo competitions, representing Greece in major tournaments.

She is among the Greek female referees who have reached the highest levels of international water polo officiating.

Early life and playing career Markopoulou was born in Agrinio, Greece. Before becoming a referee, she was involved in aquatic sports as an athlete. She competed in swimming from 1992 to 1997 and in water polo from 1997 to 2013, including appearances in the Greek A1 and A2 divisions.

She has also officiated at World Cup and World Championship level competitions and was appointed among the referees for the 2026 Women's European Water Polo Championship. Noticeably, in July 2026, she officiated as first referee the semifinal game of Spain vs. Russia in the 2026 FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup, held in Sydney, and two days later, the bronze-medal game between Australia and Russia.

Personal life She is married and has one son. Markopoulou has studied physical education and sports science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and also holds a MSc degree in the area of exercise and quality of life. She fluently speaks English and Spanish.