The best handball players in the world
Handball, a dynamic sport blending speed, strategy, and athleticism, has produced some of the world’s most remarkable athletes. The best handball players combine physical prowess, tactical brilliance, and unrelenting passion, captivating fans in arenas from Europe to Africa. As the sport grows globally, particularly with events like the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, certain players stand out for their ability to dominate the court, inspire teammates, and redefine the game. This exploration highlights the finest handball talents, past and present, whose legacies shape the sport’s vibrant history.
Mathias Gidsel (Denmark) is widely regarded as the world’s top handball player in 2025. At just 25, the right back for Füchse Berlin and the Danish national team has redefined excellence. Gidsel’s accolades include being named the 2023 IHF Male World Player of the Year, MVP of the 2023 and 2025 IHF Men’s World Championships, and top scorer at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a record 62 goals. His 2025 World Championship performance, where he achieved a historic double-double (goals and assists in a single game), cemented his status as a phenomenon. Gidsel’s versatility—scoring, playmaking, and relentless energy—makes him a nightmare for defenses. His 448 goals in 79 matches for Denmark showcase his scoring prowess, while his leadership has helped Denmark secure four consecutive world titles since 2019.
Nikola Karabatić (France) is a handball legend, often cited as the greatest of all time. The Paris Saint-Germain center back, now retired, earned three IHF World Player of the Year awards (2007, 2014, 2016) and led France to multiple Olympic, World, and European titles. Karabatić’s tactical genius, defensive tenacity, and clutch performances defined an era. His ability to control games with precise passes and powerful shots made him a complete player. With over 1,200 goals for France, his trophy cabinet—including four World Championships and three Olympic golds—speaks to his dominance. Karabatić’s influence extends beyond stats, inspiring a generation of players with his work ethic and leadership.
Mikkel Hansen (Denmark) is another titan, known for his unmatched shooting power. The Aalborg Håndbold left back, also a three-time IHF World Player of the Year (2011, 2015, 2018), revolutionized offensive play with his long-range shots and pinpoint accuracy. Hansen’s contributions to Denmark’s 2019 World Championship and 2020 European Championship victories highlight his clutch ability. Despite weaker defensive skills compared to Karabatić, his offensive output—over 1,300 goals for Denmark—sets him apart. Hansen’s flair and charisma made him a fan favorite, and his three Handball-Planet.com World Player titles (2016, 2019, 2021) underscore his global impact.
Henny Reistad (Norway) dominates women’s handball with her explosive play. The 25-year-old left back for Team Esbjerg and Norway was named the 2023 IHF Female World Player of the Year and MVP of the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship, where she scored 52 goals, including 15 in a single semi-final. Reistad’s 142 goals in the 2022/23 EHF Champions League made her the top scorer, and her consistent 100+ goal seasons in the competition showcase her scoring prowess. Her speed, vision, and defensive skills make her a complete player, leading Norway to Olympic gold in 2024. Reistad’s youth and versatility position her as the future of the sport.
Dika Mem (France) is a powerhouse right back for FC Barcelona and France. Despite a shoulder injury in 2024, Mem’s return for the 2025 World Championship reaffirmed his elite status. His 106 goals in the 2023/24 EHF Champions League and 49 at the EHF EURO 2024 highlight his scoring ability. Mem’s physicality and clutch performances, like his role in France’s 2024 EHF EURO win, make him a key asset. At 27, he’s poised to lead France’s next generation, blending brute strength with tactical finesse. His resilience post-injury underscores his mental toughness, a trait that elevates him among the best.
Sander Sagosen (Norway), playing for THW Kiel, is a dynamic center back known for his court vision and quick decision-making. A two-time Handball-Planet.com World Player (2018, 2020), Sagosen’s ability to split defenses with rapid passes or powerful shots has made him a national hero. His 38 goals for Norway at the 2024 EHF EURO and consistent club performances highlight his versatility. Sagosen’s leadership in Norway’s competitive campaigns, including a 2020 Olympic bronze, showcases his impact. His blend of athleticism and intelligence keeps him among the sport’s elite.
Sandra Toft (Denmark) is a goalkeeping icon for Györi Audi ETO KC and Denmark. Her 13 saves in the 2023/24 EHF Champions League semi-final were pivotal in Györ’s title run. Toft’s reflexes and game-reading ability make her a wall in goal, earning her a spot on the 2024 EHF Excellence Awards All-Star team. Her performances at the 2023 IHF Women’s World Championship further solidified her reputation. Toft’s leadership and consistency under pressure make her one of the best female goalkeepers, inspiring teammates and daunting opponents.
Magnus Wislander (Sweden), named the IHF Male Player of the 20th Century, set the standard for versatility. The former center back’s defensive prowess and attacking flair led Sweden to four European Championships and a 1999 World Championship. Wislander’s ability to dominate both ends of the court made him a pioneer. His 2000 IHF accolade alongside Ukraine’s Zinaida Turchyna reflects his lasting influence. Though retired, Wislander’s legacy as a complete player remains a benchmark for modern stars.
Cristina Neagu (Romania) is a women’s handball legend, often compared to Karabatić for her dominance. The left back for CSM București earned four IHF World Player of the Year awards (2010, 2015, 2016, 2018), a record. Neagu’s 1,000+ goals for Romania and her leadership in Romania’s 2015 World Championship bronze run highlight her impact. Her powerful shots and playmaking ability make her a constant threat. Despite injuries, Neagu’s resilience and skill keep her among the all-time greats.
Ahmed El-Ahmar (Egypt), a right back for Zamalek SC, is Africa’s handball icon. His leadership in Egypt’s seventh-place finishes at the 2019 and 2021 World Championships and his MVP awards at the 2022 and 2024 African Championships showcase his skill. El-Ahmar’s 64 goals across three World Championships reflect his scoring ability. As a trailblazer for Egyptian handball, his legacy extends to inspiring young players across the continent.
These players, from Gidsel’s modern dominance to Wislander’s historic versatility, embody handball’s essence—athleticism, strategy, and heart. Their achievements, from Olympic golds to World Championship MVPs, highlight their ability to elevate teams and captivate fans. As handball grows, with talents like Reistad and Mem emerging, the sport’s future shines bright. These icons, past and present, prove that handball is not just a game but a stage for extraordinary human achievement, uniting cultures through shared passion.
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