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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best handball players of all time.

Handball, a sport that combines speed, strength, and strategy, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.

Throughout its illustrious history, several players have risen above the rest, showcasing extraordinary talent and leaving an indelible mark on the game.

In this blog post, we dive into the careers of the top 10 best handball players of all time, exploring the achievements that have cemented their legacy in the annals of handball history.

From mesmerizing goal scorers to impenetrable goalkeepers, join us as we celebrate the legends whose brilliance has transcended generations and continues to inspire aspiring players around the globe.

Top 10 Best Handball Players of All Time

10 Veselin Vujović

Veselin Vujović is not just a name; it’s a legacy that echoes through the corridors of handball history.

Born into the rich sporting culture of Cetinje on January 18, 1961, Vujović transcended the ordinary to become a beacon of excellence in handball.

His journey from the historic courts of Yugoslavia to the pinnacle of international acclaim is a testament to his unparalleled skill, enduring passion, and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Representing elite clubs like RK Metaloplastika and Barcelona, Vujović not only showcased his remarkable prowess as a left-back but also set a gold standard in sportsmanship and achievement.

His groundbreaking accolade as the inaugural recipient of the International Handball Federation (IHF) World Player of the Year in 1984 underlines his monumental impact on and off the field.

Vujović’s storied career, embellished with Olympic glory and European triumphs, continues to inspire aspiring athletes across the globe.

Now, as the visionary head coach of the Iran national team, Vujović is shaping the future of handball, nurturing talent, and spreading the sport’s thrill to new frontiers.

His story is not just about personal achievement but a beacon for those who dare to dream big and work tirelessly towards their goals.

9 Niklas Landin

Niklas Landin, the Danish dynamo and virtuoso of the handball court, has not only etched his name in the annals of handball history but also redefined the role of a goalkeeper.

Garnering the prestigious Danish handball Player of the Year award not once but twice, Landin’s prowess extends far beyond the typical expectations of a goalkeeper.

His tenure with THW Kiel has been nothing short of legendary, punctuated by a triumphant EHF Champions League victory in 2020.

Landin’s unparalleled reflexes, formidable shot-stopping skills, and authoritative presence in goal have not only catapulted him into the elite echelon of handball’s greatest players but have also spotlighted the often-underappreciated art of goalkeeping.

His storied career serves as a testament to his status as one of the world’s premier goalkeepers and a true icon in the sport of handball.

8 Ólafur Stefánsson

Ólafur Stefánsson born into the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland, on July 3, 1973, has undeniably etched his name in the annals of handball history as a titan of the sport.

His journey from a child ingeniously crafting a ball from socks to captaining both Valur and the Iceland men’s national handball team showcases a saga of unwavering dedication and passion that has spanned nearly three decades.

Stefánsson’s career is studded with achievements that speak volumes of his prowess and dedication, notably a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a bronze at the 2010 European Championship, crowning him as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures globally.

His tenure in elite European clubs further solidified his status, bringing unparalleled success and elevating the game’s standards wherever he went.

Beyond his monumental statistics and accolades, Stefánsson’s true legacy lies in his ability to inspire and mold the future of handball, serving as a beacon of excellence for aspiring athletes across the globe.

His transition to coaching allows him to continue influencing the sport, perpetuating a cycle of inspiration and success.

Ólafur Stefánsson is not just a phenomenal athlete; he is a symbol of resilience, excellence, and the indomitable spirit of handball, leaving an indelible mark that continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world.

7 Bernhard Kempa

Bernhard Kempa, a name synonymous with handball excellence, stands tall among the sport’s legends, securing his place as one of the Top 10 Best Handball Players of All Time.

Born in 1920 in what is now Opole, Poland, Kempa’s journey to greatness was marked by his pivotal role in earning the world champion title for Germany in field handball in 1952 and 1955.

His exceptional skills shone brightly as he led Frisch Auf Göppingen to victory, clinching the German championship both in the hall in 1955 and on the field in 1957.

Kempa’s influence extended beyond the court as he masterminded Göppingen’s triumph in the indoor handball championship five times as a coach between 1958 and 1970, including a memorable Europapokal win in 1960.

Kempa’s legacy is immortalized in the innovative “Kempa trick,” a testament to his creative genius on the court. This iconic maneuver, where a player leaps into the circle to catch and throw the ball mid-air, revolutionized handball tactics.

Furthermore, his contributions to the sport are celebrated through the Kempa brand, a testament to his enduring impact. Kempa’s exceptional contributions were rightfully acknowledged when he was inducted into Germany’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Leaving behind a legacy that transcended the sport, Kempa passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, his name forever etched in the annals of handball history.

6 Joachim Deckarm

Joachim Deckarm, a legend born on January 19, 1954, in Saarbrücken, transcended the world of handball with his unparalleled talent.

As a pivotal player for VfL Gummersbach and the German national team, Deckarm redefined excellence, securing his place as the unrivaled best player on the global stage during his prime.

His illustrious career is decorated with three German championships and two European team championships, culminating in leading West Germany to its first Handball World Championship victory in 1978.

However, in a twist of fate in 1979, a devastating accident on the Eurocup field prematurely ended his soaring career, leaving him battling with physical limitations.

Yet, Deckarm’s indomitable spirit shone through the darkness of adversity; his journey of recovery, marked by regained mobility and unwavering determination, continues to inspire.

His life, a testament to the resilience and the power of enduring friendships, especially with the player involved in the accident, remains an enduring legacy that transcends the sport.

5 Mikkel Hansen

Mikkel Hansen stands as a towering figure in the world of handball, his name synonymous with excellence and unparalleled skill.

From the early days in Helsingør, Denmark, under the tutelage of his Olympian father, Flemming Hansen, Mikkel was destined for greatness.

His unparalleled commitment and skill have not only earned him a place among handball legends but have also propelled Denmark to unprecedented heights, clinching their first Olympic gold in 2016 and dominating the World Championships in 2019.

Hansen’s genius on the court is a beacon of leadership and talent, inspiring both teammates and fans.

But Hansen’s influence doesn’t stop at national victories; his club career is equally storied, with critical roles in leading teams like GOG, FC Barcelona Handbol, AG København, and Paris Saint-Germain Handball to glory.

His tactical versatility, mastering both left-back and center-back positions, has been a key to his teams’ successes, earning him numerous league titles and EHF Champions League victories. Hansen is not just a player; he’s a handball virtuoso whose contributions have reshaped the sport.

Beyond his team accomplishments, Hansen’s awards underscore his legendary status. Being crowned the IHF World Player of the Year three times (2011, 2015, 2018) speaks volumes of his enduring excellence and influence in the sport.

Hansen’s game is characterized by innovation and a relentless pursuit of greatness, qualities that have cemented his legacy as one of handball’s all-time greats.

Mikkel Hansen’s impact, however, transcends the boundaries of the sport. Off the court, he leverages his stature to drive positive change, from anti-bullying initiatives to creating training facilities for the next generation of handball stars.

With a net worth of $44 million and a formidable social media following, Hansen is more than a sports icon; he’s a visionary shaping the future of handball, both on and off the field.

4 Talant Dujshebaev

Talant Dujshebaev, hailing from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is a towering figure in the world of handball, whose career is a testament to relentless excellence.

His journey through the sport is marked by an extraordinary blend of skill, strategy, and success, making him a legendary player and coach.

Representing teams from the Soviet Union to Spain, Dujshebaev’s career is adorned with Olympic glory, including a gold in Barcelona in ’92 bronzes in Atlanta in ’96 and Sydney in ’00, alongside a World Championship gold in ’93 and multiple European medals.

His domestic triumphs are equally impressive, with multiple Spanish league titles and European victories, both as a player and a coach.

Dujshebaev’s philosophy of discipline, teamwork, and strategic brilliance has not only defined his career but also shaped his approach to coaching, where he emphasizes consistency over sporadic flashes of talent.

His coaching tenure has been marked by significant successes, including leading Industria Kielce to a Champions League victory, underscoring his ability to mentor and elevate the next generation of handball talent.

Beyond his accolades, Dujshebaev’s influence extends to his role in popularizing handball globally, making him a central figure in the sport’s growing prestige.

His dedication to fostering young talent and his strategic insights have solidified his legacy as a pivotal architect of the sport’s future. Talant Dujshebaev is more than a handball icon; he is a visionary shaping the very fabric of the game.

3 Magnus Wislander

Magnus Wislander, a name synonymous with handball excellence, redefined the sport with his unparalleled skill and dedication.

Born on February 22, 1964, in Sweden, Wislander’s career is a testament to his greatness, spanning decades and earning him the title of one of the sport’s all-time legends.

Known as “The Snake” for his unmatched agility and cunning play, he was not only a prolific scorer but also a formidable defender, making him a dual threat on the court.

His international accolades include two World Championship golds in 1990 and 1999, and an impressive tally of four European Championship golds between 1994 and 2002, alongside two Olympic silver medals in 1992 and 1996.

His domestic achievements are equally impressive, with significant contributions to Redbergslids IK and THW Kiel, leading them to multiple league victories.

Wislander’s extraordinary contributions were acknowledged through numerous awards, notably being named the Best Male Handball Player of the 20th Century by the IHF.

Despite a career touched by controversy, Wislander’s legacy remains untarnished, symbolizing the epitome of handball mastery.

2 Nikola Karabatić

Nikola Karabatić, a handball legend born in 1984 in Niš, Serbia, has transcended the boundaries of the sport to become one of its most iconic figures.

With a career decorated with an enviable collection of accolades, Karabatić’s journey through handball is nothing short of legendary.

His achievements are a testament to his mastery and unparalleled influence in the game, featuring three Olympic Gold Medals, four World Championship Gold Medals, three European Championship Gold Medals, and the prestigious IHF World Player of the Year Award three times.

His versatility on the court is unmatched, skillfully playing in multiple key positions and leading with a magnetic charisma that elevates his team and enthralls fans around the globe.

Despite facing adversity, including a controversial match-fixing scandal, Karabatić’s legacy remains unblemished, showcasing his remarkable resilience and dedication to excellence.

As he nears the end of his playing days, his ambition to retire as the undisputed Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) reflects his relentless pursuit of greatness, securing his place in the annals of handball history as an eternal icon. Nikola Karabatić is number 2 in our list of top 10 best handball players of all time.

1 Ivano Balić

Ivano Balić, the Croatian handball legend, stands among the elite, celebrated as one of the greatest to ever grace the sport.

His remarkable journey is punctuated by dazzling speed, unmatched creativity, and an infectious charisma that captivated audiences worldwide.

Balić’s trophy cabinet overflows with prestigious awards, including the 2003 World Championship and the 2004 Olympic gold medal, a testament to his dominance on the international stage.

His unparalleled skills earned him the title of the best male handball player in history in a 2010 International Handball Federation (IHF) poll, along with being the most valuable player in five major consecutive international tournaments and securing the IHF World Player of the Year award twice.

Yet, Balić’s legacy transcends his accolades; his humble emphasis on teamwork and his ability to elevate the game for those around him solidified his status as the “MVP of all MVPs,” leaving an indelible mark on the world of handball.