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

Handball is a popular indoor sport that originated in Denmark in the late 19th century. It is now played by millions of people all over the world and has even become an Olympic sport. The game is fast-paced, physically demanding, and requires a great deal of skill and athleticism.

Over the years, there have been many great handball players who have excelled in this sport. These players have captivated audiences with their incredible speed, agility, and precision, and have left a lasting legacy in the world of handball.

From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming stars, these athletes have achieved incredible feats on the court, and have inspired a generation of handball players to follow in their footsteps.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 best handball players of all time. These players have all made a significant impact on the sport of handball, and have cemented their place in history as some of the greatest athletes of all time.

Whether it’s their incredible athleticism, their impressive stats, or their undeniable passion for the game, these players have all earned their place on this list, and are sure to continue inspiring fans and players alike for years to come.

Top 10 Best Handball Players of All Time

10 Veselin Vujović

Veselin Vujović is widely considered to be one of the greatest handball players of all time. Born in the former Yugoslavia in 1961, Vujović began playing handball at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the sport’s most dominant players.

He played for several top teams during his career, including RK Partizan, Barcelona, and Montpellier, and won numerous championships and awards along the way.

One of Vujović’s greatest strengths as a player was his versatility. He was equally adept at playing in both the attacking and defensive positions and was known for his incredible speed, agility, and strength on the court.

He was also an excellent passer and shooter, with a knack for finding the back of the net even in the most challenging situations.

His combination of skills and athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with, and he was a key player on every team he played for.

He was named the IHF World Player of the Year in 1988. His legacy as a player is still felt today, and he is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern handball.

Overall, Veselin Vujović’s impact on the sport of handball cannot be overstated. His combination of skill, athleticism, and versatility made him one of the most dominant players of his era, and his impressive list of accomplishments cemented his place among the all-time greats.

9 Niklas Landin

Niklas Landin is undoubtedly one of the best handball players of all time. The Danish goalkeeper has achieved remarkable success throughout his career, consistently proving himself to be a dominant force on the handball court.

Landin’s talent and skill have earned him a place among the top 10 best handball players in history, and his achievements and accolades speak to his incredible abilities.

One of Landin’s most impressive accomplishments is his success on the international stage. He has represented Denmark at numerous major tournaments, including the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships.

At these events, Landin has consistently performed at the highest level, helping lead Denmark to multiple gold medals and earning individual honors such as the All-Star Team and Most Valuable Player awards.

Landin’s performances have been nothing short of outstanding, and his ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations has made him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.

Overall, Niklas Landin’s talent, dedication, and sportsmanship make him one of the best handball players of all time, and his legacy in the sport is sure to endure for years to come.

8 Ólafur Stefánsson

Ólafur Stefánsson is undoubtedly one of the greatest handball players of all time. He is a former Icelandic player who has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, and his contributions to the sport have earned him a place among the top 10 best handball players in history.

He was also a key player for his club teams, winning multiple titles in Iceland, Denmark, and Spain.

One of Stefánsson’s greatest strengths was his versatility. He was capable of playing multiple positions, including left and right back and pivot.

He had an exceptional ability to read the game and make quick decisions, which made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.

Stefánsson’s contributions to the sport of handball extend beyond his impressive accomplishments on the court. He has served as an ambassador for handball, promoting the sport both in Iceland and internationally.

In conclusion, Ólafur Stefánsson’s achievements and contributions to handball have earned him a place among the top 10 best handball players of all time.

7 Bernhard Kempa

Bernhard Kempa is widely regarded as one of the greatest handball players of all time, and his contribution to the sport cannot be overstated.

Kempa was born in Germany in 1920 and began playing handball at a young age. He quickly established himself as a talented player and went on to have an illustrious career that spanned several decades.

Kempa was known for his incredible skill and technique on the court, and he was particularly adept at scoring goals.

He was also a gifted playmaker, and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates was one of his greatest strengths. Kempa’s success on the court was due in part to his dedication to training and his unwavering commitment to the sport.

One of Kempa’s most significant contributions to handball was the creation of the “Kempa trick,” a move that involves jumping and throwing the ball to a teammate while in mid-air. This move has become an essential part of the sport and is still used by players around the world today.

Despite his many achievements, Kempa remained humble and dedicated to the sport throughout his life.

For his incredible talent, his contributions to the sport, and his lasting impact, Bernhard Kempa is undoubtedly one of the top 10 best handball players of all time.

6 Joachim Deckarm

Joachim Deckarm is widely regarded as one of the best handball players of all time. Born on January 19, 1954, in Germany.

Deckarm began his handball career in 1972 with the TSV Gensingen club. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the court, thanks to his incredible speed, agility, and strength.

Deckarm’s rise to fame came in the early 1980s when he helped lead the West German national team to numerous victories in international competitions.

Deckarm was known for his ability to play multiple positions on the court, including left-wing, center-back, and right-back. He was a master of both offense and defense, able to score goals and make key defensive stops.

His toughness and physicality also made him a formidable opponent, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike for his work ethic and dedication to the sport.

Joachim Deckarm’s legacy as one of the best handball players of all time continues to live on today. His contributions to the sport and his impact on the game will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as a true legend of handball.

5 Mikkel Hansen

Mikkel Hansen is widely regarded as one of the top 10 best handball players of all time. Hansen, who was born in Denmark in 1987, began his professional handball career in 2005 when he signed with Danish club AG København.

Since then, he has gone on to achieve unparalleled success in the sport, earning numerous individual awards and leading his teams to numerous titles.

One of the most impressive aspects of Hansen’s game is his versatility. He is equally comfortable playing in both the backcourt and the wing and is equally adept at both attacking and defending.

His powerful shot and exceptional ball-handling skills make him a constant threat in attack, while his quick reflexes and sharp tactical awareness make him a formidable opponent in defense.

Hansen has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been named the IHF World Handball Player of the Year three times, in 2011, 2015, and 2018, and has been named the Danish Handball Player of the Year seven times.

His versatility, skill, and ability to lead his teams to victory have made him a legend in the eyes of handball fans around the world.

4 Talant Dujshebaev

Talant Dujshebaev is widely regarded as one of the greatest handball players of all time. Born on June 2, 1968, in Frunze, Kyrgyzstan (now Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), Dujshebaev began his professional career in the Soviet Union with SKA Minsk in 1985.

During his illustrious career, Dujshebaev won numerous titles and awards, both individually and as part of a team.

He was a member of the Soviet Union national team that won the gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

He played for some of the best handball clubs in Europe, including SKA Minsk, CSKA Moscow, Teka Cantabria, and Ciudad Real.

Dujshebaev was also known for his individual achievements. He was named the IHF World Player of the Year in 1994 and 1996 and was included in the IHF World Handball All-Star Team in 1999, 2000, and 2002.

Dujshebaev’s style of play was characterized by his speed, agility, and skillful dribbling. He was also known for his exceptional shooting ability and his ability to score goals from difficult angles.

3 Magnus Wislander

Magnus Wislander is a legendary handball player and is considered one of the top 10 best handball players of all time. He was born on February 22, 1964, in Lund, Sweden, and started his handball career playing for the club IFK Lund.

He soon moved on to play for the top Swedish club, Redbergslids IK, where he spent the majority of his career.

During his illustrious career, Wislander won numerous titles and accolades, including four European Championship titles.

He was also named the IHF World Player of the Year in 1990, a testament to his consistent excellence on the court.

One of Wislander’s most impressive qualities was his versatility. He was equally adept at playing both in attack and defense, making him a valuable asset to any team he played for.

Wislander’s success on the court can be attributed not only to his exceptional skills but also to his work ethic and dedication.

He was known for his rigorous training regime and his commitment to always improving his game. His discipline and focus were an inspiration to his teammates and opponents alike.

Overall, Magnus Wislander’s career is a testament to his incredible talent and his impact on the sport of handball.

2 Nikola Karabatić

Nikola Karabatić is widely considered to be one of the top 10 best handball players of all time, and for good reason. He has had an incredible career that has seen him achieve numerous accolades, both individually and as part of a team.

Born in Serbia in 1984, Karabatić began playing handball at a young age and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport.

Karabatić is a versatile player who has played in numerous positions throughout his career, but he is perhaps best known for his exceptional skills as a pivot.

Karabatić is also a skilled goal scorer, and his accuracy and power have helped him to become one of the most feared players in the game.

Throughout his career, Karabatić has won numerous awards and accolades, including the IHF World Handball Player of the Year award on four occasions (in 2007, 2014, and 2016).

He has also been named to the All-Star Team at several major tournaments, including the European Handball Championship and the World Handball Championship.

1 Ivano Balić

Ivano Balić is undoubtedly one of the best handball players of all time. Born on April 1, 1979, in Split, Croatia, Balić started his handball career at a young age and quickly became known for his exceptional skills and talent.

Over the years, he has consistently proven himself as a dominant force on the court, earning numerous accolades and awards throughout his career.

One of the most impressive aspects of Balić’s career is his success with the Croatian national team.

Balić’s success was not limited to international play, however. He also had a highly successful club career, playing for teams such as RK Metković, RK Croatia Osiguranje Zagreb, and BM Ciudad Real.

Aside from his impressive accomplishments on the court, Balić is also known for his unique style of play. He was known for his quick thinking, agility, and exceptional passing abilities.

He was also known for his charismatic personality and sportsmanship, earning him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike.

In conclusion, Ivano Balić is undoubtedly one of the best handball players of all time. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest handball players to ever grace the court.