Brazilian women’s handball is marked by great players who have enchanted the world with their skill, talent and willpower. Among them, the central midfielders play a crucial role in organizing the game, which is why we are paying tribute with this list of the best Brazilian central midfielders in the history of handball.
Selecting just 10 players for this list is an arduous task, as many of them have made their mark with memorable performances. However, here we have tried to highlight some of the greatest central midfielders who have raised the bar in national and international handball.
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Best Brazilian central midfielders in the history of handball
1. Ana Amorim (“Duda”)
The list of the best Brazilian central midfielders in the history of handball couldn’t begin with anyone less than Duda Amorim, affectionately nicknamed the “Queen of Handball”. With a successful career in Europe, mainly with Győri Audi KC in Hungary, Duda stands out for her keen tactical intelligence, precise passing and incomparable vision of the game. Playing as a central midfielder, she orchestrates the Brazilian team’s moves with mastery.
Titles and honors:
- 2 bronze medals at the Olympic Games (2008, 2016)
- 1 silver medal at the World Championships (2013)
- 4 gold medals at the Pan American Games (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019)
- 8 European Women’s Handball Champions League titles (2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- Voted Best Player in the World by the IHF in 2014
2. Alexandra Nascimento (“Babi”)
Alexandra Nascimento, better known as “Babi”, was a complete player who combined physical strength, explosion and precision in her shooting. As a central midfielder, she led the Brazilian team’s attack with authority, distributing precise balls to her teammates and finishing with power. Babi played a key role in winning Olympic bronze in 2008 and Pan American gold in 2007.
Titles and Honors:
- 1 bronze medal at the Olympic Games (2008)
- 1 gold medal at the Pan American Games (2007)
- 2 Brazilian National Leagues
- 3 Brazilian Cups
- Voted IHF World Player of the Year in 2012
3. Deonise Rocha
Deonise Rocha was a tireless player who stood out for her determination, dedication and leadership on the court. As a central midfielder, she organized the game with intelligence and distributed precise balls to her teammates. Deonise was captain of the Brazilian national team for many years and took part in four Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004).
Titles and honors:
- 4 participations in the Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004)
- 2 silver medals at the Pan American Games (1987, 1991)
- 5 Brazilian National Leagues
- 4 Brazilian Cups
4. Fabiana Moraes (“Fabi”)
Fabiana Moraes, affectionately nicknamed “Fabi”, was one of the greatest players in the history of handball in Rio Grande do Sul and the Brazilian national team. As a central midfielder, she stood out for her tactical intelligence, precise passing and exceptional vision. Fabi was instrumental in winning Olympic bronze in 2008 and Pan American gold in 2011. She can’t be left out of the list of the best Brazilian central midfielders in the history of handball.
Titles and honors:
- 1 bronze medal at the Olympic Games (2008)
- 1 gold medal at the Pan American Games (2011)
- 8 Brazilian National Leagues
- 6 Brazilian Cups
- Voted IHF World Player of the Year in 2009
5. Daniela Piedade (“Dani”)
Daniela Piedade, known as “Dani”, is a young central midfielder who is emerging as one of the most promising players in Brazilian handball. At just 24, Dani has already won important titles with the Brazilian national team, such as the gold medal at the 2016 World Youth Championship and the silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Championship. She stands out for her refined technique, speed and ability to lead the counter-attack with mastery.
Titles and Honors:
- 1 gold medal at the World Youth Championships (2016)
- 1 silver medal at the Pan American Championships (2023)
- 3 Brazilian National Leagues
- 2 Brazilian Cups
6. Silvia Cristina
Silvia Cristina, better known as “Silvia”, is an experienced player with a successful career in Brazilian and international handball. As a central midfielder, she stands out for her tactical intelligence, precise passing and leadership on the court. Silvia was world junior champion in 2001 and took part in three Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016).
Titles and Honors:
- 1 gold medal at the World Junior Championships (2001)
- 3 participations in the Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016)
- 5 Brazilian national leagues
- 3 Brazilian Cups
7. Camila Martins
Camila Martins, a native of Pernambuco, is a central midfielder who stands out for her physical strength, explosiveness and shooting accuracy. As a central midfielder, she leads her team’s attack with mastery, distributing precise balls to her teammates and finishing with power. Camila was Pan American champion in 2019 and bronze medalist at the 2013 World Cup.
Titles and Honors:
- 1 bronze medal at the World Championships (2013)
- 1 gold medal at the Pan American Games (2019)
- 4 Brazilian National Leagues
- 3 Brazilian Cups
8. Adriana do Nascimento
Adriana do Nascimento, born in Rio de Janeiro, is a young central midfielder who is proving to be one of the greatest talents in Brazilian handball. At just 22, she has already won important titles with the Brazilian national team, such as the silver medal at the 2018 World Junior Championship and the bronze medal at the 2022 Pan-American Games. Adriana stands out for her refined technique, vision of the game and ability to organize the attack with intelligence.
Titles and Honors:
- 1 silver medal at the World Junior Championships (2018)
- 1 bronze medal at the Pan American Games (2022)
- 2 Brazilian National Leagues
- 1 Brazilian Cup
9. Natasha Macedo
Natasha Macedo, better known as “Natacha”, is a versatile player who plays both as a central midfielder and as a pivot. As a central midfielder, she stands out for her tactical intelligence, precise passing and ability to lead the counter-attack with mastery. Natacha was Pan American champion in 2015 and bronze medalist at the 2013 World Cup.
Titles and Honors:
- 1 bronze medal at the World Championships (2013)
- 1 gold medal at the Pan American Games (2015)
- 5 Brazilian National Leagues
- 4 Brazilian Cups
10. Juliana Souza
Juliana Souza is a young central midfielder who is standing out as one of the great promises of Brazilian handball. She stands out for her refined technique, vision and ability to organize attacks with intelligence and creativity. She is seen as the natural successor to Ana Amorim (“Duda”) in the Brazilian national team and has the potential to become one of the best Brazilian central midfielders in the history of handball.
Titles and Honors:
- 1 bronze medal at the World Championships (2023)
- 1 silver medal at the Pan American Championship (2024)
- 2 Brazilian National Leagues
- 1 Brazilian Cup
Complete list: the best Brazilian central midfielders in the history of handball
- Ana Amorim (“Duda”)
- Alexandra Nascimento (“Babi”)
- Deonise Rocha
- Fabiana Moraes (“Fabi”)
- Daniela Piedade (“Dani”)
- Silvia Cristina
- Camila Martins
- Adriana do Nascimento
- Natasha Macedo
- Eduarda Amorim (“Duda”)
Brazilian handball is a sport rich in talent and growing all the time. The stories of these 10 players serve as inspiration for new generations of players, who dream of following in their footsteps and proudly defending the jersey of the Brazilian national team.
Did you like this list of the best Brazilian central midfielders in the history of handball? Then we invite you to learn more about Brazilian women’s handball and follow the career of these talented players on our website:
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