Among the many essential roles in handball, the central midfielder stands out as the brains of the team, responsible for orchestrating plays, creating opportunities and often defining the course of matches. Check out the best central midfielders in the history of handball.
Center midfielders are the strategists of handball, displaying a mix of tactical intelligence, technical skills and unparalleled leadership.
Over the years, several central midfielders have left their indelible mark on the world handball scene. Their achievements on the court, unique skills and striking personalities make them true legends of the sport. Shall we get to know these icons?
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The best central midfielders in the history of handball
Talant Dujshebaev
Talant Dujshebaev is widely recognized as one of the best central midfielders in the history of handball. Born in 1968 in Kyrgyzstan, he had a brilliant career that included spells with teams such as CSKA Moscow, Teka Cantabria, and BM Ciudad Real. Dujshebaev was twice voted the IHF’s Best Player in the World and won several titles, including the EHF Champions League. Fun fact: he also made a name for himself as a coach after his retirement, continuing to influence the sport.
Jackson Richardson
One of the best central midfielders in the history of handball is Jackson Richardson, born in 1969 in Saint-Pierre, Réunion. With a career that included clubs such as OM Vitrolles, San Antonio, and Chambéry, Richardson was known for his vision and ability in pressure situations. He was voted Best Player in the World by the IHF in 1995 and 2001, and led the French national team to several titles, including the World Championship. Fun fact: Richardson is known for his dexterity and ability to surprise opponents with unexpected moves.
Ivano Balić
Ivano Balić, born in 1979 in Split, Croatia, is often considered a handball genius. He has played for teams such as RK Zagreb, Portland San Antonio, and Atlético Madrid. Balić was voted IHF World Player of the Year twice and is revered for his creativity and playmaking skills. He helped Croatia win the 2003 World Championship and the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. Fun fact: Balić started out in basketball before turning to handball.
Michael Biegler
Michael Biegler, although better known as a coach, was a skillful central midfielder during his playing career. Born in 1961 in Germany, he played mainly for German clubs and is remembered for his tactical intelligence. As a coach, he led Poland to a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships. Fun fact: Biegler is also a writer, having published books on handball coaching.
Magnus Wislander
Magnus Wislander, born in 1964 in Göteborg, Sweden, is considered one of the greatest handball players of all time. He played mainly for Redbergslids IK and THW Kiel. Wislander was voted IHF Player of the Century and led Sweden to numerous achievements, including four European Championships and two Olympic silver medals. Fun fact: In addition to handball, Wislander was a talented golfer. He certainly has a place on the list of the best central midfielders in the history of handball.
Nikola Karabatić
Nikola Karabatić, born in 1984 in Niš, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), is a modern handball legend. He has played for top clubs such as Montpellier, THW Kiel, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. Karabatić was voted Best Player in the World by the IHF three times and won numerous titles, including three World Championships and two Olympic gold medals with France. Fun fact: Karabatić comes from a family of athletes, with his father being a former handball player and coach.
Talant Dujshebaev
Talant Dujshebaev is widely recognized as one of the best central midfielders in the history of handball. Born in 1968 in Kyrgyzstan, he had a brilliant career that included spells with teams such as CSKA Moscow, Teka Cantabria, and BM Ciudad Real. Dujshebaev was twice voted the IHF’s Best Player in the World and won several titles, including the EHF Champions League. Fun fact: he also made a name for himself as a coach after his retirement, continuing to influence the sport.
Ivano Balić
Ivano Balić, born in 1979 in Split, Croatia, is often considered a handball genius. He has played for teams such as RK Zagreb, Portland San Antonio, and Atlético Madrid. Balić was voted IHF World Player of the Year twice and is revered for his creativity and playmaking skills. He helped Croatia win the 2003 World Championship and the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. Fun fact: Balić started out in basketball before turning to handball.
Domagoj Duvnjak
Domagoj Duvnjak, born in 1988 in Đakovo, Croatia, is known for his talent and versatility. He has played for clubs such as RK Zagreb, HSV Hamburg, and THW Kiel. Duvnjak was named IHF World Player of the Year in 2013 and helped Croatia win several medals at European and world championships. Fun fact: Duvnjak is known for his humble demeanor and for being a true leader on and off the court.
Filip Jícha
Filip Jícha, born in 1982 in Starý Plzenec, Czech Republic, is one of the big names in handball. He had a distinguished career playing for clubs such as THW Kiel and FC Barcelona. Jícha was voted Best Player in the World by the IHF in 2010 and won several titles, including the EHF Champions League. Fun fact: After retiring as a player, Jícha became a coach, continuing his contribution to the sport. He cannot be left out of the list of the best central midfielders in the history of handball.
Raúl Entrerríos
Raúl Entrerríos, born in 1981 in Gijón, Spain, is one of the most consistent central midfielders of the last decade. He has played for teams such as Ademar León, BM Valladolid, and FC Barcelona. Entrerríos helped Spain win two European Championships and an Olympic bronze medal. Fun fact: Raúl comes from a family of handballers, with his brother Alberto Entrerríos also an outstanding player.
Didier Dinart
Didier Dinart, born in 1977 in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, is recognized for both his playing career and his work as a coach. He played for clubs such as Montpellier, Ciudad Real, and Paris Saint-Germain. As a player, Dinart was fundamental to the French defense, but also excelled as a central playmaker, contributing to three world titles and two Olympic gold medals. Fun fact: After retiring, Dinart became coach of the French national team, continuing to influence handball in another role.
Complete list: 10 best central midfielders in the history of handball
- Talant Dujshebaev
- Jackson Richardson
- Ivano Balić
- Michael Biegler
- Magnus Wislander
- Nikola Karabatić
- Domagoj Duvnjak
- Filip Jícha
- Raúl Entrerríos
- Didier Dinart
The history of handball is rich in exceptional talents, and if you enjoyed discovering the best central midfielders in the history of handball, keep following our website for more articles, inspiring stories and all the best in this sport!
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