Handball is a dynamic and exciting sport that requires not only incredible attacking skills, but also spectacular defending. With quick reflexes, courage and a great ability to read the game, these athletes are the guardians of the goal and often the unsung heroes of their teams. In this list, we’ll get to know the 15 best goalkeepers in handball history.
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Who are the best goalkeepers in the history of handball?
Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the sport, winning important titles, inspiring fans and new athletes, and starring in unforgettable moments;
We’ll discover the achievements, teams, curiosities and life stories of each of these handball icons.
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
The importance of these goalkeepers goes beyond their saves on the court. They are examples of dedication, endurance and sporting excellence;
Their careers help us understand the evolution of handball and the importance of the goalkeeper’s role in a team’s success;
Let’s celebrate these great names who, with their gloves and courage, helped write the history of world handball.
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
1. Thierry Omeyer
- Titles:
- World Champion (2001, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017)
- Olympic Champion (2008, 2012)
- European Champion (2006, 2010, 2014)
- Team:
- Montpellier, Kiel, Paris Saint-Germain
- Curiosities:
- Voted best goalkeeper in the world several times
- Known for his quick reflexes and leadership on the court
- Life story:
- After retiring, he became a goalkeeper coach and sports consultant
2. Arpad Šterbik
- Titles:
- World Champion (2013)
- European Champion (2018)
- Several EHF Champions League titles
- Team:
- Veszprém, Ciudad Real, Barcelona
- Curiosities:
- Voted best goalkeeper in the world in 2005
- Renowned for his intimidating presence and spectacular saves
- Life story:
- He currently works as a goalkeeper coach and sports commentator
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
3. Andreas Wolff
- Titles:
- European Champion (2016)
- EHF Champions League winners
- Team:
- Kiel, THW Kiel, Vive Kielce
- Curiosities:
- Known for his height and quick reflexes
- Life story:
- He continues his career at a high level, representing the German national team and top European clubs
4. Kasper Hvidt
- Titles:
- European Champion (2008)
- Several national titles
- Team:
- Portland San Antonio, Barcelona, KIF Kolding
- Curiosities:
- Famous for his refined technique and intelligence in the game
- Life story:
- After retiring, he became sports director and consultant
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
5. José Javier Hombrados
- Titles:
- World Champion (2005)
- Several EHF Champions League titles
- Team:
- Atlético Madrid, Ciudad Real
- Curiosities:
- Known for his longevity in sport
- Life story:
- He works with training young goalkeepers and as a commentator
6. Niklas Landin Jacobsen
- Titles:
- World Champion (2019, 2021)
- Olympic Champion (2016)
- Team:
- THW Kiel, Rhein-Neckar Löwen
- Curiosities:
- Voted best goalkeeper in the world in 2019 and 2021
- Life story:
- He continues to be a world-class goal scorer
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
7. Mirko Alilović
- Titles:
- European Champion (2018)
- EHF Champions League winners
- Team:
- Veszprém, Szeged
- Curiosities:
- He stands out for his agility and strong defensive presence
- Life story:
- Involved in handball development projects in Croatia
8. Dejan Perić
- Titles:
- European Champion (2006)
- Several national and international titles
- Team:
- Veszprém, Barcelona
- Curiosities:
- Known for his decisiveness at critical moments
- Life story:
- He works as a goalkeeper coach and sports mentor
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
9. Mattias Andersson
- Titles:
- Several EHF Champions League titles
- Team:
- Flensburg-Handewitt, THW Kiel
- Curiosities:
- Famous for his acrobatic defenses
- Life story:
- Works as a goalkeeper coach after retirement
10. Slaviša Đukanović
- Titles:
- World Champion
- Several national titles
- Team:
- Ciudad Real, Paris Saint-Germain
- Curiosities:
- Known for his poise and precise defending
- Life story:
- He is currently a goalkeeper coach and sports commentator
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
11. David Barrufet
- Titles:
- World Champion (2005)
- Several EHF Champions League titles
- Team:
- Barcelona
- Curiosities:
- Considered a legend of Spanish handball
- Life story:
- He works as a sports manager and consultant
12. Henning Fritz
- Titles:
- World Champion (2007)
- European Champion (2004)
- Team:
- THW Kiel, Rhein-Neckar Löwen
- Curiosities:
- Voted best goalkeeper in the world in 2004
- Life story:
- He works as a sports commentator and consultant
Read to the end and find out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are!
13. Ola Lindgren
- Titles:
- European Champion
- Several national titles
- Team:
- Flensburg-Handewitt, HSG Nordhorn
- Curiosities:
- Known for his consistency and defensive ability
- Life story:
- He became a coach after retirement, leading several teams
14. Stanislav Tretiak
- Titles:
- World Champion
- Several national titles
- Team:
- Dinamo Minsk
- Curiosities:
- Considered a legend of Soviet handball
- Life story:
- Works to develop new handball talent
15. Tomas Svensson
- Titles:
- European Champion
- Several EHF Champions League titles
- Team:
- Barcelona, Ciudad Real
- Curiosities:
- Famous for his unbelievable saves and longevity in sport
- Life story:
- He works as a goalkeeper coach and sports consultant
List of the best goalkeepers in handball history
- Thierry Omeyer
- Arpad Šterbik
- Andreas Wolff
- Kasper Hvidt
- José Javier Hombrados
- Niklas Landin Jacobsen
- Mirko Alilović
- Dejan Perić
- Mattias Andersson
- Slaviša Đukanović
- David Barrufet
- Henning Fritz
- Ola Lindgren
- Stanislav Tretiak
- Tomas Svensson
Did you like finding out who the best goalkeepers in handball history are?
The handball goalkeepers mentioned are true pillars of their teams, demonstrating exceptional skills and memorable performances throughout their careers.
His brilliant saves and outstanding personalities not only secured important victories, but also inspired many generations of new athletes.
The contribution of these goalkeepers to handball is invaluable. They have raised the level of the sport and continue to influence its evolution, whether through coaching, mentoring or working as commentators and consultants;
For more information on these and other great handball athletes, keep following our website!
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