Handball goalkeepers play a crucial role in the success of their teams, and the players mentioned above represent the pinnacle of excellence in the sport. Their performances inspire future generations of players, ensuring that handball remains an exciting and competitive sport all over the world. Let’s meet the best handball goalkeepers in the world today, shall we?
🤑 Bet at Bet7k and WIN up to R$7,000 in bonuses on your first deposit 🚨
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
Best handball goalkeepers in the world today: historical context
Handball is a team sport with roots dating back to Europe at the end of the 19th century, evolving from similar games played in ancient Greece and Rome.
The modern form of handball began to take shape in Germany and Scandinavia, with the creation of the International Handball Federation (IHF) in 1928.
The sport was first included in the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936, but was removed soon after, returning permanently in 1972 at the Munich Games.
Since then, handball has gained global popularity, including the development of a rich history of great goalkeepers who have left their mark on the sport.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
Best Handball goalkeepers in the world today – Men
Niklas Landin (Denmark)
Niklas Landin was born on December 19, 1988 in Søborg, Denmark. From a young age, Landin showed a great talent for handball, starting his career in the youth ranks of KFUM København.
His ability and potential quickly caught the eye, and he was recruited by GOG Svendborg TGI, one of Denmark’s leading handball clubs.
Landin made his debut for the Danish national team in 2008, and has been a mainstay of the team ever since.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
He played a crucial role in Denmark’s Olympic gold at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro and victories at the 2019 and 2021 World Championships.
At club level, Landin had notable spells with Rhein-Neckar Löwen in Germany and THW Kiel, where he remains a dominant figure.
Niklas Landin is widely regarded as the best handball goalkeeper in the world today.
Playing for THW Kiel and the Danish national team, Landin is known for his spectacular saves and imposing presence in goal.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
He played a crucial role in Denmark’s gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and the 2019 and 2021 World Championships.
Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas (Spain)
Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas was born on January 10, 1991 in Toledo, Spain.
From an early age, Pérez de Vargas showed an aptitude for sport, joining FC Barcelona’s youth teams.
His dedication and talent quickly led him to Spain’s youth teams.
Pérez de Vargas made his senior debut in 2011 and established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper in the following years.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
In addition to his international success, Pérez de Vargas has been a key player for FC Barcelona, helping the club win multiple titles in the EHF Champions League.
With quick reflexes and a great ability to read the game, Pérez de Vargas has been key to his team’s success in European and international competitions.
He helped Spain win the 2018 and 2020 European Championships.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
Andreas Wolff (Germany)
Andreas Wolff was born on March 3, 1991, in Euskirchen, Germany.
He started playing handball for local clubs before being noticed by TV Großwallstadt, where he began his professional career.
Wolff quickly stood out for his skills and was called up to the German national team in 2013.
Wolff played a crucial role in Germany’s victory at the 2016 European Championships, where his spectacular saves helped the team win the title.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
He has also had success at club level, playing for THW Kiel and, more recently, KS Kielce in Poland.
His agility and ability to make saves at critical moments make him one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Andreas Wolff is one of today’s most outstanding goalkeepers, known for his agility and ability to save shots from short and long range.
He was one of the main factors behind Germany’s victory at the 2016 European Championship.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
Best Handball goalkeepers in the world today – Women
Amandine Leynaud (France)
Amandine Leynaud was born on May 2, 1986 in Aubenas, France. She started playing handball at the age of 12 and quickly made a name for herself as a goalkeeper.
Leynaud began her professional career with Metz Handball, one of France’s top clubs, where she won several national titles.
Leynaud made his debut for the French national team in 2005 and has been a key player ever since.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
She helped France win the 2017 World Championship and the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Amandine Leynaud is one of the best women’s handball goalkeepers in the world. Playing for Győri Audi ETO KC and the French national team, Leynaud is known for her experience, quick reflexes and ability to lead the defense.
She played a crucial role in France winning Olympic gold in 2020 and the World Championship in 2017.
Sandra Toft (Denmark)
Sandra Toft was born on October 18, 1989 in Gribskov, Denmark. She started playing handball at a young age and quickly made a name for herself as a goalkeeper.
Toft began her professional career with Team Tvis Holstebro, where her performances attracted international attention.
Toft made his debut for the Danish national team in 2008 and has been a central figure ever since.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
She has had successful spells at clubs such as Larvik HK in Norway and Brest Bretagne Handball in France.
Sandra Toft, a player for Győri Audi ETO KC, is one of the most respected goalkeepers on the women’s handball scene.
With a career marked by great saves and decisive moments, Toft has helped the Danish national team to several successes in European and world competitions.
Her consistent performance makes her a key part of any team.
Read on to find out who the best handball goalkeepers in the world today are.
Silje Solberg (Norway)
Silje Solberg was born on June 16, 1990, in Bærum, Norway. From an early age, Solberg showed an exceptional talent for handball, starting her career at local club Helset IF.
She progressed quickly through the youth ranks and joined Stabæk Håndball, where she began her professional career.
Solberg made her debut for the Norwegian national team in 2011 and has been an important player ever since.
She has helped Norway win several major titles, including the European Championship and the World Championship.
Silje Solberg is one of the top goalkeepers in women’s handball, known for her agility and ability to save difficult shots.
Playing for Siófok KC and the Norwegian national team, Solberg has been instrumental for Norway, helping the team win titles such as the European Championship and the World Championship.
Best Handball goalkeepers of all time – Men
Thierry Omeyer (France)
Thierry Omeyer is often considered the greatest handball goalkeeper of all time.
Playing for the French national team and clubs such as Montpellier and THW Kiel, Omeyer won numerous titles, including two Olympic golds (2008, 2012) and five world championships.
His ability to make incredible saves at crucial moments and his leadership on the court have made him a legend of the sport.
Tomas Svensson (Sweden)
Tomas Svensson is one of the most respected goalkeepers in the history of handball.
Representing Sweden in several international competitions, Svensson helped the team win four Olympic silver medals (1992, 1996, 2000) and two world titles (1990, 1999).
His consistency and defensive skills marked an era of success for Swedish handball.
Arpad Sterbik (Spain/Serbia)
Arpad Sterbik, who played for both Spain and Serbia, is known for his imposing presence in goal and his spectacular saves.
He won the 2013 World Cup with Spain and was voted IHF World Player of the Year in 2005.
Sterbik has also had a successful club career, including spells with Ciudad Real and Veszprém.
Best Handball Goalkeepers of All Time – Women
Cecilie Leganger (Norway)
Cecilie Leganger is widely regarded as one of the best handball goalkeepers of all time.
Playing for Norway, she was voted World Player of the Year by the IHF in 2001.
Leganger was crucial for Norway in several competitions, including the European Championship and the World Championship, where her saves helped the team win numerous titles.
Katrine Lunde (Norway)
Katrine Lunde is another Norwegian goalkeeper who has left an indelible mark on handball.
With two Olympic golds (2008, 2012), three world championships and five European championships, Lunde is known for her longevity and consistency at the highest level.
She continues to play at a high level and is a reference point for new generations.
Valérie Nicolas (France)
Valérie Nicolas, a French goalkeeper, was voted World Player of the Year by the IHF in 2002.
She helped France win the 2003 World Championship and several other medals in international competitions.
Nicolas is remembered for her acrobatic saves and her ability to decide games at critical moments.
Did you enjoy getting to know the best handball goalkeepers in the world today? Read more about handball:
- 2024 Olympics: meet best handball players in Brazil today
- 2024 Olympics: meet the best handball players in the world today
- Meet the 10 best left-wingers in handball history
