Despite its successes, handball in Brazil faces challenges, such as the need for greater investment in infrastructure and financial support for athletes. However, the passion for the sport and the talent of Brazilian players indicate a promising future. Today we’re going to get to know Brazil’s best current handball players and learn more about the sport’s Olympic history!
Read on to find out who the best handball players in Brazil today are.
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Best handball players in Brazil today: historical Olympic context
Handball arrived in Brazil in the 1930s, brought by European immigrants, mainly Germans, who settled in the south of the country.
The sport began to be practiced in schools and clubs, initially in its outdoor version, known as field handball.
However, the court sport, which is more popular today, gained prominence in the following decades.
In the 1950s, court handball began to become popular in the main Brazilian cities, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In 1954, the Brazilian Sports Confederation (CBD) created the Handball Department, which boosted the organization of championships and the growth of the sport.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in Brazil today are.
In 1971, the Brazilian Handball Confederation (CBHb) was founded, taking on the responsibility of promoting and developing the sport in the country.
The 1980s saw the expansion of handball in Brazilian schools and universities, with the creation of student and university leagues.
The Brazilian men’s team took part in its first World Championship in 1958, but it was in the following decades that Brazil began to gain prominence on the international stage.
The women’s team also began to excel, with regular appearances at World Championships from 1995 onwards.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in Brazil today are.
The years 2000 and 2010 were years of great achievements for Brazilian handball. In 2003, the women’s team won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, a feat repeated in several subsequent editions.
The highlight came in 2013, when the women’s team, led by players such as Eduarda Amorim and Alexandra Nascimento, won the World Championship in Serbia, beating the strong Norwegian team in the final.
The men’s team also began to show its strength, winning the gold medal at the Pan American Games in 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2019.
Participation in the Olympics has become regular, with both the men’s and women’s national teams competing in recent editions of the Olympic Games.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in Brazil today are.
Today, handball is a well-established sport in Brazil, with professional and amateur leagues all over the country.
The Brazilian Handball Confederation continues to promote the development of the sport, investing in grassroots categories and training new talent.
The Brazilian national teams, both men’s and women’s, are respected on the international stage and continue to seek new successes in global competitions.
The popularity of handball in Brazil can also be seen in the growth of academies, clubs and schools that offer regular training and competitions.
Read on to find out who the best handball players in Brazil today are.
The sport has a significant presence in physical education programs in schools, which helps to create a solid base of young athletes.
In addition, national events such as the Brazilian Handball Championship and the National Handball League attract large audiences and help raise the sport’s profile in the country.
Brazil’s best current handball players – Men
Thiagus Petrus
Thiagus Petrus is one of the leading names in Brazilian handball. Playing as a defender, he is known for his physical ability, tactical intelligence and leadership on the court.
Thiagus plays for Barcelona, one of the biggest handball clubs in the world, where he has been instrumental in the team’s success.
Haniel Langaro
Haniel Langaro is one of Brazil’s great attacking talents. With his shooting ability and vision, he has excelled in international competitions and currently plays for Montpellier in France.
His performance in tournaments such as the World Championships and the Pan American Games has been crucial for the Brazilian national team.
João Pedro da Silva
João Pedro da Silva, known as Japa, is another prominent name in Brazilian handball.
His versatility in playing both playmaker and winger makes him a valuable asset to the Brazilian national team.
He plays for BM Granollers in Spain, where he is recognized for his skill and consistency.
Brazil’s best current handball players – Women
Eduarda Amorim
Eduarda Amorim, better known as Duda, is one of the most iconic players in Brazilian handball.
Elected IHF World Player of the Year in 2014, Duda has a career full of titles, including the EHF Champions League and the 2013 World Championship with the Brazilian national team.
Her ability at both ends of the court and her leadership make her a benchmark in the sport.
Ana Paula Rodrigues
Ana Paula Rodrigues is one of the main playmakers in Brazilian women’s handball.
With extensive experience in European clubs, she has been a key player for the Brazilian national team in various international competitions.
Her vision and shooting accuracy are qualities that make her stand out.
Bárbara Arenhart
Bárbara Arenhart, known as Babi, is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Her ability to make spectacular saves at decisive moments makes her a crucial player for any team.
Babi has been a defensive wall for Brazil in several international competitions, helping to raise the level of the national team.
Which country has the best chance of a medal in Paris 2024?
For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, France has emerged as one of the main favorites in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
In the men’s, the French team, with players like Nikola Karabatić, combines experience and young talent, and will have the advantage of playing at home.
In the women’s team, France, the reigning Olympic champions, are also strong contenders for gold.
In addition to France, Denmark and Norway are other powerhouses with great medal chances.
Denmark, led by Mikkel Hansen, is the reigning men’s Olympic champion and continues to be a dominant force.
On the women’s side, Norway, with stars such as Nora Mørk and Stine Bredal Oftedal, is always a strong contender in any international competition.
These teams have demonstrated consistency and a high level of performance, making the Paris 2024 Games a highly anticipated and exciting competition for handball fans around the world.
Read more about the 2024 Olympics:
- 2024 Olympics: meet the best handball players in the world today
- 2024 Olympics: meet the biggest names in Triathlon today
- Olympics 2024: meet the biggest names in Table Tennis today
