Every Year’s Best Handball Player of the 21st Century – Ranked

The IHF World Handball Player of the Year award highlights the best talents in the sport, recognizing individual brilliance across different nations and positions. From Yoon Kyung-Shin’s groundbreaking win in 2001 to Mathias Gidsel’s rise in 2024, the list showcases two decades of handball greatness.

2001 – Yoon Kyung-Shin (South Korea, Right Back)

Yoon made history as the first non-European to claim the award. His incredible scoring ability and technical mastery put South Korea on the global handball map.

2002 – Bertrand Gille (France, Line Player)

Gille was rewarded for his dominance in the pivot position. His physical strength and ability to score under pressure made him indispensable for France.

2003 – Ivano Balić (Croatia, Centre Back)

Balić secured his first title, showcasing extraordinary creativity and vision. His playmaking genius set a new standard for centre backs worldwide.

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2004 – Henning Fritz (Germany, Goalkeeper)

Fritz became Germany’s first-ever winner thanks to his heroic performances in goal. His reflexes and composure under pressure proved decisive.

2005 – Arpad Šterbik (Serbia and Montenegro, Goalkeeper)

Šterbik’s commanding presence between the posts earned him recognition. His consistency and leadership helped him dominate European competitions.

2006 – Ivano Balić (Croatia, Centre Back)

Balić picked up his second straight award, underlining his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His flair and game control left fans in awe.

2007 – Nikola Karabatić (France, Centre Back)

Karabatić’s first award signaled the rise of a new superstar. His tactical intelligence and leadership made him the heartbeat of the French team.

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2008 – Thierry Omeyer (France, Goalkeeper)

Omeyer finally got the recognition his brilliance deserved. Known for his clutch saves, he became the ultimate wall for both France and his clubs.

2009 – Sławomir Szmal (Poland, Goalkeeper)

Szmal gave Poland its first win with sensational displays in goal. His agility and determination inspired a generation of Polish players.

2010 – Filip Jícha (Czech Republic, Left Back)

Jícha’s award marked a milestone for Czech handball. His powerful shooting and relentless drive made him a standout in Europe.

2011 – Mikkel Hansen (Denmark, Left Back)

Hansen claimed his first title and began building his legendary career. His thunderous shots and playmaking lifted Denmark to new levels.

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2012 – Daniel Narcisse (France, Centre Back)

Narcisse was recognized for his remarkable consistency and intelligence. His ability to decide big games made him one of France’s most reliable stars.

2013 – Domagoj Duvnjak (Croatia, Centre Back)

Duvnjak secured Croatia’s third overall win with his first individual title. His vision and leadership cemented his place as one of the best playmakers of his era.

2014 – Nikola Karabatić (France, Centre Back)

Karabatić returned to the top with his second career award. His dominance in midfield once again defined France’s golden generation.

2015 – Mikkel Hansen (Denmark, Left Back)

Hansen’s second award confirmed his status as one of the sport’s elite players. His ability to score at will made him Denmark’s talisman.

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2016 – Nikola Karabatić (France, Centre Back)

Karabatić won his third title, proving his consistency and longevity at the very highest level. His leadership remained unmatched.

2017 – Not Awarded

The award was not presented in 2017. It marked a rare pause in celebrating individual excellence in handball.

2018 – Mikkel Hansen (Denmark, Left Back)

Hansen claimed his third award, equaling Karabatić’s tally at the time. His blend of power and intelligence kept Denmark at the top of world handball.

2019 – Niklas Landin Jacobsen (Denmark, Goalkeeper)

Landin won his first award, giving Denmark another iconic handball star. His reflexes and leadership as goalkeeper were key to his team’s triumphs.

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2020 – Not Awarded

The global disruptions of the year meant the award was not given. It became another blank spot in the award’s history.

2021 – Niklas Landin Jacobsen (Denmark, Goalkeeper)

Landin repeated his success with a second win. His consistency and dominance in goal confirmed him as one of the greatest keepers ever.

2022 – Not Awarded

The award was again not presented in 2022. It highlighted the occasional interruptions in the tradition.

2023 – Mathias Gidsel (Denmark, Right Back)

Gidsel earned his first award after a breakout year. His creativity, speed, and attacking brilliance made him nearly unstoppable.

2024 – Mathias Gidsel (Denmark, Right Back)

Gidsel secured back-to-back titles with his second award. His rise to stardom reflects