Germany is a nation that is renowned for its excellence in handball. Handball is a popular sport in Germany and has been played in the country since the 19th century. Every year, the country produces some of the best handball players in the world.
These top-level athletes are highly respected for their skill, dedication, and athleticism. This article will take a look at the best handball players in Germany, highlighting their achievements and accomplishments.
We will also discuss what makes them such great players, and why they have become so successful.
1. Patrick Groetzki
Patrick Groetzki is a professional handball player from Germany who currently plays for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen club and the German national team. He began his career in handball on 17 June 2009, when he made his debut in a match against Belarus.
Since then, he has become an important member of both teams and has earned a great deal of recognition for his outstanding performances.
He has won various awards and honors, including the All-Star Team of the German Handball-Bundesliga in the 2015-16 season. Groetzki has been praised for his technical skill and tactical intelligence, which allow him to make plays that would otherwise be impossible.
His accuracy and shot selection make him a valuable asset to his team, and his athleticism allows him to make plays on both offense and defense.
His leadership and presence on the court are also important qualities that have earned him the respect of his peers and fans. In addition to his handball career, Patrick Groetzki also serves as an ambassador for the German Handball-Bundesliga.
He frequently gives talks and workshops to young handball players, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
He is also an active member of the German Handball Federation, taking part in various events and activities throughout the year. The success of Patrick Groetzki in the sport of handball is an inspiration to many.
His dedication and commitment to the sport have made him one of the most respected players in the game, and his continued success serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to great things.
2. Uwe Gensheimer
Uwe Gensheimer is a German handball player who currently plays for Rhein-Neckar Löwen. He is a long-time veteran of the sport, having made his international debut in 2005.
His first match was against Slovenia on 25 November of that year. Gensheimer has been an integral part of the German national team for the past sixteen years, acting as captain from 2014 onwards.
In 2021, he announced that he would be leaving the national team; however, he is still continuing to play for Rhein-Neckar Löwen. Gensheimer has been a leader in the German handball community for many years, and his presence will surely be missed.
Despite his departure from the national team, he remains a respected figure in the sport and his contributions to the team have been invaluable.
3. Henning Fritz
Henning Fritz is a highly accomplished individual. He is a retired German handball goalkeeper, an entrepreneur, a book author and a TV expert.
His career in handball was particularly notable for a single accomplishment – in 2004, he was awarded the World Player of the Year title, making him the first-ever goalkeeper to receive such a prestigious honor.
This award is a testament to his skill and determination as a handball player, and his impressive career has enabled him to become an entrepreneur, author and TV expert. His success is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.
4. Silvio Heinevetter
Silvio Heinevetter is a professional handball player from Germany. He currently plays for TVB 1898 Stuttgart, a German handball team, and is also a member of the German national handball team.
He is renowned for his skill and contribution to the sport, and he was given the honor of representing Germany in the 2019 World Men’s Handball Championship.
Heinevetter has been a successful player for many years, and his participation in the championship is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He has inspired many young players to pursue their passion in handball, and his accomplishments have made him a national hero in Germany.
5. Wilhelm Brinkmann
Wilhelm Brinkmann was a German field handball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics. Field handball is a team sport, similar to basketball, played on a court with two goals at either end.
It requires a combination of physical and technical skills in order to be successful. At the 1936 Summer Olympics, Brinkmann was part of the German field handball team that went on to win the gold medal. As part of the team, Brinkmann played two matches, including the final.
He was an integral part of the team’s success, and his contribution was crucial in helping the team to the gold medal. Brinkmann was a skilled player and his presence on the team was a major factor in the team’s success.
He was able to use his technical skills to great advantage, and his physical prowess was also a great asset.
This helped the team to win the gold medal, and Brinkmann’s contribution was invaluable. Overall, Wilhelm Brinkmann was an important part of the German field handball team that won the gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
His contribution to the team was invaluable, and his skill and dedication helped the team to achieve their goal of winning gold.
6. Georg Dascher
Georg Dascher was an accomplished German field handball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was part of the German team that won the gold medal for the sport.
During the Olympic games, Georg played in two matches, showing his skill and dedication to the sport. When the war began, Georg enlisted in the Wehrmacht and became a lieutenant. He courageously served in the military until he was killed on the Western Front.
His bravery and service to his country will not be forgotten, and Georg’s legacy lives on through the gold medal he helped his team win at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
7. Florian Kehrmann
Florian Stefan Kehrmann is a well-known figure in the German handball world. He is a former player who has had a long and successful career before becoming a coach. From 1994 to 1995, he played for TUSEM Essen, a top-level German handball club.
From 1995 to 1999, Kehrmann moved to another club, Sportring Solingen, where he continued to play until his retirement. Since retiring, Kehrmann has found a new role in the handball world as a coach.
He is currently the head coach for TBV Lemgo, another top-level German handball club. Kehrmann has been very successful in his new role, leading his team to several championships and tournament victories.
He is highly respected in the handball world for his knowledge and ability to lead a team to success.
8. Wilhelm Baumann
Wilhelm Baumann was a successful German field handball player who had the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. His team was made up of other talented players, and together they were able to win the gold medal.
While in the Olympics, Baumann was able to play in two matches, including the final. His skill and determination certainly contributed to the team’s success, and his hard work earned him the respect of his fellow players and fans.
Wilhelm Baumann’s dedication to the game of handball is inspiring, and his achievements in the 1936 Summer Olympics will never be forgotten.
9. Karl Kreutzberg
Karl Kreutzberg was an accomplished German field handball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. He was a member of the German field handball team that won the gold medal.
During the tournament, he played two matches, one of them being the final, as the goalkeeper. After the war, he moved to Düren in the German state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Kreutzberg was a highly skilled and experienced handball player, and his expertise was an integral part of the team’s success in the tournament. Not only was he a talented goalkeeper, but he also had an impressive understanding of the game.
His leadership and tactical insight were invaluable to the team and played a major role in helping them to secure the gold medal. Kreutzberg’s passion for the sport remained with him until the end of his life.
He was a dedicated and respected member of the handball community and his legacy is still remembered by many.
His accomplishments in the sport will never be forgotten, and his contribution to the German team’s success at the 1936 Olympics is a lasting testament to his skill and dedication.
10. Edgar Reinhardt
Edgar Reinhardt was a German field handball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics with the German field handball team. His team went on to win the gold medal, with Reinhardt playing an integral role in the achievement.
He participated in two matches during the competition, including the final as the team’s goalkeeper. Reinhardt was a crucial part of the team, as his defensive and goalkeeping skills were paramount to their success.
He was lauded for his performance in the tournament, and his team was celebrated for their triumphant victory. Reinhardt’s contribution was memorable, and his team’s success was a testament to his skills and hard work.
11. Hans Theilig
Hans Theilig was a German field handball player who achieved success during the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was part of the German national team that competed in the field handball event and ultimately won the gold medal.
Theilig’s contribution to the team was evident during the tournament, as he played in two matches, helping the German side to victory.
His efforts in the tournament were acknowledged by his teammates and coaches, and his achievements will always be remembered by German field handball fans.
12. Rudolf Stahl
Rudolf Stahl was a talented field handball player from Germany who had the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. As part of the German field handball team, he was able to help his team secure a gold medal.
His contributions to the team were invaluable, as he played in two matches, including the decisive final match.
His impressive performance in the final match was instrumental in securing the gold medal for the German field handball team. Rudolf Stahl was a true champion and a great example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
His incredible achievements at the 1936 Summer Olympics will always be remembered and celebrated. He was a great role model for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that it is possible to reach great heights with passion, determination and courage.
13. Simon Ernst
Simon Ernst is a professional handball player from Germany. He currently plays for SC DHfK Leipzig Handball, a popular German club, as well as for the German national handball team.
Simon has been playing handball since a young age and has established himself as a top talent in the sport. He has earned many accolades during his career, including being part of three German League titles and a German Cup title.
In addition, he has been an integral part of the German national team, helping them reach the podium on multiple occasions. Simon is known for his aggressive offensive play and his ability to make plays in the clutch.
He is highly respected in the handball community and is considered one of the best players in the world.
14. Rune Dahmke
Rune Dahmke is an accomplished handball athlete who has made a name for himself in the German professional handball circuit. He currently plays for THW Kiel, one of the top clubs in the German Handball Bundesliga.
Dahmke also represents the Germany national handball team and is a valuable asset to the team. In 2016, Dahmke was part of the Germany team that took part in the European Men’s Handball Championship.
His impressive performance in the tournament earned him recognition and praise from handball fans from all over the world. His skillful and intelligent playing style has made him a favourite among handball enthusiasts.
Dahmke is a true testament to the fact that hard work and dedication can take you far in the world of sports.
15. Paul Drux
Paul Drux is a professional handball player from Germany. He currently plays for Füchse Berlin, one of the top teams in the professional German Handball League.
Additionally, he is also a member of the German national handball team. In 2019, Paul Drux had the opportunity to represent his country at the World Men’s Handball Championship.
This is an international tournament held every two years, and it is one of the most prestigious handball competitions in the world. During the tournament, Paul Drux and his teammates put on a good show, and the German national team ended up finishing in fourth place.
It was a great accomplishment for him and his team, and it was also a great honor for Germany to have one of their own in the tournament.
16. Andreas Wolff
Andreas Wolff is an accomplished German handball player who is currently playing for Barlinek Industria Kielce in Poland. He is also a member of the German national handball team.
Wolff has had a long and successful career in handball, beginning in 2006 when he joined the German youth handball team. He has since gone on to win multiple championships and awards, including the German Championship in 2013 with the Rhein-Neckar Lowen.
Additionally, he was a member of the German national team that placed second in the 2016 European Championship and he was voted the best goalkeeper at the 2017 World Championship.
Wolff’s ability to make outstanding saves and his dedication to the sport make him a valuable asset to both Barlinek Industria Kielce and the German national team.
17. Johannes Golla
Johannes Golla is a German handball player who plays for the top handball club, SG Flensburg-Handewitt. He was part of the German national team that participated in the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship.
His impressive performance in the tournament earned him the distinction of being named the captain of the German national team in 2021, taking over from Uwe Gensheimer.
Golla has been playing handball since a young age and was part of the German youth national team for many years. His hard work and dedication have paid off, as he has been able to make a name for himself in the handball world.
He is now one of the most respected and admired German handball players in the world. In his role as captain of the German national team, Golla will be tasked with leading the team to success in the upcoming handball tournaments.
He is experienced and knowledgeable about the game and will be able to provide the necessary guidance and leadership to his teammates. He will also be responsible for motivating his team to achieve their best results in the competitions.
Johannes Golla is an exemplary player and leader in the German handball community. His commitment to the game and his excellent leadership skills make him a great asset to the German national team.
He is sure to be a great captain and leader as he continues to excel in the sport.
18. Jannik Kohlbacher
Jannik Kohlbacher is a talented handball player from Germany. He currently plays for Rhein-Neckar Löwen, a professional handball team based in Germany. He is also a member of the German national team, representing his country in international competitions.
In 2016, he was part of the German team that competed at the European Men’s Handball Championship. During the tournament, Kohlbacher’s team managed to reach the quarterfinals, where they were eventually eliminated by Spain.
Despite the loss, Kohlbacher and the rest of the German team were able to put up a strong performance and demonstrate their skills in front of the world.
His performance during the tournament earned him the respect of many handball fans, and he continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring handball players.
19. Juri Knorr
Juri Knorr is a professional handball player from Germany. He currently plays for Rhein-Neckar Löwen, a handball club based in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg.
Knorr has also represented his country at the international level, playing for the German national handball team. Knorr has been playing handball since he was a child.
He started out playing in local clubs in his home town of Worms, eventually making his way up to the professional level. Over the years, he has developed into one of the best players in the German handball league.
His skill, dedication and hard work have earned him a spot in the national team, where he has been an integral part of their success. Knorr has achieved numerous accolades in his career, including a bronze medal at the 2012 European Handball Championship, as well as multiple awards for being the best player in the Bundesliga.
He is also a two-time German Player of the Year, and in 2019 he was named the German Handballer of the Year. Knorr is an important part of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen team, and his leadership and passion for the game have helped the team to numerous titles, including five German championships and three German Cups.
He is also an important part of the German national team, and his experience and skill are vital to the team’s success.
20. Philipp Weber
Philipp Weber is a professional handball player from Germany. He is currently playing for SC Magdeburg, a German club team in the top division of the Handball-Bundesliga, and is a member of the German national handball team.
Philipp Weber began his handball career in his local club team in Berlin, and eventually made his way up to the professional level. He joined SC Magdeburg in 2016 and has since become an influential player for the team.
His impressive performances on the court have also earned him a place on the German national team, which he joined in 2018. Since joining the national team, Philipp Weber has played an important role in helping Germany reach the top of the world rankings.
His presence on the court is invaluable, and he is known for his speed, agility, and sharpshooting. He also possesses a great deal of tactical knowledge, which allows him to make the right decisions in key situations.
Philipp Weber is a highly accomplished handballer, and his achievements have not gone unnoticed. He is an important figure in the German handball scene, and he is sure to be an integral part of the national team’s future success.
21. Lukas Mertens
Lukas Mertens is a highly accomplished German handball player. He currently plays for the club SC Magdeburg and is also a member of the German national team.
Mertens has been involved in handball for some time now, and his experience and skill have seen him take part in major tournaments. Most recently, he was a part of the German team that competed in the 2022 European Men’s Handball Championship.
Mertens is an integral part of Germany’s handball team, and his presence in the tournament is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
He is a role model to aspiring young handballers, and his success at the tournament is sure to inspire others to reach their dreams.
22. Kai Häfner
Kai Häfner is a professional, international handball player from Germany. He currently plays for the club team TVB Stuttgart, based in the city of Stuttgart. He also plays for the German National Handball Team, which competes in international tournaments.
In 2019, Häfner was part of the German team that participated in the World Men’s Handball Championship. His experience and skill as a player proved invaluable in helping the team reach the championship match.
He has also represented Germany in other international tournaments, such as the European Handball Championship. His commitment to the sport is evident and he is a respected member of the German national handball team.
23. Daniel Stephan
Daniel Stephan is a former German handball player who enjoyed a successful career. Born in Rheinhausen, he began his journey into the sport at a young age.
He soon established himself as a valuable player for the German national handball team, becoming a key member of the team in 1995. In 2004, Stephan’s career reached its peak when the German national handball team, which he was a part of, won the European Men’s Handball Championship.
This was a major achievement for both Stephan and Germany, as it was the first time the country had won the title in 10 years.
Stephan’s experience and skill was a major factor in the team’s success. Since retiring from professional handball, Stephan has gone on to become a successful coach, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of handball players.
He is an icon in the sport and an inspiration for all aspiring handball players.
24. Nadine Krause
Nadine Krause is a renowned former German handballer who achieved great success and recognition during her playing career. She began her handball journey with Bayer Leverkusen as a left-back, and made her debut on the German A-Team in 1999 at the age of just 17.
Her talent and skill was quickly recognized, and she was crowned top scorer at the 2005 World Championships. This success was further rewarded when Krause was voted IHF World Player of the Year in 2006.
It was a well-deserved recognition for her years of hard work and dedication to the sport. Throughout her handball career, Krause has demonstrated an impressive level of commitment and determination.
She has become an inspiration to many aspiring handball players, and her legacy will live on for generations to come.
25. Finn Lemke
Finn Lemke is a retired handball player from Germany. He is well-known for his long and successful career playing for both MT Melsungen and the German national team. His career in handball began in 2001, and over the years he achieved multiple titles and awards.
In 2023, however, he was forced to end his career due to a series of injuries. Despite this, he is still celebrated and remembered for his accomplishments and dedication to the sport.
To this day, he remains an inspiration to aspiring athletes, and his name is synonymous with excellence in the sport of handball.
26. Fabian Wiede
Fabian Wiede is a professional handball player from Germany. He plays for Füchse Berlin, a German handball club, and is also a part of the German national team. In 2019, he had the opportunity to compete in the World Men’s Handball Championship.
This tournament is held annually and brings together the best handball players from around the world to compete for the title of World Champions. The competition is intense and requires a great deal of skill, strength, and endurance.
For Fabian Wiede, it was an honor to be able to compete and represent his team and country. He is proud to be a part of such a prestigious event and hopes to one day bring home a championship title for Germany.
27. Marcel Schiller
Marcel Schiller is a talented German handballer who currently plays for the professional handball club Frisch Auf Göppingen and also the German national team. He has been a part of both teams since 2018, having previously played for other clubs.
He is highly regarded in the sport for his skill and tenacity on the court. Marcel Schiller is no stranger to success as he has won multiple national and international handball titles, including the German Handball Cup in both 2019 and 2021.
He is also a two-time gold medalist for the German national team, having won the European Handball Championship in 2020 and the World Handball Championship in 2021. His skills and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he was recently named the German Handball Player of the Year for 2021.
He is highly respected for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to helping the German national team win championships. Marcel Schiller is a prime example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success in the sport of handball.
He is a talented player who has earned numerous accolades throughout his career and is an inspiration to many.
28. Timo Kastening
Timo Kastening is a German handball player who plays professionally for MT Melsungen, a German handball club. As well as playing for his club, Timo is also a member of the German national team.
He has represented his country in two major international handball tournaments – the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship and the 2021 World Men’s Handball Championship. Both tournaments are highly competitive and involve the best players from around the world.
Timo has been impressive in both tournaments, showcasing his skill and dedication to the game. His ability to compete at the highest level has made him an important member of the German national team and one of the top handball players in Europe.
29. Hendrik Pekeler
Hendrik Pekeler is a German professional handball player who currently plays for THW Kiel, the most successful club in the history of the sport, and the German national team.
He is an internationally renowned player and was part of the German team that participated in the 2019 World Men’s Handball Championship. After the 2020 Summer Olympics, he announced he was taking a long break from the national team.
This break could be a sign of him taking some time off to rest and recharge after competing in the Olympics or a sign of him retiring from international competition. Either way, it is a loss for the German team as Pekeler has been a great player for them over the years.
30. Heiner Brand
Heiner Brand is a renowned figure in the world of handball. He was a former West German handball player and went on to become the head coach of the Germany men’s national handball team from 1997 to 2011.
His impact on the team during his tenure was immense, as they went on to become one of the most successful teams in the world.
He is the only person to have won the world handball championship both as a player and as a coach, an impressive feat that speaks volumes about his skill and dedication to the sport.
His knowledge and experience of the game made him a formidable coach, and his teams were highly successful. Heiner Brand has left an indelible mark on the world of handball and will be remembered as one of the greatest players and coaches in the sport’s history.
31. Udo Röhrig
Udo Röhrig is a former East German handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics. He was born in Groß-Ottersleben, a small town in East Germany. In 1972, Udo was selected to play for the East German handball team at the Olympics.
He played in five matches during the tournament and scored seven goals in total. His team ultimately placed fourth in the tournament, a remarkable achievement for the East German team.Udo Röhrig was a highly accomplished handball player during his time.
He was part of the East German team that competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics and was able to provide a significant contribution to his team’s success. His seven goals were instrumental in helping his team to the fourth-place finish.
His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, and he was a valuable asset to the East German team. Udo Röhrig’s legacy is still remembered today. He is remembered for his skillful play and his contributions to the East German handball team.
He may not have won a medal, but his efforts helped his team achieve a great deal of success in the tournament. Udo Röhrig is a great example of hard work, dedication, and determination, and will always be remembered for his accomplishments.
32. Diethard Finkelmann
Diethard Finkelmann is a former West German handball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics. Finkelmann was a member of the West German team that competed in the tournament, which ultimately achieved a sixth-place finish.
During the tournament, Finkelmann played a total of five matches and scored one goal. Finkelmann was an important part of the West German team, contributing to their overall success in the tournament.
His one goal was a valuable asset to the team and helped to propel them to their sixth-place finish. Finkelmann’s involvement in the 1972 Summer Olympics is a testament to his skill and dedication as a handball player.
His performance in the tournament earned him recognition and respect from his peers. His commitment to the sport and to his team is admirable, and he serves as an inspiration to all who follow the sport of handball.
Conclusion
Germany is home to some of the best handball players in the world. These players have achieved great success in the sport, winning multiple championships and medals for their country.
They have also been successful in individual competitions, including being named the best player in the world multiple times. It is clear that German handball has a bright future and will continue to produce top-level talent in the years to come.
