The Netherlands is home to some of the best handball players in the world. The Netherlands Handball Federation (NHV) has produced numerous world-class athletes who have won numerous medals and awards in international competitions.
Players like Kay Smits, Mark Schuurman, and Laura van der Heijden have all made their mark on the international handball scene. These athletes have been a source of inspiration for many aspiring handball players in the Netherlands.
We will take a look at some of the top Dutch handball players and their achievements in the sport.
1. Rutger ten Velde
Rutger ten Velde is a professional handball player from the Netherlands. He plays for TuS N-Lübbecke, a German handball club, and is also a member of the Dutch national handball team.
He has had a successful career in handball, having represented the Netherlands at the 2022 European Men’s Handball Championship. This tournament is held every two years and is a major international event for handball teams from across Europe.
Rutger ten Velde was selected to compete in the tournament, which is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. He will be hoping to lead the Dutch national team to victory in the tournament and will be looking to make his mark on the international stage.
2. Bobby Schagen
Bobby Schagen is a professional handball player from the Netherlands. He plays club handball for TBV Lemgo and is also a member of the Dutch national handball team. Schagen was recently selected to represent the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship.
This is a prestigious tournament for European nations, and Schagen is one of the few Dutch athletes to receive an invitation. As a result, he is now an important figure in Dutch handball, and his performance will be closely monitored in the tournament.
Schagen’s selection is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport and is sure to be a memorable experience for him.
3. Jasper Adams
Jasper Adams is a professional handball player from the Netherlands. He is currently playing for the Limburg Lions, a Dutch handball club, as well as the Dutch national team.
In 2020, Jasper was part of the Netherlands’ contingent that competed in the European Men’s Handball Championship. This competition is one of the most prestigious international handball tournaments and Jasper was honored to be selected to represent his country.
He was part of the team that put in a strong performance, ultimately finishing fifth in the tournament. This was a great accomplishment for Jasper and his team, and it is a proud moment for the entire Dutch handball community.
4. Samir Benghanem
Samir Benghanem is a Dutch handball player who currently plays for the professional team HV Aalsmeer. He is also part of the Dutch national team and has been for some time.
Recently, he had the honour of representing the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship. This prestigious event saw the best teams in Europe come together to compete for the title.
Samir and his team put in a strong performance at the tournament and were competitive throughout. It was a great experience for Samir and his team, and it was a testament to their hard work and dedication that they were able to compete at such a high level.
5. Bart Ravensbergen
Bart Ravensbergen is a professional handball player from the Netherlands. He currently plays for HSG Nordhorn-Lingen, a German handball club. Additionally, Ravensbergen is a member of the Dutch national handball team.
He recently had the opportunity to represent the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship. This event is an important tournament in the handball world, and to be selected to participate is a great accomplishment.
Ravensbergen’s selection to the Dutch national team is a testament to his skill and dedication as a handball player. He has worked hard to prove himself worthy of this honor and will continue working hard to be a successful athlete.
6. Niels Versteijnen
Niels Versteijnen is a talented Dutch handball player, currently playing for VfL Lübeck-Schwartau in Germany. He also plays for the Dutch national team and recently represented the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship.
His skill as a handball player has allowed him to reach the highest levels of competition in the sport. At the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship, Niels Versteijnen was part of the Dutch team that competed against some of the best handball teams in Europe.
The team had a successful tournament, eventually finishing in 5th place.
Niels Versteijnen contributed to the team’s success with his excellent play, proving himself to be a valuable asset to the Dutch national team. Niels Versteijnen has dedicated himself to the sport of handball, and his hard work has paid off.
He is now regarded as one of the top handball players in the world and is a key member of both his club team and the Dutch national team. Niels Versteijnen’s skill and dedication to the sport of handball will surely serve him well in the years to come.
7. Jorn Smits
Jorn Smits is a professional handball player from the Netherlands. He currently plays for TTH Holstebro, a Danish professional handball team.
He also represents the Netherlands in international competitions, including the European Handball Championship and the World Handball Championship. Jorn has been part of the Dutch national team since 2018, and has already made a name for himself in the sport.
He has been instrumental in helping the team reach the quarterfinals of the 2020 European Championship and the 2021 World Championship.
He is known for his strong defensive skills and ability to score important goals. Jorn’s success on the court has earned him a great deal of respect from his teammates and fans alike.
He is a popular figure in the Dutch handball community and is often praised for his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He is an inspiration to young handball players, demonstrating what it takes to succeed in the sport. Jorn is also an active member of the handball community outside of his professional career.
He regularly attends handball tournaments and events and often works with local teams to help teach the sport and promote its growth. He is a true ambassador of the sport, and his contributions have helped to increase the popularity of handball in the Netherlands.
8. Kay Smits
Kay Kirsten Evert Smits is an accomplished Dutch handball player. He currently plays for SG Flensburg-Handewitt and also competes for the Dutch national team.
He was recently selected to represent the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship. Kay is not the only talented handball player in his family. His father, Gino Smits, has also played for the Dutch national team.
His brother Jorn and sister Inger have also made a name for themselves in the international handball scene.
It’s clear that there is a great deal of skill and passion for handball that runs in the Smits family. Kay is fully dedicated to the game of handball and puts in a lot of hard work in order to reach his goals.
He has shown a great deal of promise and looks to be a promising player for years to come. With the support of his family and the continued dedication to his craft, Kay looks to make a big impact in the world of handball.
9. Iso Sluijters
Iso Sluijters is a talented Dutch handball player who is currently playing for the Swiss team GC Amicitia Zürich as well as the Dutch national team.
His skill and dedication towards the sport is evident as he was selected to represent the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship.
This tournament is considered to be one of the most prestigious international handball competitions and is held every two years. It showcases some of the best handball players from all across Europe and the Netherlands are always one of the top contenders.
Sluijters’ selection for the team demonstrates his ability to perform at the highest level and is sure to be an invaluable asset for the Dutch team.
10. Jeffrey Boomhouwer
Jeffrey Boomhouwer is a Dutch professional handball player who currently plays for HV Aalsmeer and the Dutch national team. A talented athlete, Jeffrey has already achieved great success within his sport.
He has represented the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship, further demonstrating his skill and commitment to the sport. His performance at the tournament was highly praised, making him a shining example of Dutch sportsmanship.
Jeffrey is a dedicated athlete, and his dedication and hard work have paid off, allowing him to reach the top of his game. He is an inspiration to many handball players, showing them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
11. Luc Steins
Luc Steins is a talented athlete who has achieved great success in the world of handball.
He is a professional player for Paris Saint-Germain and the Dutch national team, and has represented the Netherlands at two European Men’s Handball Championships: the 2020 edition and the 2022 edition.
At the 2022 championship, Steins was part of the all-star team, a prestigious honor that celebrates the best players of the tournament. His impressive performance in these elite tournaments demonstrates Steins’ skill and prowess in the sport.
He is a true role model for aspiring handball players of all ages.
12. Robin Schoenaker
Robin Schoenaker is an accomplished handball player from the Netherlands. He plays for Sporting Pelt, a professional handball club in the Netherlands, as well as the Dutch national team.
In 2020, Schoenaker was selected to represent the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship. This is a major international handball tournament that takes place every two years and features teams from all over Europe.
Schoenaker and the Dutch team had a successful tournament, reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual champions Spain. Schoenaker’s performance at the tournament was outstanding, as he was one of the top scorers for the Dutch team.
His skill and talent on the court have been recognized and celebrated by both his club and the national team.
13. Lois Abbingh
Lois Abbingh is a professional handballer from the Netherlands. She is currently playing for Vipers Kristiansand, a professional handball team in Norway, as well as for the Dutch national handball team.
Her impressive career has also seen her compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she represented her country with distinction. Abbingh is a highly talented athlete, having achieved a lot of success throughout her career.
She has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Right Back of the Women’s EHF Champions League in 2019. She also won a gold medal at the 2019 World Championship with the Dutch national team.
She is widely respected in the handball community for her hard work and dedication, making her an inspiration to aspiring handball players. Abbingh’s commitment to her sport has enabled her to reach the highest level of competition.
Her success at the 2020 Summer Olympics was a testament to her immense skill and determination. She is a role model for young handballers, showing them that with hard work and dedication, they can reach their goals.
14. Estavana Polman
Estavana Polman is a renowned handball player from the Netherlands. She currently plays for CS Rapid București, the professional Romanian handball club, and is also an active member of the Dutch National Handball team.
Since her youth, Estavana has been an integral part of the Dutch national handball scene and has achieved great success. In 2011, she won the silver medal at the Women’s 19 European Handball Championship, a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
In addition to her success on the international stage, Estavana has also been praised for her leadership and team spirit. Her passion for the game has been an inspiration to many and she continues to be a shining example of excellence in the handball world.
15. Laura van der Heijden
Laura van der Heijden is an accomplished Dutch handball player who currently plays for Chambray Touraine Handball in France and the Dutch national team.
She has been playing handball since a very young age, having started at the age of six for LWV Leusden in her native Netherlands. Growing up, Laura was passionate about the sport and it quickly became clear that she had a natural talent for it.
She quickly rose through the ranks and eventually made the decision to pursue her handball career professionally. Laura van der Heijden has achieved great success during her career.
She has helped to lead Chambray Touraine Handball to numerous victories, and in 2016 she was named the Best Player of the Year in France. She has also represented the Netherlands on the national team, where she has been a key contributor to many successes.
Her skill and commitment to the sport have earned her respect from her fellow players and coaches alike. Laura van der Heijden is a talented and dedicated athlete who has worked hard to become one of the best handball players in the world.
She is an inspiration to young athletes, showing them that if they work hard and stay dedicated, they too can achieve great success.
16. Danick Snelder
Danick Albertine Snelder is an accomplished Dutch handball player. She currently plays for SG BBM Bietigheim, a club in Germany. She has also represented the Dutch national team in several competitions.
In 2011, Danick participated in the World Women’s Handball Championship in Brazil. She was part of the Dutch team that competed against other countries from around the world. Her impressive performance during the tournament earned her a lot of recognition.
In 2016, Danick was part of the Dutch team that competed in the Summer Olympics. She played alongside some of the best handball players in the world. Unfortunately, the Dutch team was unable to grab the gold medal, but they managed to finish in fourth place.
This was an impressive accomplishment for Danick and her team. Overall, Danick Albertine Snelder has had a successful career as a handball player. She has represented her country in some of the biggest competitions in the world.
Her dedication and hard work have been rewarded with medals and accolades, and she will continue to be a major influence in the world of handball.
17. Nycke Groot
Cornelia Nycke Groot is an accomplished Dutch handball player who has achieved a great deal of success in her sport. She has represented her country at the highest level, representing the Netherlands in three World Women’s Handball Championships and two Olympic Games.
This is a tremendous accomplishment and shows just how dedicated and talented she is when it comes to the sport. At the World Women’s Handball Championships, Groot competed against some of the best players in the world.
She helped her team reach the top of the podium at the championships, proving her skill and determination. Additionally, she was part of the Olympic teams from the Netherlands at the 2008 Beijing and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Though the team did not win any medals, Groot’s presence on the team showed her commitment to competing at the highest level. Groot’s impressive career is a testament to her hard work and dedication to handball.
Her success is an inspiration to other players who may have hopes of competing on the international stage. Her accomplishments have made her a leader in the sport and a role model for aspiring handball players around the world.
18. Tess Wester
Tess Lieder is a Dutch handballer who has represented the Dutch national team since 2012. She plays as a goalkeeper and has been an integral part of the team over the years.
In 2015, Lieder’s efforts paid off as the Dutch national team won the silver medal in the World Women’s Handball Championship. Lieder was praised for her outstanding performance in the tournament, which helped the Dutch team reach the finals.
She made a number of crucial saves and was an integral part of the team’s success. Her performances have also earned her numerous individual awards, such as the Best Goalkeeper of the World Women’s Handball Championship.
Lieder has also been part of the team that won the gold medal in the 2017 European Women’s Handball Championship. She continues to be a valuable member of the Dutch handball team and is looking forward to further success in the future.
19. Ephrahim Jerry
Ephrahim Jerry is a high-level handball player from the Netherlands. He currently plays for Sporting NeLo, a professional handball club in the Netherlands.
Additionally, he is a member of the Dutch national handball team and was selected to represent his country at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship.
This prestigious event is a major international tournament, in which the top handball teams from Europe compete for the championship title. As a member of the Dutch national team, Ephrahim Jerry will have the chance to showcase his skills and help the Netherlands to victory.
His selection is a testament to the talent and dedication he has shown throughout his career, and he is sure to be a valuable asset for his team at the championship.
20. Gerrie Eijlers
Gerrie Eijlers is a renowned Dutch handball player who has recently retired from the sport. His career was marked by many successes and achievements, including a representation of the Netherlands at the 2020 European Men’s Handball Championship.
This tournament was a great opportunity for him to show his skill and determination on the court, and he was able to make a positive impression on his nation.
His performances during the tournament were praised by many and he was seen as one of the key players for the Netherlands.
After his retirement, Gerrie Eijlers is still remembered for his passion and dedication to the sport, and he continues to be an inspiration to many aspiring handball players.
21. Sanne van Olphen
Sanne van Olphen is a retired Dutch handball player who has had a successful career in both the Netherlands and Denmark. She played in the Dutch national team, and in Viborg HK in the Danish Damehåndboldligaen.
She was part of the Dutch team that represented the Netherlands at the 2013 World Women’s Handball Championship in Serbia. Sanne was an important part of the Dutch team that participated in the championship.
She was a powerful force in the team and was instrumental in the team’s success. Her skills in handball were evident in her performance at the tournament, as she helped the team reach the quarterfinals. Sanne has had a long and successful career in handball.
She has been part of the Dutch national team since 2009, and has been a key player in Viborg HK since 2012. She was a key member of the team that won the Danish Damehåndboldligaen in 2014. Sanne is now retired from handball, but her legacy lives on.
She was an important part of the Dutch team that competed in the 2013 World Women’s Handball Championship in Serbia. Her skills and determination have left a lasting impression and she will always be remembered as one of the greats of the sport.
22. Jessy Kramer
Jessy Anna Kramer is a professional Dutch handball player. She currently plays for the French club, Toulon Handball, as well as for the Dutch national team. Her impressive career began in 2011, when she took part in the World Women’s Handball Championship in Brazil.
As a part of the Dutch team, Jessy Anna helped her country to reach a successful conclusion in the tournament. She was a major contributor to the team’s success, and her individual performance was highly praised.
Since then, Jessy Anna has become a prominent figure in the world of handball, and she continues to be an important member of the Dutch national team.
23. Angela Malestein
Antje Angela Malestein is a professional handball player from the Netherlands. She currently plays for the Hungarian club team Ferencvárosi TC as well as the Dutch national team.
Her career has seen her compete in a number of international tournaments, the most notable of which was at the 2011 World Women’s Handball Championship in Brazil. This was a major event in the handball world and Malestein was part of the Dutch team that attended.
She also competed at the 2012 Women’s Junior World Handball Championship in the Czech Republic. This was a more junior-level competition where Malestein’s skills were further highlighted.
Malestein has become a highly respected player within the handball world, as evidenced by her ability to compete in tournaments at both the senior and junior levels.
24. Debbie Bont
Debbie Bont is an incredibly accomplished handball player. She is from the Netherlands and currently plays for Metz Handball, as well as the Dutch national team.
Her impressive career has seen her represent the Netherlands in six different World Championships, the Olympic Games, and five European Championships. This impressive feat is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Debbie Bont has been playing handball for a long time and has achieved a lot in her career. She has been part of the Dutch national team since the beginning and has represented them in the biggest events in the world.
Her illustrious career includes appearances in six World Championships, the Olympic Games, and five European Championships. She has been an integral part of the Dutch team throughout her career and has been a major contributor to their success.
Debbie Bont’s hard work and dedication have helped her become one of the most successful handball players in the Netherlands. Her impressive career highlights and accomplishments are a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
She is an inspiration to aspiring handball players and has set the standard for excellence in the sport.
25. Yvette Broch
Yvette Broch is a talented athlete who excels in both handball and modeling. She is a Dutch professional handball player who plays for both the Győri ETO KC team and the Dutch national team.
She is also known for being a runner up on the fourth season of Holland’s Next Top Model. Being an athlete and model, she has managed to combine both her passions and showcase her talents. In 2011, Yvette competed in the World Women’s Handball Championship in Brazil.
This is a major accomplishment for any handball player. It is a testament to her skill and dedication that she was able to represent her country on the world stage. Yvette is an inspirational role model for aspiring athletes and models alike.
She proves that hard work and dedication can lead to success, no matter what field you choose to pursue.
26. Jasmina Janković
Jasmina Jankovic is a Dutch handball player with Bosnian heritage. She has had a successful career in the sport, and has represented the Netherlands on many occasions. In 2013, she took part in the World Women’s Handball Championship in her ancestral home of Serbia.
Her performance was impressive, and she gained a great deal of recognition. Four years later, Jasmina was selected to be part of the Dutch contingent at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
This was a great honor for Jasmina, and it showed that she had earned the respect of her peers and coaches. She made the most of the opportunity, and her skills were on full display. Jasmina Jankovic’s success on the court has been an inspiration to many.
She has shown that hard work and dedication to the sport can take you places, regardless of your background. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.
27. Inger Smits
Inger Smits is a Dutch handball player who currently plays for the club team SG BBM Bietigheim. Inger has had the privilege of being selected to represent the Netherlands at the 2019 World Women’s Handball Championship.
This accomplishment is made even more special by the fact that her father Gino Smits and brothers Kay and Jorn also have the honor of being international handball players.
This talented family has been able to share their love and passion for the sport of handball, from generation to generation, as evidenced by Inger’s selection to represent the Netherlands.
Inger’s selection to the national team is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport, as well as the influence of her family.
28. Rinka Duijndam
Rinka Duijndam is a Dutch female professional handballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for the Hungarian club Győri ETO KC and the Dutch national team.
She has been a part of the Dutch national team since 2017 and has played in various international tournaments such as the 2018 European Women’s Handball Championship in France.
In 2019, she represented the Netherlands in the World Women’s Handball Championship, which was a major achievement for her. Rinka Duijndam is a highly talented handballer who has a lot of experience in the sport.
She is known for her excellent reflexes and agility, which makes her a great goalkeeper. She also has an eye for the game and is capable of making quick decisions in order to keep her team in the game.
Her impressive performances have earned her several awards and she is considered one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Rinka Duijndam is an inspiration to many young handballers and has been an important part of the Dutch national team.
She has proved that hard work and dedication can lead to great success and has set an example for aspiring handballers. Her dedication and commitment to the sport has led her to become a household name in the world of handball.
29. Larissa Nusser
Larissa Nusser is an accomplished handball player from the Netherlands. She currently plays for Odense Håndbold, a professional women’s handball team in Denmark. In addition to her club team, she is also a member of the Dutch National Team.
Nusser participated in the 2019 World Women’s Handball Championship, an international event that brings together some of the most talented players from around the world.
This tournament is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious events in handball, and Nusser was proud to represent her country at the competition.
Her impressive performance at the tournament has helped to cement her status as one of the top handball players in the world.
Conclusion
The Netherlands has some of the best handball players in the world. These players have achieved great success both domestically and internationally, and are highly respected in the handball world.
With their impressive skills and dedication to the game, they have become one of the most successful countries in the sport.
The Netherlands has produced some of the greatest handball players of all time, and it is clear that the country will continue to produce more stars in the future.
