Debating the all-time greats is a classic for all sports fans. Gohandball has taken on the challenge. Here are the 20 greatest women’s handball players in history.
20: Jovanka Radičević
One of the most consistent wings in modern handball. Radičević delivered at the highest level for well over a decade and was a key part of Montenegro’s Olympic silver success in 2012. Her finishing and reliability made her a constant threat in every major tournament.
19: Allison Pineau
Photo: Carl Sandin
A highly intelligent playmaker who could adapt to multiple roles in the backcourt. Pineau was a key figure in France’s rise to the top, including their Olympic gold in 2021. Her tactical awareness and passing made her one of the most complete players of her generation.
18: Valérie Nicolas
World Champion in 2003 and one of the first truly elite French goalkeepers on the international stage. Nicolas was known for her ability to step up in decisive matches and bring stability in high-pressure games.
17: Andrea Lekić
One of the most complete playmakers of her generation. Lekić combined scoring, creativity, and leadership at the highest level and was named IHF World Player of the Year in 2013. She consistently controlled the tempo of top European matches.
16: Isabelle Gulldén
Sweden’s offensive leader for many years and a key figure. Gulldén stood out with her vision, technical skill, and ability to decide games almost on her own.
15: Heidi Løke
One of the most dominant pivots in handball history. Løke was a central part of Norway’s golden generation, winning Olympic, World, and European titles. Her positioning and finishing made her nearly unstoppable at her peak.
14: Alexandra Lacrabère
A powerful shooter and important player in France’s successful era. Lacrabère combined physical strength with consistency, often stepping up in big international matches when her team needed goals.
13: Bojana Popović
An elite scorer and natural leader who played a key role in Montenegro’s rise on the international stage. Popović was crucial in their Olympic silver run in 2012 and dominated European club handball for years.
12: Anja Andersen
A true pioneer of women’s handball and one of the sport’s first global superstars. Andersen was named IHF World Player of the Year three times and is remembered for her creativity, flair, and influence on how the game is played.
11: Gro Hammerseng-Edin
Captain of Norway’s golden generation and Olympic champion in 2008. Hammerseng-Edin was a calm but highly effective leader who elevated the performance of everyone around her.
10: Stine Oftedal
Photo: Maxim Thore / BILDBYRÅN
The brain of modern Norway. Oftedal controlled games with intelligence, tempo, and precision passing, leading Norway through multiple championship victories and European titles.
9: Bojana Radulović
One of the most lethal scorers in handball history. Radulović was a dominant force in her prime and helped Hungary reach the Olympic silver medal in 2000 through her incredible scoring consistency.
8: Anita Görbicz
A creative genius with unmatched vision. Görbicz scored over 1,000 Champions League goals and spent years as the tactical heart of Győr, influencing games with intelligence and flair.
7: Mia Hermansson Högdahl
A Swedish legend and one of the most complete backcourt players of the 1990s. Högdahl was important in putting Sweden on the map in women’s international handball.
6: Yvette Broch
A dominant pivot at her peak and a key force in Győr’s Champions League success. Broch combined physical strength with efficiency and was extremely difficult to defend in close situations.
5: Nora Mørk
One of the most explosive attackers in modern handball. Mørk has been a top scorer in multiple major tournaments and Champions League campaigns. Her speed, finishing ability, and clutch performances make her one of the most dangerous players ever.
4: Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth Koren
A key scorer in Norway’s golden era and one of the most consistent performers in major finals. Koren delivered year after year on the biggest stage and was central in Norway’s dominance.
3: Katrine Lunde
The greatest goalkeepers in handball history. Lunde’s longevity at the top level is unmatched, and she has been decisive in countless Olympic, World, and Champions League finals. Her ability to deliver in the biggest moments defines her legacy.
2: Ausra Fridrikas
A complete and dominant scorer in her era, known for elite finishing and leadership at the highest level. Fridrikas was one of the standout players in international handball during her peak years and one of the all time greats.
1: Cristina Neagu
Photo: Fredrik Varfjell / BILDBYRÅN
The most dominant individual player in women’s handball history. Neagu has been the defining scorer of her generation and a four-time IHF World Player of the Year. Her consistency, shot power, and influence on matches make her the number one of all time.