The nominees for the EHF Excellence Awards 2026 have been revealed, and the goalkeeper category features some of the biggest stars in world handball. From Champions League winners to national team icons, the race for a place in the Team of the Season is loaded with elite talent.
The European Handball Federation has announced the nominees for the 2026 EHF Excellence Awards, with six female and six male goalkeepers competing for a place in the Team of the Season.
On the women’s side, newly crowned Champions League winner Johanna Bundsen headlines a strong field after an outstanding season with Metz Handball. Fellow Swede Evelina Eriksson is also among the nominees following another impressive campaign for CSM Bucuresti.
French goalkeeper Hatadou Sako, who helped Györ reach the Champions League final, is another leading contender, while Team Esbjerg’s Anna Kristensen, Borussia Dortmund’s Sarah Wachter and Gloria Bistrita’s Renata de Arruda complete the shortlist.
The men’s category is equally stacked
Barcelona star Emil Nielsen enters as one of the favourites after winning the Champions League and delivering another dominant season between the posts. German veteran Andreas Wolff, Aalborg captain Niklas Landin and Füchse Berlin’s Dejan Milosavljev are also among the standout names.
MT Melsungen goalkeeper Nebojsa Simić and Flensburg’s Kevin Møller round out a highly competitive field.
The final Team of the Season will be decided through a combined vote involving fans, players, coaches and media representatives, with each group accounting for 25 percent of the result.