Famous Croatian Handball Players

Igor Karačić is a prominent Croatian handball player known for his exceptional skills and contributions to both Industria Kielce and the Croatia national team. With a successful career in handball, he has showcased his talent on various platforms, earning recognition for his performance and dedication to the sport. Karačić's professional journey has seen him achieve significant milestones, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the world of handball. His commitment and passion for the game continue to inspire fans and teammates alike.

Luka Cindrić is a prominent Croatian professional handball player known for his skills and contributions to both ONE Veszprém and the Croatian national team. He has showcased his talent on an international level by participating in events such as the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship. With a strong presence in the sport, Cindrić has earned recognition for his exceptional performance and dedication to the game, making him a key player in the world of handball.

Mirza Džomba is a Croatian former professional handball player known for his exceptional career achievements. He played for top clubs such as RK Zamet, Badel 1862 Zagreb, Fotex Veszprém, BM Ciudad Real, and Vive Targi Kielce before retiring in 2011. Džomba was a key member of the Croatia national team, holding the record for the most goals scored. He was part of the successful Croatian teams that won the 2003 World Championship and the 2004 Summer Olympics. Džomba is regarded as one of the best right wings in handball history, winning multiple awards and accolades throughout his career. Currently, he works as a handball pundit on RTL Television.

Ivan Čupić is a Croatian handball player known for his impressive career with RK Zagreb and the Croatian national team. He showcased his talent at the 2009 World Men's Handball Championship, becoming the top scorer after a stellar performance. Despite a setback in 2008 where he lost his left ring finger in a training accident, Čupić has continued to excel in his career. He was part of the Croatian team that clinched the bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Lino Červar is a Croatian retired handball coach known for leading the Croatia men's national handball team to victory in the 2003 World Championship and the 2004 Olympics. He also served as a member of the Croatian Parliament from 2003 to 2008 as a member of the Croatian Democratic Union. Additionally, Červar holds Macedonian citizenship. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in the success of Croatian handball and has made significant contributions to the sport both domestically and internationally.

Igor Vori is a Croatian handball coach and former player known for his exceptional defensive and attacking skills. He has achieved great success in his career, winning numerous titles and accolades with both club teams and the Croatian national team. Vori holds the record for most appearances for the Croatian national team and has been recognized as the most valuable player at the 2009 World Championship and the best defensive player at the 2008 European Championship. He has also served as the sporting director of the Croatian national teams.

Zlatko Horvat is a renowned Croatian handball player who currently plays for RK Zagreb and represents the Croatia national team. With a successful career spanning several years, he has established himself as a key player in both domestic and international competitions. Known for his exceptional skills and leadership qualities, Horvat has contributed significantly to the success of his teams. His dedication and passion for the sport have earned him a strong reputation as a top performer in the world of handball.

Halil Jaganjac is a talented Croatian handball player known for his skills and contributions to both Rhein-Neckar Löwen and the Croatian national team. With a strong presence on the court, he has showcased his expertise in handball, earning recognition for his strategic gameplay and scoring abilities. Halil's professional career is marked by his dedication to the sport, as he continues to make valuable contributions to his teams, competing at a high level and leaving a lasting impact in the world of handball.

Marko Kopljar is a professional Croatian handball player currently playing for Füchse Berlin. He has achieved success at the highest levels of the sport, including winning a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Known for his skill and dedication on the court, Kopljar has made a name for himself as a talented and accomplished athlete. His contributions to the sport have earned him recognition and respect among fans and peers alike.

Manuel Štrlek is a prominent Croatian handball player who currently plays for RK Nexe Našice and represents the Croatian national team. He has achieved notable success in his career, being named to the All-Star Team at both the 2010 and 2016 EHF European Men's Handball Championships. Štrlek's skill and dedication have made him a key player in the handball world, showcasing his talent and contributing to the success of his teams on both the domestic and international stages.

Mirko Alilović is a Croatian handball goalkeeper currently playing for SC Pick Szeged. He has achieved significant success in his career, winning silver medals at the World Championship in 2009 and the European Championship in 2008 and 2010. Additionally, he earned a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Known for his exceptional skills, Alilović was recognized as the best athlete from Ljubuški, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2007. He has also represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in international competitions, being capped 4 times for the national handball team.

Camila Mičijević is a talented Croatian handball player known for her skills on the court. She currently plays for SCM Craiova, a prominent handball club, where she showcases her expertise and dedication to the sport. Additionally, she is a valuable member of the Croatian national team, representing her country with pride and determination in various competitions. With her strategic gameplay and strong presence on the field, Camila Mičijević continues to make significant contributions to both her club and national team's success in the world of handball.

Zlatko Saračević was a Croatian professional handball player and coach who competed in the Olympics for both Yugoslavia and Croatia. He also served as a commentator for the 2015-2017 World Championship on RTL Televizija. Saračević tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest following a domestic league match where he was coaching RK Podravka. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the sport of handball, leaving a lasting impact on both players and fans.

Luka Stepančić is a prominent Croatian handball player known for his contributions to SC Pick Szeged and the Croatian national team. He has showcased his skills in various World and European Championships, achieving notable success such as winning the silver in the 2020 European Championship. Stepančić has also excelled in his club career, securing victories in Croatia with RK Zagreb and in France with PSG. Despite not clinching the Champions League title with PSG, his talent and dedication have made him a respected figure in the handball world.

Tea Pijević is a prominent Croatian handball player known for her skills and contributions to both SCM Gloria Buzău and the Croatian national team. She has showcased her talent on various platforms, including the 2018 European Women's Handball Championship. Pijević's dedication and hard work have earned her a respected position in the world of women's handball, where she continues to excel and make her mark as a valued player in the sport.

Blaženko Lacković is a retired Croatian handball player who achieved significant success during his career. He was part of the Croatia national team that won the World Championship in 2003 and the Olympic gold in 2004. Lacković also secured silver medals at the 2005 and 2009 World Championships, as well as the 2008 and 2010 European Championships. Additionally, he earned bronze medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics, the 2012 European Championship, and the 2013 World Championship, showcasing his consistent performance at top-level international handball competitions.

Jakov Gojun is a prominent Croatian handball player known for his defensive skills. He currently plays for RK Zagreb and the Croatian national team. He gained recognition for his outstanding performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he helped Croatia secure a bronze medal. Fans of the national team affectionately refer to him as the "Minister of Defense" due to his exceptional defensive playing style. Gojun's professional career is marked by his dedication to the sport and his contributions to both his club and the national team.

Slavko Goluža is a retired Croatian handball player who later transitioned into coaching. He has showcased his expertise in the sport by leading RK Zagreb as their coach. Throughout his professional life, Goluža has contributed significantly to the handball community, utilizing his skills and experience to guide players and teams to success. His tenure as a player and coach has been marked by dedication, strategic thinking, and a deep passion for the sport, earning him respect and recognition in the handball world.

Tin Lučin is a Croatian handball player known for his skills on the court. He began his senior career with Kozala and later moved to Zamet, where he showcased his talent in League and EHF Cup games. Lučin then joined PPD Zagreb, but his time there was limited due to a lack of playing opportunities. Currently, he plays for Wisła Płock and represents the Croatian national team, continuing to make a mark in the world of professional handball with his impressive abilities and dedication to the sport.

Irfan "Pipe" Smajlagić is a highly accomplished Bosnian-born Croatian handball player and coach. He has had a successful career in both playing and coaching, representing Yugoslavia in the 1988 Olympics where he won a bronze medal, and Croatia in the 1996 Olympics where he won a gold medal. Smajlagić has also been recognized for his contributions to the sport by being inducted into the European Handball Hall of Fame in 2023. His expertise and achievements have solidified his legacy in the world of handball.

David Mandić is a talented Croatian handball player who currently plays for MT Melsungen and represents the Croatian national team. He showcased his skills at the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship, demonstrating his prowess on an international stage. Mandić's professional career is marked by his dedication to the sport and his ability to excel in high-pressure situations. With his contributions to both his club and national team, he has established himself as a key player in the world of handball.

Patrik Ćavar is a retired Croatian handball player known for his legendary career as a left wing. He played for various clubs across Europe, including Mehanika Metković, Badel 1862 Zagreb, Agram Medveščak, Borac Banja Luka, FC Barcelona, BM Granollers, and Saint-Marcel Vernon. Ćavar was influenced by Veselin Vujović and represented Croatia at the 1996 Summer Olympics, where they won the gold medal. He held the top goalscorer position for the Croatian national team and is the only Croatian player to win five EHF Champions League titles.

Nenad Šoštarić is a former Croatian handball player who transitioned to coaching. He took on the role of head coach for the Croatian women's national team in 2017, achieving mixed results initially. Despite a challenging start, he later led the team to a remarkable bronze medal at the 2020 European Championship, marking a significant success in his coaching career. Šoštarić's journey showcases his ability to motivate and guide teams to achieve notable accomplishments on the international handball stage.

Željko Musa is a prominent Croatian handball player known for his skills and contributions to HC Kriens-Luzern and the Croatian national team. With a successful career in professional handball, Musa has showcased his talent on the court, demonstrating exceptional gameplay and strategic prowess. He has been a valuable asset to both his club and national team, earning recognition for his dedication and performance in various competitions. Musa continues to excel in the sport, inspiring fans and teammates with his passion and commitment to handball.

Venio Losert is a retired Croatian handball player who specialized as a goalkeeper. Throughout his career, he achieved numerous accolades, including winning gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2004 Summer Olympics. He played for prestigious teams such as Badel Zagreb and various ASOBAL League teams in Spain. Known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, Losert was a key player in the Croatian national team, earning silver medals at the World Championships. He transitioned to coaching, currently serving as the goalkeeping coach of the Egyptian national team.

Andrea Kobetić is a retired Croatian handball player known for her successful career playing for Siófok KC and the Croatia women's national handball team. She represented Croatia at the 2008 European Women's Handball Championship, where she helped the team secure a 6th place finish and was recognized as one of the top-ten goalscorers. Kobetić achieved further success by topping the Champions League goalscorers list in 2015 alongside Cristina Neagu, showcasing her skill and talent in the sport at the highest level.

Ante Kostelić is a distinguished Croatian coach with a notable career in handball and skiing. Renowned for coaching top athletes such as Janica and Ivica Kostelić, who achieved significant successes in skiing competitions, he has also led the ŽRK Osijek handball club to victory in the IHF Women's Cup Winners' Cup. Throughout his career, Kostelić has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Croatian Olympic Committee's Matija Ljubek Award and the Franjo Bučar State Award for Sport, highlighting his significant contributions to the sports world.

Stipe Mandalinić is a successful Croatian professional handball player, currently playing for AEK Athens and representing the Croatian national team. With notable skills and experience, he has established himself as a key player in both club and international competitions. Mandalinić's contributions on the handball court have earned him recognition for his talent and dedication to the sport. His presence on the team adds value through his strategic gameplay and leadership qualities, making him a valuable asset in the world of handball.

Marta Tomac is a professional handball player for Vipers Kristiansand and the Norwegian national team. She made her debut on the Norwegian national team in 2015 after previously playing 11 matches for the Croatian national team. In October 2015, she obtained Norwegian citizenship. Tomac's career has been marked by her success in both national teams, showcasing her talent and versatility as a skilled handball player. Her dedication to the sport and ability to represent multiple countries at high levels demonstrate her commitment and passion for handball.

Hrvoje Horvat is a distinguished Croatian handball coach and former player. He participated in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics representing SFR Yugoslavia. Throughout his career, Horvat has made significant contributions to the sport of handball, both as a player and a coach. His experience in competing at the highest levels of international competition has provided him with valuable insights that he now imparts to the next generation of handball players. Horvat's dedication and expertise have established him as a respected figure in the handball community.

Lovro Jotić is a prominent Croatian handball player known for his skills on the court. He currently plays for RK Nexe Našice and represents the Croatia national handball team. Jotić has showcased his talent on a global stage by participating in events like the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship. His dedication and hard work have earned him a strong reputation within the handball community, where he continues to make significant contributions to both his club and national team.

Filip Ivić is a prominent Croatian handball player known for his skills and contributions to both RK Eurofarm Pelister and the Croatian national team. He has displayed exceptional talent and dedication in his professional career, earning recognition as a key player in his teams. With his strategic gameplay and goalkeeping abilities, Ivić has made significant impacts on the field, helping his teams achieve success in various competitions. His passion for handball and strong work ethic have solidified his position as a respected athlete in the handball community.

Ivana Kapitanović is a prominent Croatian handball player known for her skills on the court. She plays for Rapid București and represents the Croatian national team. Her career highlights include participating in the 2018 European Women's Handball Championship. Despite missing the 2020 European Women's Handball Championship due to a knee injury, she was still recognized for her contributions to the team's success. Kapitanović's dedication to the sport and her team has earned her respect among fans and teammates alike.

Katarina Ježić is a talented Croatian handball player, currently playing for HC Dunărea Brăila and representing the Croatian national team. She showcased her skills on an international stage at the 2011 World Women's Handball Championship in Brazil. Known for her agility and strategic gameplay, Ježić has earned a reputation as a key player in both her club and national team. With a strong presence on the court, she continues to contribute significantly to the success of her teams and is admired for her dedication to the sport.

Željko Babić is a former Croatian handball player who has transitioned into coaching. He has had a successful career in the sport, both as a player and now as a coach. Babić has taken on the role of coaching Olympiacos, a prominent handball team. With his wealth of experience and expertise in the game, he is dedicated to guiding and developing players to achieve their full potential. Babić's leadership and strategic approach have contributed to the success of the teams he has been involved with.

Ana Debelić is a prominent Croatian professional handball player known for her exceptional skills and contributions both at the club level with Vipers Kristiansand and internationally with the Croatian national team. With a career spanning various clubs in Croatia, she has showcased her talent in defense and attack, playing a crucial role in securing victories and accolades. Notably, Debelić has participated in multiple European Championships and World Championships, earning recognition for her outstanding performance, including being nominated for the best world line player award multiple times.

Dejana Milosavljević is a prominent Croatian female handball player known for her skills and contributions to HC Dunărea Brăila and the Croatian national team. She has showcased her talent on various platforms, including the 2018 European Women's Handball Championship. With a strong presence in the sport, Dejana has proven herself as a valuable asset with her dedication and performance both at the club and national levels, solidifying her reputation as a respected handball player.

Jelena Grubišić is a retired Croatian handball player who achieved significant recognition in her career. She represented the Croatia national team, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport. In 2016, she was honored with the title of "Honorary Citizen" of Bucharest, highlighting her impact beyond the handball court. Furthermore, her impressive contributions to the sport led to her induction into the prestigious European Handball Hall of Fame in 2023, solidifying her legacy as one of the greats in European handball history.

Larissa Kalaus is a prominent Croatian handball player known for her contributions to RK Podravka Koprivnica and the Croatian national team. She has showcased her skills on the handball court, including her notable participation in the 2018 European Women's Handball Championship. Kalaus's professional career is highlighted by her dedication and talent, making her a key player in both her club and national teams. Her performance and achievements have solidified her reputation as a skilled and respected handball athlete in Croatia and beyond.

Zdravko Zovko is a retired Croatian handball player known for his successful career in the sport. Throughout his professional life, Zovko showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the handball court, earning recognition for his talent and contributions to the game. He was a key player for various teams, demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Zovko's achievements and impact within the handball community solidified his reputation as a respected and accomplished athlete in Croatia and beyond.

Dora Krsnik is a prominent Croatian handball player who currently competes for CS Mioveni and represents the Croatian national team. She has showcased her talent at various international competitions, including the prestigious 2016 European Women's Handball Championship. Known for her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, Krsnik has established herself as a key player in the handball world. With a successful professional career marked by numerous achievements, she continues to make significant contributions to her team and the sport as a whole.

Valentina Blažević is a prominent Croatian handball player known for her skills on the court. She currently plays for SCM Craiova and represents the Croatian national team, showcasing her talent at various competitions. One of her notable appearances was at the 2016 European Women's Handball Championship, where she demonstrated her prowess and contributed to her team's success. Blažević's dedication to the sport and her commitment to excellence have established her as a key player in the handball community.

Ivano Balić is a Croatian former professional handball player known for his speed, creativity, and charisma. He achieved great success with the Croatian national team, winning the 2003 World Championship and the 2004 Olympic gold medal. Balić also won numerous titles while playing for clubs in Croatia, Spain, and Germany. Renowned as one of the greatest handball players in history, he was voted the most valuable player in multiple international competitions and received the IHF World Player of the Year award twice. Balić was later recognized as the best handball player in history in a poll by the IHF and was inducted into the European Handball Hall of Fame.

Domagoj Duvnjak is a Croatian professional handball player known for his exceptional skills and contributions to both THW Kiel and the Croatia national team. He has been recognized as one of the best handball players of all time, alongside Ivano Balić. Duvnjak has represented Croatia in multiple Olympic Games, winning bronze in 2012. He was honored as the IHF World Player in 2013. Duvnjak made history by becoming the most expensive handball player at the age of 21 when he signed a lucrative contract with HSV Hamburg.