Women’s handball is a sport that has grown significantly over the decades, and part of this growth is due to the impressive performance of its goalkeepers.In this list, we highlight the 10 best women goalkeepers in handball history.
These players are not only the last line of defense, but also key figures who can change the course of a game with spectacular saves.
Recognizing and celebrating these women is essential to understanding the evolution of women’s handball.
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Read to the end and meet the best women goalkeepers in handball history!
Who are the best women goalkeepers in handball history?
Over the years, several goalkeepers have stood out for their exceptional skills, quick reflexes and leadership on the court.
They have won important titles, defended their national teams with pride and inspired future generations of players.
Each of these athletes has a unique story, full of challenges, achievements and memorable moments.
They are recognized not only for their achievements on the court, but also for their inspiring and motivating life stories. Let’s find out more about these incredible athletes.
Read to the end and meet the best women goalkeepers in handball history!
1. Cecilie Leganger
- Titles:
- World Champion (1999)
- European Champions (1998)
- Multiple EHF Champions League winners
- Team:
- Bergen, Larvik, FCK Handbold
- Curiosities:
- Considered one of the best goalkeepers of all time.
- She won the World’s Best Goalkeeper award several times.
- Life Story:
- He started playing handball at the age of 10.
- She was a prodigy from a young age, being called up to the national team at 17.
2. Silvia Navarro
- Titles:
- Bronze medal at the London Olympics (2012)
- European Champion (2008)
- Team:
- Balonmano Bera Bera, CB Mar Alicante
- Curiosities:
- Known for her agility and quick reflexes.
- One of the most charismatic players in the Spanish national team.
- Life Story:
- He started handball at the age of 12.
- He quickly stood out, becoming a regular in the Spanish national team.
Read to the end and meet the best women goalkeepers in handball history!
3. Katrine Lunde
- Titles:
- Two-time Olympic champion (2008, 2012)
- Two-time World Champion (2011, 2015)
- Three-time European champions (2004, 2006, 2008)
- Team:
- Győri ETO KC, Vipers Kristiansand
- Curiosities:
- Twin sister of Kristine Lunde-Borgersen, also a handball player.
- Known for her consistency and presence at decisive moments.
- Life Story:
- He started playing handball as a child.
- He became a pillar of the Norwegian national team’s defense.
4. Clara Woltering
- Titles:
- World Champion (2007)
- Several times Bundesliga champion
- Team:
- Borussia Dortmund, Budućnost Podgorica
- Curiosities:
- Recognized for her defensive skills and leadership.
- She captained several teams.
- Life Story:
- He began his career in youth handball.
- She had a long and successful career, inspiring many young players.
Read to the end and meet the best goalkeepers in the history of handball!
5. Amandine Leynaud
- Titles:
- World Champion (2017)
- European Champion (2018)
- Olympic Gold Medal (2020)
- Team:
- Metz Handball, Győri ETO KC
- Curiosities:
- Considered one of the best goalkeepers of her generation.
- Known for her ability to make incredible saves at critical moments.
- Life Story:
- He started handball at the age of 9.
- Her dedication and talent took her to the top of world handball.
Read to the end and meet the best women goalkeepers in handball history!
6. Luminita Dinu
- Titles:
- World Champion (1999)
- Romanian national champion several times
- Team:
- Oltchim Râmnicu Vâlcea, Hypo Niederösterreich
- Curiosities:
- One of Europe’s most dominant goalkeepers in the 90s and 2000s.
- Recognized for her anticipation and reflexes.
- Life Story:
- He started playing handball as a teenager.
- He became an icon of Romanian handball.
Read to the end and meet the best women goalkeepers in handball history!
7. Andrea Penezić
- Titles:
- EHF Champions League winners
- Croatian league champion several times
- Team:
- Lokomotiva Zagreb, ŽRK Budućnost
- Curiosities:
- Known for its strength and precision in throwing.
- A versatile player who can also play in other positions.
- Life Story:
- He started handball as a child.
- He has excelled in several international competitions, gaining global recognition.
8. Bárbara Arenhart
- Titles:
- World Champion (2013)
- Brazilian league champion several times
- Team:
- Hypo Niederösterreich, SG BBM Bietigheim
- Curiosities:
- One of the main goalkeepers in the history of Brazilian handball.
- Known for her technique and determination.
- Life Story:
- He started playing handball at the age of 11.
- He became one of the benchmarks of the Brazilian national team.
Read to the end and meet the best women goalkeepers in handball history!
9. Paula Ungureanu
- Titles:
- EHF Champions League winners
- Romanian league champion several times
- Team:
- Oltchim Râmnicu Vâlcea, CSM București
- Curiosities:
- One of the most respected goalkeepers in Europe.
- Known for her ability to read the game.
- Life Story:
- He began his career at local clubs in Romania.
- He achieved success both at club level and with the national team.
10. Silje Solberg
- Titles:
- World Champion (2015, 2021)
- European Champion (2014, 2020)
- Team:
- Team Esbjerg, Siófok KC
- Curiosities:
- Twin sister of Sanna Solberg, also a handball player.
- Renowned for its agility and ability to defend.
- Life Story:
- He started handball at the age of 8.
- He became a key figure in the Norwegian national team.
List of the best women goalkeepers handball history:
- Cecilie Leganger
- Silvia Navarro
- Katrine Lunde
- Clara Woltering
- Amandine Leynaud
- Luminita Dinu
- Andrea Penezić
- Bárbara Arenhart
- Paula Ungureanu
- Silje Solberg
Did you like getting to know the best women goalkeepers in handball history?
The goalkeepers featured in this list are true pillars of women’s handball, each making a unique contribution to the sport;
Their reflexes, skills and leadership on the court make them unforgettable figures.
These women have not only achieved personal success, but have also raised the level of their national teams and squads.
To celebrate these athletes is to recognize the importance of the role of goalkeepers in handball and to inspire future generations;
They are examples of dedication, talent and perseverance, showing that women’s handball continues to evolve and grow;
To find out more about these incredible athletes and other handball stories, keep exploring our website and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of women’s handball!
