Handball Star Hansen Retires After Historic Career

Handball Star Hansen Retires After Historic CareerHandball Star Hansen Retires After Historic Career Danish handball legend Mikkel Hansen has announced his retirement from international competition, bringing an end to an illustrious career that has seen him achieve unprecedented success. Hansen, 35, is widely regarded as one of the greatest handball players of all time. He has been a key figure in Denmark’s dominance of the sport, helping the country win two Olympic gold medals (2016 and 2020) and two World Championships (2019 and 2021). Individually, Hansen has been named IHF World Player of the Year four times (2011, 2015, 2018, and 2021), a record he shares with Nikola Karabatic. He has also won numerous other awards, including the Danish Sportsperson of the Year (2011) and the EHF Champions League Player of the Year (2012). Hansen’s exceptional abilities on the court have been matched by his leadership qualities off it. He served as captain of the Danish national team from 2014 to 2022, guiding the team to unprecedented heights. The left-back’s decision to retire comes after a remarkable season with his club team, Paris Saint-Germain Handball. Hansen led the French giants to victory in the EHF Champions League, becoming the first player to win the competition with three different clubs (Barcelona, Veszprém, and Paris). Hansen’s retirement marks the end of an era in Danish handball. His achievements and legacy will inspire future generations of players and fans alike. He will continue to play at club level for Paris Saint-Germain, but his absence from the international stage will be deeply felt. In a statement released to the media, Hansen said: “I am proud of what I have achieved in my career and I am grateful for the incredible support I have received from my teammates, coaches, and fans. Handball has been my life for so long and I will always cherish the memories I have made. Now is the right time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life.”