Nikola KARABATIC

Francia

Pallamano

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Medaglie Olimpiche

Partecipazioni6

Prima partecipazioneAtene 2004

Anno di Nascita1984

Social Network

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Biografia

Nikola Karabatic, recognised as one of the handball's greatest players, could be on the verge of a perfect conclusion to his illustrious career.

The French icon, who will turn 40 in April 2024, aims to maintain his club form throughout the year, with an eye on Paris 2024. As the host country and reigning Olympic champions, France will be among the favourites. It would undoubtedly be the perfect farewell for the French star.

Nikola Karabatic: Early and formative years

Born in Niš, SFR Yugoslavia, Karabatic was raised by his Croatian father, Branko Karabatić, and Serbian mother, Branko, a former professional handball player.

The family's connection to France began when Branko was offered a coaching position in the country, leading to their move when Karabatić was just three years old.

Karabatić's journey in handball started in the junior ranks, where he first showcased his skills playing for Strasbourg and Frontignan. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon advanced to the Montpellier Academy, one of the premier handball clubs in France, where he made his professional debut at just 17.

Nikola Karabatić: Titles galore and trio of Champions League triumphs

His time at Montpellier was marked by outstanding achievements, winning the French title in consecutive years from 2002 to 2005 and clinching the EHF Champions League title in 2003. Following his success in France, Karabatić joined the ranks of the German club THW Kiel, where he extended his winning streak, playing a key role in the team's league victories in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. In Germany, he added a second personal EHF Champions League triumph in 2007.

In 2009, Karabatić returned to his boyhood, Montpellier HB, securing three more French titles in 2010, 2011, and 2012. After a brief interlude with Pays d'Aix Université Club handball, he joined FC Barcelona. His time in Spain was marked by further successes, including Spanish league titles in 2014 and 2015, Spanish cup victories in 2014 and 2015, and a personal third Champions League triumph.

Karabatić then returned to France in 2015, joining PSG Handball, where he continued to amass silverware. His contributions to PSG Handball include eight more French League titles and two French cups.

Nikola Karabatić: National journey

The French handball ace's stellar club career is overshadowed by his accomplishments with the national team. Acquiring French nationality in his teens, he joined the national handball team at 18, quickly establishing himself as a leader both on and off the court.

Over the years, the powerhouse was at the front foot of a French side that dominated the handball circuit for many years. The Frenchman boasts an impressive record as a three-time Olympic gold medalist (Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020), securing three gold medals in the European Championship (2006, 2010, and 2014) and clinching four World Championship gold medals (2009, 2011, 2015, and 2017).

Karabatić has earned his place as one of the greatest players in handball history. His contributions to the sport were recognised, winning the IHF World Player of the Year award three times in 2007, 2014, and 2016.