Get ready to sprint through courts filled with exhilarating action and high-fives!
Ever wondered where handball reigns supreme?
Let’s zoom through the countries where this electrifying sport has fans on their feet, cheering wildly. Game on!
Countries where handball is most popular:
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Norway
- Sweden
- Croatia
- Poland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Russia
Table of Contents
#1 Denmark
In Denmark, handball is not just a pastime but a source of national pride, with the country consistently excelling in international tournaments.
Its professional league fosters local talent and fuels a fervent fan base. For Danes, handball encapsulates a blend of physical prowess and social cohesion, deeply woven into the country’s sporting culture.
#2 France
France’s affinity for handball is evident in its storied success on the international stage, including multiple world championships.
The country’s robust league system and development programs create a hotbed of talent, making handball a celebrated feature of French sports. This enthusiasm is passed on through generations, embellishing the country’s rich handball tradition.
#3 Germany
Handball holds a special place in Germany’s rich sporting landscape. Boasting one of the strongest professional leagues in the world, the Bundesliga, Germany nurtures world-class talent.
German excitement for handball is palpable, with large crowds and passionate fans characterizing the electric atmosphere at matches, highlighting the sport’s prominence in the country.
#4 Spain
Spain’s handball culture thrives on the national team’s impressive international achievements and a competitive domestic scene.
Spanish clubs are powerhouses in European competitions, fostering a vibrant handball community. The sport’s popularity in Spain can be traced to its accessibility and the fiery passion of Spanish fans.
#5 Norway
Handball in Norway is a premier sport with a passionate following, especially among women, where the national team’s consistent international success has elevated its profile.
The sport is celebrated for its fast-paced, physical nature and is integrated into school programs, encouraging widespread participation and the development of future talent.
#6 Sweden
Sweden boasts a rich handball tradition, with the sport deeply embedded in its national sports culture.
The country’s structured club system and youth academies promote skill development from an early age, leading to strong performances in international competitions. Handball’s prominence is also supported by a dedicated fan base and significant media coverage.
#7 Croatia
Handball in Croatia is not just a sport; it’s a point of national pride. The national team’s consistent performance at international levels, including Olympic gold medals, has deeply ingrained handball into the country’s sporting fabric.
Croatians rally behind their teams with fervent support, creating a vibrant culture around the game, serving as both a popular pastime and a platform for international recognition.
#8 Poland
Poland’s handball scene is marked by enthusiastic support and a strong league system, contributing to its popularity.
The country’s commitment to nurturing young talent and hosting major handball events has bolstered the sport’s status. Polish teams have enjoyed considerable success in European competitions, reinforcing handball’s significance as a premier team sport and a source of communal excitement.
#9 Hungary
Hungary boasts a rich tradition in handball, with the sport enjoying widespread popularity across the nation. Its domestic league is one of the strongest in Europe, and Hungarian teams are often formidable competitors in continental championships.
The country’s passion for handball is evident in its vibrant fan culture and investment in youth development, ensuring a steady flow of talent.
#10 Iceland
In Iceland, handball is more than a sport; it’s a national obsession. Its popularity surged following the men’s national team’s success in international competitions, which has fostered a robust infrastructure for the sport.
Nearly every town has a handball facility, making it accessible to the majority of Icelanders and a focal point of local community life.
#11 Russia
Handball in Russia benefits from a well-established sporting infrastructure that promotes a wide range of athletic disciplines, including handball.
The sport enjoys popularity and government support, stemming from the Soviet era’s emphasis on physical education and sport. Russian teams, particularly women’s, have historically been powerhouses in international handball, maintaining the sport’s prominence nationally.
FAQ
Which country is Handball played the most?
Handball is played the most in European countries, especially in Denmark, France, Germany, and Spain, where the sport has professional leagues and a large number of registered players and clubs.
Which country watches Handball the most?
Germany watches Handball the most, with high television viewership numbers during major tournaments and a robust league that garners significant national attention and passion for the sport.
Where was Handball originally played?
Handball was originally played in Northern Europe in the late 19th century. For a deeper dive, here’s a link to our Handball history article. It has since evolved and formalized, becoming popular across Europe and subsequently the world.
