Dane Matthias Gidsel has been named the best handball player in the world for 2025, as chosen by the International Handball Federation (IHF).
He became the first player to win the award three years in a row and the third in history to win it three times in total - alongside Nikola Karabatic and Mikel Hansen.
Gidsel, the right-back for the Danish national team, had an outstanding 2025.
He was world champion for the third time in a row, while also being named MVP and top scorer of the tournament.
At the club level, he became German champion with Berlin and reached the Champions League final, with the status of top scorer in European competitions.
"This award is something special. Being the best once is already a great recognition, and imagine being the best in the sport three times in a row - it's incredible. I'm very proud of the stability and the way I play with the Danish national team," Gidsel told IHF.info.
Since making his major competition debut in 2021, Gidsel has been a consistent All-Star, including the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, Euro 2024 and 2026, as well as the 2023 and 2025 World Cups.
"I always say that I want people to see that I, Matthias, am the same man, regardless of the number of titles and awards. I give 100 percent on the field and I hope they see that every time I play," added Gidsel.
Bonus video:
