In a touching letter that has resonated with handball enthusiasts around the world, the renowned French player Nikola Karabatic has announced that the 2023-2024 season will mark the conclusion of his exceptional career. At the age of 39, Karabatic leaves behind a monumental legacy in the world of sports, amassing an impressive list of achievements that firmly establish him among the greatest names in the history of handball.
“Throughout all these years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport that I love so much and respect above all else. I’ve dedicated my mind and body to this physically and mentally demanding discipline,” explains the center-back in a letter published on the website of his club, PSG. Nonetheless, he is committed to giving his all in his final season so as not to have any regrets.
“I feel joy because I’ll be able to savor the unique atmospheres of French and European arenas one last time, to play and fight alongside my teammates to conquer more titles, before proudly closing the book on my career. Nostalgia will undoubtedly come later, but today, I especially want to live this last year with you. You who share the same passion for handball. You who have lived, shouted, complained, cried, booed, and exploded with joy with me for 22 years,” he continues.
Since the beginning of his professional career in 2002, Nikola Karabatic has accumulated an impressive list of achievements, both at the club level (Montpellier, Kiel, Barcelona, PSG) with three Champions League titles, and with the French national team. As a center-back, he has won three Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2020), as well as a silver Olympic medal in 2016.
He also boasts four world championship titles (2009, 2011, 2015, 2017), and currently the title of world championship runner-up in 2023. His successes also include three European championship titles (2006, 2010, 2014). With the 2024 Olympics set to take place on his home turf, Karabatic could potentially add more trophies to his already well-filled collection.
