The year that was: a look back at PSG Handball's 2024

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With its memorable moments, landmark achievements and remarkable statistics, it has been another vintage year for Paris Saint-Germain handball. Ttake a look back at the capital club's 2024.

An emotional farewell and a sparkling record

How can we look back on 2024 without mentioning the highlight, Nikola Karabatic's Final Game? Held on 31 May at the Accor Arena, this final match not only went down in the annals of the capital club, but also in those of French handball. Les Rouge et Bleu drew a record crowd of 14,840, the highest attendance ever for a French handball match. The crowd came out in force to cheer on the Parisians and Nikola Karabatic as they claimed an historic victory over Aix, and an 11thFrench championship title in the process.

After almosta decade with Paris Saint-Germain, Nikola Karabatic drew a line under one of the greatest careers in the history of our sport. In nine seasons with the capital club, the iconic No.44 won nine league titles, two Coupes de France, three Coupes de la Ligue and four Trophées des Champions. Named the best player in the world three times, including once while playing for Les Rouge et Bleu, Nikola left an indelible mark on the history of French sport.

Departures, extensions and major arrivals

In addition to Nikola Karabatic, the final match of the season at the Accor Arena saw Parisian fans bid farewell to Adama Keita, Sadou Ntanzi, Dominik Mathé and Yoann Gibelin. These departures made way for a new recruit, and what a recruit! After five successful seasons at Veszprém, Yahia Omar joined the capital club, and it didn't take long for the Egyptian to settle in to his new role.

Last summer was more about stability, with the long-awaited extensions of Luka Karabatic and Elohim Prandi, now tied to the club until 2026 and 2028 respectively. Elohim Prandi was coming off the best season of his career, which was doubly rewarded, at both national and continental level. Named best left-back of the season at the EHF Excellence Awards on 1 July, Elo' succeeded Luc Steins a few weeks later when he was awarded the Liqui Moly StarLigue MVP of the season title. A richly deserved title for our superstar, who deservedly held his place in the Team of the Season alongside Kamil Syprzak.

Our pivot, top scorer in the French top flight and Champions League last season, is still racking up record after record. March saw him sign a contract extension through to 2027, and Kamil is now more than ever the driving force behind Les Rouge et Bleus' attack. The way he complements the capital club's full-backs, Yahia and Elohim, is enough to make opposing defences green with envy. Last September, Kamil set a new personal best by finding the net 15 times against Tremblay (32-40). Another scintillating performance from the man who has already racked up five Team of the Week nominations and 101 goals midway through the league season.

Serious yet relaxed pre-season in Japan

For the second year running, Paris Saint-Germain handball travelled to Japan as part of their summer preparations. It was a way of getting back into the competitive swing of things in a relaxed manner by pitting themselves against the best local players, in this case Zeekstar Tokyo and the Japanese national team. The two victories boosted morale, while also providing an opportunity to discover Japanese culture. It was a resounding success for the capital club, who once again drew the crowds in the capital of the Pacific archipelago.

Goals, goals and more goals...

With the best attacking record in the calendar year, the capital club put on a show both in front of their home fans at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin and on the road. Over the months, Raul Gonzalez has been able to count on dazzling performances from his players, who have gone from strength to strength. Before his club career came to an end on 31 May this year, Nikola Karabatic had time to pass two symbolic milestones: 500 league goals with the capital club, and 1,000 career goals in the top flight a few weeks later. It was a milestone that, if anyone doubted it, cemented his place as one of the greatest athletes in the history of French sport and beyond.

While they still have some way to go before catching up with Niko, Elohim and Kamil have also forged their own legend with the capital club. While the French international has surpassed the 500-goal mark in the league with Paris, his Polish counterpart has passed the 700-goal mark, proof of his reliability over the seasons. In addition to the two main Parisian dynamos, other members of the capital club's strikeforce have also reached major milestones this season: David Balaguer (800 league goals), Luc Steins (500 league goals) and Ferran Solé (800 top-flight goals, including 400 for Les Rouge et Bleu).

Coubertin, a near-impregnable fortress

Although the most important match of the season took place at the Accor Arena, the Stade Pierre de Coubertin was nonetheless the main venue for Raul Gonzalez's men's performances. With 20 wins, one draw and three defeats at home in 2024, Paris made their stadium into a veritable fortress. Buoyed by their ever-loyal fanbase, Les Rouge et Bleu notched up a number of landmark victories, including a 35-26 win over Kielce in their final home match of the Champions League group stage.

All in all, 2024 was a memorable year, with 54 matches and 42 victories. Parisians, players and supporters alike made new and lasting memories. Now it's time to look forward, with excitement and impatience, to 2025.