EHF Excellence: The 2023/24 Machineseeker EHF Champions League All-Star Team Revealed

The European Handball Federation (EHF) has officially announced the 2023/24 Machineseeker EHF Champions League All-Star Team, honoring the top performers from the continent’s premier club competition. The selection, determined by a combination of fan voting and expert analysis, features a lineup dominated by players from the competition’s final four participants, highlighting the immense talent on display throughout the season.

Who made the 2023/24 All-Star Team?

The All-Star Team represents the best individual performances across the season, with Barça leading the selection after securing their 12th title in Cologne. According to the EHF official release, the squad is comprised of the following athletes:

• Goalkeeper: Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas (Barça)
• Left Wing: Hampus Wanne (Barça)
• Left Back: Elohim Prandi (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Center Back: Felix Claar (SC Magdeburg)
• Right Back: Mathias Gidsel (Füchse Berlin/SC Magdeburg*)
• Right Wing: Hans Lindberg (Füchse Berlin)
• Line Player: Ludovic Fabregas (Veszprém HC)
• Best Defender: Magnus Saugstrup (SC Magdeburg)
• Best Young Player: Nils Lichtlein (Füchse Berlin)
• Best Coach: Carlos Ortega (Barça)

*Note: While Mathias Gidsel’s selection reflects his dominant performance in the EHF European League and Champions League context, the EHF notes his impact across the continental calendar.

How does the selection process work?

The EHF utilizes a hybrid selection model to ensure both fan engagement and technical merit. Fans cast votes via the EHF Champions League mobile app, which are then weighted against the assessments of a panel of experts. This process aims to balance popularity with actual on-court efficiency, such as save percentages for goalkeepers and goal-to-shot ratios for backcourt players.

This year’s process saw a record number of participants in the digital voting phase, reflecting the growing global reach of the sport. By requiring expert oversight, the EHF prevents the selection from becoming purely a popularity contest, ensuring that players like defensive specialist Magnus Saugstrup receive recognition for the “dirty work” that often goes unnoticed by casual observers.

Why does this selection matter for European handball?

The All-Star Team serves as a barometer for the current power structure in European handball. Barça’s heavy presence—including the selection of Carlos Ortega as Best Coach—underscores their tactical superiority in high-pressure matches. Conversely, the inclusion of players from teams that did not win the title, such as Elohim Prandi from PSG, validates individual excellence even in seasons where a club falls short of the trophy.

Compared to the 2022/23 season, this year’s list shows a shift toward younger, versatile playmakers. The emergence of Nils Lichtlein as the Best Young Player signals a transition period for many national teams, as clubs prioritize developing talent that can transition seamlessly from the EHF European League to the intensity of the Champions League.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Best Defender chosen?

The Best Defender award is specifically designed to highlight players who excel in 6-0 or 5-1 defensive systems. Experts analyze blocked shots, intercepted passes, and the impact the player has on lowering the opponent’s scoring efficiency.

Do All-Star players receive financial bonuses?

While the EHF provides a trophy and formal recognition, individual bonuses are generally handled internally by the players’ respective clubs and their national federations.

When will the next All-Star selection take place?

The selection process for the 2024/25 season is expected to begin toward the conclusion of the group stages, with final voting occurring in the weeks leading up to the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4.