In november 2008, a 19-year-old Niclas Ekberg stood proudly in Karlskrona, beaming after his first appearance in the Swedish national handball team. Few players have made such a remarkable debut, leaving fans wondering if any Swede had ever had a more impactful first match on the international stage.
With an remarkable twelve goals from thirteen attempts, Ekberg played a pivotal role in Sweden’s victory over Turkey during the European Championship qualifiers. His performance was nothing short of unusual, especially for a young athlete who hadn’t expected to be chosen for the squad. The decision by team captains Ola Lindgren and Staffan Olsson to include him turned out to be a masterstroke.
Reflecting on that unforgettable day, Ekberg shared, “Yes, you don’t forget that match. It was a friend who called recently and reminded me. Therefore, I also know that I scored twelve goals and only missed one shot.” This debut was a defining moment in his career, setting the tone for years of success.
Over sixteen years later,Ekberg continues to make waves in the sport. Now preparing for his 214th cap in his 14th major championship, he remains a cornerstone of the national team. Despite stepping away briefly in 2019 and 2023, he never truly said goodbye to the iconic blue and yellow jersey. For him, those breaks were moments of reflection rather than retirement.
“It is indeed an indescribable honour for me to be able to wear the national team uniform,” Ekberg says. “At the same time, I have the attitude that if I’m going to do something, I should be able to do it fully. On those occasions, I felt that I couldn’t.Now things have changed, and it felt right again.” His passion for the game and dedication to representing his country continue to inspire fans and teammates alike.
Fact.The players who scored the most goals in the men’s national team of all time
1191 Magnus Wislander (1985-2004)
1161 Stefan Lövgren (1993-2006)
1026 Per Carlén (1982-1996)
993 Erik Hajas (1984-1997)
955 Björn Jilsén (1982-1991)
921 Staffan Olsson (1986-2004)
919 Magnus Andersson (1988-2003)
846 Niclas Ekberg (2008-2025)
824 Kim Andersson (2001-2019)
815 Johan Petersson (1993-2008)
After years of rigorous competition, renowned handball player Niclas ekberg has found a renewed sense of balance. His decision to return to Ystads IF in the Handball League,following a 13-year stint with THW Kiel in the German Bundesliga,has been a game-changer for his personal well-being.
ekberg’s move has allowed him to reduce the stress of constant travel and spend more quality time with his family. “Few are blessed to have the everyday life we had there, but I’m extremely satisfied with the decision to move home.It’s always been crucial for me that it feels right,” he shared.
Adjusting to life back in Sweden after over a decade abroad hasn’t been without its challenges. However, Ekberg’s experience and leadership have already made a significant impact on ystads IF, propelling them to the top of the league standings.
Ekberg’s contributions extend beyond club success. As a key player for the Swedish national team, he has scored an impressive 846 goals in 213 international matches, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s finest penalty shooters.
Niclas Ekberg: The Man Behind Sweden’s Handball Glory
Niclas Ekberg, a name synonymous with clutch performances, has become a cornerstone of Swedish handball. From securing Olympic qualifications to clinching European Championship gold, Ekberg has repeatedly proven his mettle in the most high-pressure moments.
One of his most iconic moments came in the 2022 European Championship final against Spain. With the clock ticking down and the game tied at 26–26, Ekberg stepped up to take a decisive penalty.Cool and composed, he delivered the winning goal, etching his name into Swedish handball history.Reflecting on that moment,Ekberg smiles. “I don’t think you can ever get enough of such events,” he says, adding, “I will never turn down a free throw.”
Ekberg’s ability to thrive under pressure isn’t limited to the European stage. In the 2016 Olympic qualifier, with just five seconds remaining, he scored a crucial goal to narrow Spain’s lead to 25–23, securing Sweden’s spot in Rio. These moments have solidified his reputation as a player who steps up when it matters most.
Now, as Sweden prepares for its second group match in the World Cup against Chile, Ekberg remains optimistic. Despite injuries to key players like Felix Claar, Oscar Bergendahl, and Max Darj, he believes the team has what it takes to compete for medals. “There are more nations that can get involved in the medal discussion now, and that makes every match crucial,” he admits. “We know what potential we have.”
As Ekberg continues to lead Sweden’s handball charge, his legacy as a player who delivers in the clutch grows stronger. Whether it’s a penalty shot or a critical goal, he’s proven time and again that he’s the man for the moment.
Michael Apelgren Leads Sweden’s Handball Team with Confidence
Sweden’s national handball team is gearing up for the upcoming World Championships under the leadership of their new captain, Michael Apelgren. Unlike most teams, Apelgren has chosen to assemble the squad later than usual. However, seasoned player niclas Ekberg isn’t concerned about the delayed start.“You can’t do any miracles in the short time you have,” Ekberg remarks. “many of us have been in numerous championships, and it’s all about finding harmony.”
Experience Over readiness Time
Ekberg, a veteran of the sport, believes that the team’s wealth of experience will outweigh any potential drawbacks of a shorter preparation period. With players who have competed in multiple international tournaments, the focus is on cohesion rather than last-minute adjustments. Ekberg’s calm demeanor reflects the confidence shared by the team as they head into the championships.
Niclas Ekberg: A Career of Excellence
Fact: Niclas Ekberg
Born: 23 December 1988
Position: Right back
International Matches: 213
Clubs: IFK Ystad (junior–2009), Ystads IF (2009–10), AG Copenhagen (2010–12), THW Kiel (2012–24), Ystads IF (2024–)
Championships: 14 (including EM 2010, VM 2011, EM 2012, OS 2012, EM 2014, VM 2015, EM 2016, VM 2017, EM 2018, VM 2019, OS 2021, EM 2022, VM 2023, VM 2025)
Achievements: Six-time German league champion, four-time German cup champion with Kiel, Champions League winner 2020, and European League champion 2019 with Kiel. Twice Danish league champion with Copenhagen.
The Road to the World Championships
With Apelgren at the helm, the Swedish team is focusing on leveraging their collective experience to navigate the challenges of the World Championships.Ekberg’s perspective highlights the team’s pragmatic approach: “It’s not about miracles; it’s about understanding each other and playing as a unit.”
As the competition draws closer, the Swedish handball team is ready to showcase their skill and determination on the global stage. With a captain like Apelgren and experienced players like Ekberg, Sweden is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming championships.
