Laszlo Nagy
Voice of a Legend
European Handball Masters has the honor and privilege of opening this interview series with László Nagy, one of the most iconic figures in modern European handball.
Throughout an extraordinary career at both club and international level, László Nagy embodied leadership, strength, and tactical intelligence. He is not only remembered for his achievements on the court, but for the respect he earned from teammates, rivals, and fans across generations.
EHM is deeply grateful for the time he has generously shared with us—time that allows today’s Masters community, and future generations, to connect with the human side of elite handball: its challenges, its transformations, and its enduring passion.
POSITION: Right back
NATIONAL TEAM: Hungary
CLUB CAREER:
Pick Szeged (1997-2000)
FC Barcelona (2000-2012)
Telekom Veszprém (2012-2019)
HONOURS:
EHF Champions League (2005, 2011)
EHF Cup (2003)
EHF Champions Trophy (2003)
CHILDHOOD / TRAINING
What really got you hooked on handball at first?
My first sport was basketball because my dad was a basketball player.
What was your first team and what city was it from?
In the elimintary school we should play handball, then I started in Tisza Volán SC (MOL-PICK SZEGED NOW)
If you could go back, what would you do differently as a young player?
I didn’t change anything back, it was amazing childhood because of Handball. Really…
What is the best memory of that childhood period?
I learned a lot, I always played with the older categories and when I was just 16,i debuted with the senior team of Pick Szeged.
PROFESSIONAL STAGE
What is the hardest thing about professional handball that people don’t know?
You have no holiday when you want, you have to sacrifice a lot, practice a lot, suffer a lot, spend a lot of time without your family/friends etc… Your schedule marked by almost per minutes.
What was the most difficult moment of your career?
When you get injury it’s hard by mental, lot of time with therapies and so on…
Which coach made you grow the most and why?
First to thank Valero Rivera who beloved on me when I was just 19 wearing Barça’s jersey.
After that I had a few good ones with I learned a lot. Pasqui because he put me as a captain.
POST PROFESSIONAL / TRANSITION
Were you mentally prepared to leave handball?
When I was thinking to stop playing, I was with psicològist preparing my future after handball carrier
Do you think that clubs prepare players well for the “after”?
I think clubs can help to the players find something connected whit the sport, maybe not for everyone.
What advice would you give to a player who is close to retiring?
Enjoy till the and and stay on the court till you are enjoying.
MASTERS BLOCK
You have returned to playing handball after your professional life, what was the reason?
No, just some friendly games
If friends of your generation suggested that you participate in a Masters tournament, would you be encouraged, what would be the reason?
Maybe I would try, I don’t know..
Knowing Handball from the inside, what do you think would make the Master category grow among your professional colleagues?
Was invited, but I never was.
DIRECT TIPS
Some advice for someone who returns to play in the Masters category.
It’s difficult to give a good advice, but the most important, if you do something do 100% and enjoy that! Never give up, maybe simple to say, but it’s like this!
What does handball mean to you today?
Everything… This is my passion!
I am the lucky guy could stay close to the Handball.
At what point do you think Handball is at a physical, technical, organization, sponsors, spectators and visibility level?
Handball is very popular in Europe as a team sport. We have to put more and more attractive
Do you think that the Master category can contribute something to current Handball?
I don’t know, but I wish all the best to contribute it!