Raúl Entrerríos
The Brain of the Game
European Handball Masters is proud to share this interview with Raúl Entrerríos, one of the most respected figures in Spanish and European handball.
A leader on the court, a reference for generations of players and a symbol of intelligence, commitment and team spirit, Entrerríos reflects on his first steps in Gijón, the lessons learned throughout his professional career, the challenge of retirement and the importance of preparing for life after elite sport.
In this conversation, he also shares his view on Masters handball as a valuable space where former players can continue enjoying the game, staying active and reconnecting with teammates, friends and the passion that shaped their lives.
Because handball does not end when a career finishes.
It transforms into experience, friendship and legacy.
POSITION: Centre back
NATIONAL TEAM: Spain
CLUB CAREER:
Ademar León (2001–2007)
CB Valladolid (2007–2010)
FC Barcelona (2010–2021)
HONOURS:
World Champion with Spain (2005)
European Champion with Spain (2018, 2020)
Olympic Bronze Medal with Spain (Beijing 2008, Tokyo 2020)
EHF Champions League (2011, 2015, 2021)
EHF Cup Winners’ Cup (2005, 2009)
Liga ASOBAL (2011–2021)
Copa del Rey (2014–2021)
Copa ASOBAL (2011–2021)
Spanish Super Cup (2012–2021)
IHF Super Globe (2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019)
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
EHF EURO MVP (2016)
Liga ASOBAL MVP (2019,2021)
Best Centre Back — Liga ASOBAL (7 times)
Silver Medal of Gijón (2020)
Medal of the Principality of Asturias (2022)
CHILDHOOD / TRAINING
What really got you hooked on handball at the beginning?
Being able to enjoy a team sport with my friends. It was a fast, fun sport where you could constantly connect with your teammates. It didn’t take long for me to get hooked.
What was your first team and what city was it from?
I started playing at Colegio Noega, in Gijón. In their team, Grupo Astur, I took my first steps until I reached national level, playing for Gijón Balonmano in the División de Honor Plata.
If you could go back, what would you do differently as a young player?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. I have very good memories, and I don’t think I could have become the player I later became if I hadn’t lived that stage exactly as I did, with all its lessons and the values we were taught.
What is your best memory from that stage of your sporting childhood?
We became Spanish junior champions, playing at home, surrounded by our people. We were a group of friends who had grown up together, both on and off the court, and achieving something like that was a fantastic way to close that chapter.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
What is the hardest part of professional handball that people don’t know about?
As a young player, the hardest thing is making your way into your team and into the league. But the real challenge is maintaining a competitive level over the years. There are many hours of training, travelling and a very high level of dedication. But being able to experience it was a privilege.
What was the most difficult moment of your career?
From a sporting point of view, there are defeats that are hard to accept, or injuries that come at the wrong time, but they are part of an athlete’s journey. If I had to choose one difficult moment among all of them, it would be not qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Which coach helped you grow the most, and why?
I have had great coaches — I would say the best at national level — and I have learned a lot from each and every one of them. But I think Juan Carlos Pastor was key in my development as a centre back.
POST PROFESSIONAL / TRANSITION
Were you mentally prepared to leave handball?
Leaving behind something that is your passion, and that you have been doing your whole life, is never easy. But I was always aware that the sporting stage has an end, and I tried to prepare for it by combining sport and studies. I was able to choose the moment, and I made the decision to retire by linking it to my professional continuity at the same club, Barça.
Do you think clubs prepare players well for the “after”?
Although it is each person’s responsibility to prepare for that transition, I believe it is necessary to offer greater support in areas such as education and career guidance, financial management, help with planning, and psychological support.
What advice would you give to a player who is close to retiring?
To prepare for that process in advance. And I am not only talking about academic or professional training, but also about the mental side. The end of a sporting career can be a complicated moment. That is why it is essential to have developed “another life” outside sport, with personal projects, family and friends, which can help soften that change as much as possible. Working with a sports psychologist can also be very positive in order to anticipate and structure the steps of that transition.
MASTERS BLOCK
What do you think about the Masters category?
I think it is a great opportunity to continue practising our sport once the professional career has come to an end.
What do you think former handball players can gain from playing again with friends?
One of the things you miss most from your playing days are the good moments shared with teammates. Being able to experience that again while continuing to do physical activity is something very positive.
Would it be interesting for the EHF or IHF to organise exhibition matches or tournaments with former top players during events such as the Final Four, European Championships or World Championships?
That would be great. There are many former players who remain connected to handball, and I think it is a good idea to bring different generations together around an event.
DIRECT TIPS
Any advice for someone returning to play in the Masters category?
I can’t really give advice because I don’t compete in the Masters category. But I would say the most important thing is to prepare physically for it and, above all, to enjoy it.
To finish, could you leave us a phrase supporting the Masters movement?
The passion for handball never fully disappears. Congratulations to your team for helping to create a space where everyone can continue enjoying the game and sharing experiences.