Valerie Nicolas
The Mind Behind the Goal
European Handball Masters is proud to continue this interview series with Valérie Nicolas, one of the most influential goalkeepers in the history of European women’s handball.
With more than three decades devoted to the sport, Valérie Nicolas represents excellence, resilience, and intelligence between the posts. From her early beginnings as a field player to becoming a world-class goalkeeper, her career is defined by constant evolution, mental strength, and an exceptional understanding of the game.
EHM sincerely thanks Valérie Nicolas for sharing her story with us—an opportunity for the Masters community and future generations to connect with the values behind greatness: perseverance, humility, and a lifelong passion for handball.
POSITION: Goalkeeper
NATIONAL TEAM: France
CLUB CAREER:
USM Gagny (1993–1995)
ES Besançon (1995–2003)
Viborg HK (2003–2007)
Ikast/Bording EH (2007–2008)
ASPTT Nice (2008–2012)
HONOURS:
World Championship, gold (2003), silver (1999)
EHF EURO, bronze (2002, 2006)
EHF Champions League (2006)
Cup Winners’ Cup (2003)
EHF Cup (2004)
CHILDHOOD / TRAINING
What really got you hooked on handball at first?
I started playing sports in primary school (football, rollerblading, etc.) and at the age of 8, I began judo at a club. At 10, my cousin asked me to come to a handball practice with her, and I immediately loved it (I knew how to dribble, jump, and shoot).
What was your first team and what city was it from?
My first club was in my hometown of Lampaul-Guimiliau. I played on the court and loved scoring goals.
If you could go back, what would you do differently as a young player?
I wouldn’t change a thing about that time. I’ve kept in touch with friends I played with in Lampaul-Guimiliau.
What is the best memory of that childhood period?
My best memory is finishing 3rd in the French U17 Championship in 1992.
PROFESSIONAL STAGE
What is the hardest thing about professional handball that people don’t know?
Perhaps the most difficult moments in a career are when you’re injured. It’s not always easy to train on your own and get back to your previous level.
What was the most difficult moment of your career?
I injured my knee at the 2004 Athens Olympics and missed the entire season.
Which coach made you grow the most and why?
I came back in 2005-2006 to win the Champions League, which remains my best sporting memory, with Tomas Ryde as my coach.
POST PROFESSIONAL / TRANSITION
Were you mentally prepared to leave handball?
It’s not always easy to stop playing at the highest level and know when to retire. I did it in 2008 after the Olympics to think about my career transition.
MASTERS BLOCK
You have returned to playing handball after your professional life, what was the reason?
I helped OGC Nice move from the fourth division to the first division (2008-2012) while playing. It’s up to everyone to know when to stop, but you have to think carefully about the post-race before stopping so you can recover when necessary.
Do you think Masters handball should have more visibility?
I wasn’t familiar with the Masters category, but it’s excellent for Masters players to have a competition dedicated to them. The more visibility there is, the better, of course.
DIRECT TIPS
What does handball mean to you today?
Today, I’m involved with beach handball in Senegal, where the Youth Olympic Games will be held in November 2026.
To finish, you can leave us a sentence supporting the Masters movement
I wish the Masters team all the best, both on and off the court!
VALERIE NICOLA: The Mind Behind the Goal
Read more about Valérie: “THIS IS ME: VALERIE NICOLAS” | eurohandball.com