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Rookie Breakouts

Handball Bundesliga 2026/27 breakout candidates

Five young players are on the verge of a breakout season in the Handball Bundesliga.
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A handball player in white jumps to throw the ball, defended by purple-clad opponents in an indoor arena.
Foto: handball-world.news
The essentials
  • VfL Gummersbach's Neuer, 20-year-old Roganovic, has already made a name for himself internationally.
  • The HSG Wetzlar's Theiß is entering his second full Bundesliga season with clear starting position.
  • MT Melsungen's Stefansson, 21, could gain more opportunities following his recovery from a heart condition.

At just 20 years old, the VfL Gummersbach newcomer has already proven himself on the global stage. Now the Bundesliga is his next test. His first season could be explosive. Gummersbach fans watch to see if his potential matches his performance.

The HSG Wetzlar player is no Bundesliga rookie. The 23-year-old spent last season competing for playing time with team legend Stefan Cavor. By the end, he had 76 goals and 62 assists in 29 games. This season, Theiß seems to be the clear starter at right back. His first year in Germany was tough, but the results show promise.

The MT Melsungen player had to wait five months before making his Bundesliga debut after a heart condition sidelined him. The 21-year-old played 18 games last season, scoring 35 goals with 8 assists. Now with full preparation and more Champions League matches, he has a better chance to shine. His skills suggest he could be a breakout star this season. Felix Aellen of ThSV Eisenach proved how quickly you can impact Bundesliga handball by scoring 189 goals and making 78 assists last year.

The young right winger from Bern, 25-year-old Wanner, made his mark with 62 goals in the European League last season. His 29 goals in four matches against Kiel and Montpellier made waves. Now with TBV Lemgo Lippe, he joins a stable team and trains under coach Florian Kehrmann, known for taking players to new levels. The stage is set for Wanner to build on his breakthrough year.

He moved from the Swiss champions HC Kriens-Luzern to Melsungen. If the Melsunger playmaker Erik Balenciaga continues to struggle with injuries, the 20-year-old might take on a bigger role faster than expected. His teammate in the national team, Felix Aellen, showed how quickly one can make an impression in German handball. Aellen, who plays in the center position like Sigrist, scored 189 goals and provided 78 assists last season, proving it’s possible to shine quickly in the Bundesliga.

Each season brings a few players who break out and make a big impact in the Bundesliga. This season, there are five candidates who might make that leap. Everyone is watching to see if their talent translates into standout performances on the court.

Next snap

The 2026/27 Bundesliga season kicks off soon. These players now face the challenge of turning promise into performance on the court.

Based on reporting by Handball (DE), compiled by the Tradingbird newsroom. Published 07 Aug 2026, 21:06.
Topics: Handball

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