Guðjón Valur Sigurðsson set a world record for the most goals scored in international men's handball on 7 January 2018. During a match against Germany, the Icelandic captain surpassed the previous benchmark of 1797 goals, eventually finishing his national team career with 1879 goals across 365 matches, establishing his performance as a statistical landmark in the sport.
Early Career in Iceland
Born in Reykjavík in 1979, he began his development at Grótta on Seltjarnarnes. He moved to KA Akureyri, where he participated in the Icelandic championship final in 2001. His impact was reflected in his recognition as the Icelandic Sportsperson of the Year in 2006, highlighting his rising status before moving to professional leagues abroad.
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His national team tenure included high-pressure tournament play. In the 2007 World Championship in Germany, he played an average of 58.5 minutes per game and finished as the top scorer with 66 goals. He contributed to the silver medal win at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, earning a spot on the seven-man Excellent Olympics team. Later, he helped secure a bronze medal at the 2010 European Championship and was named the best left wing of the 2012 European Men's Handball Championship.
Professional Clubs and Coaching
He entered the German professional circuit with Essen, winning the European championship in 2005. His path led to VfL Gummersbach, a club where he was later appointed manager in May 2020. Under his leadership, the team won the 2.Bundesliga during the 2021/2022 season, securing promotion to the Bundesliga. His performance as a coach earned him the Trainer of the Year award in the Bundesliga for the 2022/2023 season.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Reykjavík
- International goals: 1879
- International matches: 365
- 2008 Beijing Olympics: Silver medalist
- 2010 European Championship: Bronze medalist
- 2006 Icelandic Sportsperson of the Year
- 2023 European Handball Federation Hall of Fame inductee
Questions readers ask
When did he retire from playing?
He announced his retirement from active handball in April 2020.
Whose scoring record did he break?
He broke the record previously held by the Hungarian player Péter Kovács.
Achievements
- Represented THW Kiel, VfL Gummersbach and KA Handball
- Competed at 2008 Summer Olympics, 2012 Summer Olympics and 2004 Summer Olympics
- Discipline: handball
