The record for total goals scored for the French men's national handball team belongs to Jérôme Fernandez, who accumulated 1,463 scores by 9 January 2020. Born in 1977 in Cenon, he established a career spanning professional leagues in France, Spain, and Germany while securing a place in the French handball Hall of Fame.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Fernandez began his path at Club La Bastidienne, moving to Carbon-Blanc in 1985. In 1993, he joined Girondins de Bordeaux HBC, followed by a transition to Toulouse Union HB in 1997, where he secured a French cup victory. His tenure at Montpellier Handball from 1999 to 2002 saw significant success, including back-to-back French championships in 1999-2000 and 2001-02, along with three consecutive French cup titles.
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Moving to Spain in 2002, Fernandez joined FC Barcelona, where he achieved two Spanish championships and multiple tournament victories, including the Copa del Rey and European Supercup. In 2008, he moved to BM Ciudad Real, capturing two more Spanish league titles and the 2009-10 EHF Champions League. He briefly joined THW Kiel in 2010 to replace the injured Daniel Narcisse, winning the DHB-Pokal and German Supercup.
National Team and Coaching Transition
Fernandez served as captain for the French national team. His Olympic record includes gold medals in 2008 and 2012, alongside appearances in 2000 and 2004. Following his return to France to play for Fenix Toulouse Handball, he moved to Pays d'Aix UC in 2015. He served as a player-assistant manager before transitioning to head coach in 2016, leading the club until 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 March 1977, Cenon
- Nationality: French
- National team goal record: 1,463
- Honour: Officer of the National Order of Merit
- Honour: Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Retirement year: 2017
- Playing position: Back
- Hall of Fame: French handball Hall of Fame
Questions readers ask
What is his standing in French handball?
He holds the record for the most goals scored for the French national team and is a member of the French handball Hall of Fame.
Did he win Olympic gold medals?
Yes, he won Olympic gold medals as part of the French team in 2008 and 2012.
Achievements
- Officer of the National Order of Merit
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics
