Ninety-two goals in nine matches remains the benchmark for individual scoring at a single World Men's Handball Championship, a record set by Kiril Lazarov during the 2009 tournament in Croatia. This output from the North Macedonian athlete defined a career spanning over two decades, during which he accumulated more than forty club titles across Europe.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Born in 1980 in Veles, North Macedonia, Lazarov began his professional trajectory in his home country. He secured multiple Macedonian League and Cup titles between 1997 and 2000 while playing for RK Pelister. His talent soon attracted international attention, facilitating moves to leagues in Croatia, Hungary, and Spain, where he consistently demonstrated high-level scoring proficiency.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Continental Dominance
Lazarov established himself as a prominent offensive force in the EHF Champions League, earning top-scorer honors while representing MKB Veszprém and RK Zagreb. His tenure at FC Barcelona Handbol proved particularly fruitful, resulting in league championships and consecutive IHF Super Globe titles between 2013 and 2016. In 2015, he achieved a milestone by becoming the first player in competition history to surpass the 1,000-goal mark.
International Milestones
Beyond club competition, Lazarov maintained a record-breaking pace for the North Macedonia national team. In 2012, he established European and World records by scoring 61 goals during the European Men's Handball Championship. His service to the nation was formally recognized in March 2009, when he received the Medal for Service to the Country from President Branko Crvenkovski.
Recognition and Coaching
The European Handball Federation honored his contributions by inducting him into their Hall of Fame in 2023. Following his playing career, Lazarov transitioned into coaching, currently leading the North Macedonia national team and managing RK Alkaloid. His influence on the sport was further solidified when a jury of coaches and journalists voted him the best right back of the 2010–2020 decade.
Fast facts
- Born: 1980, Veles
- Citizenship: North Macedonia
- 2009 World Championship goals: 92
- EHF Champions League goal record: Over 1,400
- 2015 EHF Champions League winner
- Hall of Fame induction: 2023
- Spouse: Ljubica
- Brother: Filip Lazarov
Questions readers ask
What is Kiril Lazarov's primary record in international handball?
He holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Men's Handball Championship, with 92 goals.
What is his current role in handball?
He serves as the head coach of the North Macedonia national handball team and the club team RK Alkaloid.
Achievements
- Represented FC Barcelona Handbol, North Macedonia men's national handball team and HBC Nantes
- Competed at 2019 World Men's Handball Championship
- Discipline: handball
