The 2019 and 2021 IHF World Player of the Year awards represent a milestone for Niklas Landin Jacobsen, who remains the only goalkeeper to claim the honor twice. Born in 1988 in Søborg, the Danish athlete established a career defined by consistent performance in goal across professional leagues in Germany and his home country.
Early Career and Danish Development
Landin Jacobsen began his professional trajectory by signing with GOG Svendborg TGI in 2006. Following the club's bankruptcy in 2010, he transferred to Bjerringbro-Silkeborg. During his tenure there, he appeared in two consecutive Danish Championship finals, facing AG København in both instances. His senior international debut occurred on 28 October 2008, marking the start of a long tenure with the Denmark national team, which he later captained from 2012 until 2024.
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In 2012, he transitioned to the German league, joining Rhein-Neckar Löwen on a three-year contract and securing the 2012-13 EHF Cup. He moved to THW Kiel in 2015, where his domestic achievements expanded significantly. Over several seasons, he collected three Bundesliga titles, three DHB-Pokal trophies, and the 2020 EHF Champions League title. His contributions were recognized in 2021 when he was named Handball Player of the Year in Germany.
International Dominance and Later Career
Landin Jacobsen holds a decorated international record, including European Championship gold in 2012 and Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2024, supplemented by a silver finish in 2020. He also contributed to three consecutive World Championship victories between 2019 and 2023. Upon returning to Denmark to join Aalborg Håndbold in 2023, he captured back-to-back league titles in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, he secured the Danish Cup, earned tournament MVP honors, and extended his contract with the club through 2029.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Søborg
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Denmark
- IHF World Player of the Year: 2019, 2021
- Olympic Gold: 2016, 2024
- EHF Champions League Winner: 2020
- Brother: Magnus Landin Jacobsen
- International Debut: 28 October 2008
Questions readers ask
Did Niklas Landin Jacobsen play with his brother?
Yes, he and Magnus Landin Jacobsen played together on the Danish national team, at THW Kiel between 2018 and 2023, and reunited at Aalborg Håndbold in 2026.
Has he retired from international handball?
He retired from the Danish national team in 2024, though he offered to return for the 2026 European Men's Handball Championship in the event of an injury crisis.
Achievements
- IHF World Player of the Year
- Handball Player of the Year in Germany
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
