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Paris Saint-Germain Handball (PSG) is a French professional handball club founded in 1941, and based in the city of Paris in France. The club is the handball department of Paris Saint-Germain.
Initially called Patriotes d'Asnières (1941–1942), the club has gone through several name changes: Asnières Sports (1942–1987), Paris-Racing-Asnières (1987–1988), Paris-Asnières (1988–1992), PSG-Asnières (1992–2002), and Paris Handball (2002–2012). After being bought by Paris Saint-Germain owners Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in 2012, the club became Paris Saint-Germain Handball.
Since its inception, the club has won 26 titles. Domestically, Paris SG have clinched twelve LNH Division 1 titles, six French Cups, three Coupes de la Ligue, a record five Trophée des Champions and two LNH Division 2 titles. They are the only club in French handball to have ever won all their matches in LNH Division 1 in a season, which they did in the 2021–22 season. In international club handball, the capital side finished runners-up in the 2016–17 edition of the Champions League. PSG also have a reserve team that currently play in the Nationale 1, which serves as the third tier of French handball. They have played in Nationale 1 since 2017–18, after clinching the Nationale 2 title and winning promotion during the 2016–17 season.
History
Asnières origins and relocation to Paris (1941–1992)
The Parisian club was founded in 1941 as Patriotes d'Asnières, before adopting the name Asnières Sports one year later. In 1945, the team reached the final of the Coupe de France, facing Villemomble at the Parc des Princes in front of 15,000 spectators. At the time, handball was played with eleven players. Asnières Sports was chaired by Christian Picard, who was succeeded by his son Gérard during the 1975–76 season; Gérard Picard remained president until 2003.[1]
Between 1985 and 1987, the club partnered with Racing Club de France, becoming Asnières Racing Olympique 92. In 1987, the club's leadership succeeded in convincing the Paris City Council to join forces with the municipality of Asnières-sur-Seine to create a major handball club in the capital. The Hauts-de-Seine-based team relocated to Paris and changed its name first to Paris-Racing-Asnières in 1987 and then to Paris-Asnières Handball in 1989.[1][2]
Several future international stars played for the club during this period, including Jackson Richardson, an iconic figure in French handball, a two-time world champion and Olympic medallist, who spent two seasons in Paris between 1989 and 1991. He also played alongside Patrick Cazal, another French international and future two-time world champion, who signed his first professional contract in the capital in 1989. Richardson and Cazal helped Paris-Asnières win their first trophy in 1990, claiming the LNH Division 2 to reach the top flight.[1][2]
PSG takeover and OM Vitrolles rivalry (1992–1997)
On 7 July 1992, the club became the handball department of Paris Saint-Germain FC, taking over the professional team and reserve squad of Paris-Asnières. Under Charles Biétry, the PSG sports club encompassed multiple sports, including volleyball, rugby, and boxing, in addition to handball. This development led to a further change of name, as Paris-Asnières became PSG-Asnières. The partnership lasted ten years. Chaired by Gérard Picard, the club played its home matches at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin and the Halle Georges Carpentier.[1][3]
The Paris-Racing-Asnières squad in 1988.
During the 1992–93 season, under the management of Patrice Canayer, PSG competed in the LNH Division 1, the top tier of French handball, finishing sixth with a balanced record of wins and defeats. In the Coupe de France, the team reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Vénissieux. The season marked a transitional but stable foundation for PSG's handball project, combining experienced internationals such as Patrick Cazal with the club's first steps under the PSG identity.[1][3]
The following season, PSG reinforced its squad with Nenad Peruničić from Red Star Belgrade and made its European debut in the EHF European Cup, reaching the semi-finals after defeating Karviná and Benfica before losing to Drott of Sweden. Domestically, PSG finished fifth in the French Championship, just missing European qualification, and were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France by Gagny. Meanwhile, the reserve team won the Nationale 3 title.[4]
PSG entered a period of consolidation and renewed ambition under Macedonian manager Risto Magdinčev, who took charge for the 1994–95 season. French internationals Denis Lathoud and Stéphane Stoecklin joined the squad to replace Peruničić. Despite an early-season injury to Lathoud, PSG steadily improved, finishing fourth in the French Championship. The team also reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, where they were eliminated by OM Vitrolles, and secured qualification for the EHF European Cup.[5]
In 1995–96, PSG strengthened further with world champion pivot Gaël Monthurel, aiming to challenge OM Vitrolles for the national title. The team achieved its best domestic performance to date, finishing second in the league with 20 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, including two defeats to OM. PSG were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France by Ivry and suffered a surprise early exit from the EHF European Cup against Norwegian side Drammen.[1][6]
The 1996–97 season saw PSG qualify for the EHF Champions League following the financial relegation of OM Vitrolles. Stoecklin departed for Germany and was replaced by Macedonian Tomče Petreski. The team struggled domestically, finishing fourth in the French Championship, 13 points behind champions Ivry, and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France by Créteil. In the Champions League, the team defeated Hasselt in the round of 16 but finished last in the group stage, recording five defeats in six matches. The disappointing campaign led to Magdinčev's departure, leaving the club without a title during his tenure.[7]
Decline and end of the PSG era (1997–2002)
Following a disappointing campaign, PSG appointed young manager Nicolas Cochery ahead of the 1997–98 season. The club lost its leading figure, Denis Lathoud, who joined Ivry alongside Dejan Lukić, and recruited Egyptian pivot Sameh Abdel Waress as his replacement. The season quickly unraveled: PSG opened with a five-match losing streak, while Abdel Waress suffered a shoulder injury that effectively ended his Paris career. Further setbacks included injuries to Gaël Monthurel and Stéphane Cordinier, the temporary signing of Radovan Djurković as a medical joker, and a doping suspension for Christophe Zuniga. PSG finished 8th in the French Championship, 27 points behind champions Montpellier. Despite reaching the Coupe de France semi-finals, they were eliminated by Montpellier, and exited the EHF European Cup in the round of 16 against Szeged.[8]
Yugoslavian player Nenad Peruničić from PSG-Asnières in 1993.
In 1998–99, the return of Bernard Latchimy after a season in Germany failed to compensate for the departures of Cordinier and Monthurel, the latter becoming manager at Saintes. Abdel Waress remained on the roster despite being sidelined for over a year and never returning to competition. After two opening defeats, PSG reinforced the squad with Yugoslav international Nikola Vojinović and Christophe Marais. While the Stojiljković–Vojinović pairing showed attacking promise, inconsistency plagued the team. PSG finished 6th in the league, with their strongest run again coming in the Coupe de France, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to Toulouse. Individually, Zoran Stojiljković stood out as the league's top scorer with 159 goals.[9]
Ahead of the 1999–2000 season, PSG underwent another major rebuild, losing several experienced players, including Marais, Nicolas Farrenc, Gérald Motte, Christian Bertreux, and Fabrice Leton. To raise ambitions, the club recruited French internationals Olivier Girault, Stéphane Raphanel, and Stéphane Zuzo. PSG made a promising start and remained in contention for European qualification deep into the season, but a defeat at Livry-Gargan on the penultimate matchday cost them third place. The Coupe de France represented a final chance to secure Europe, but a heavy 32–25 semi-final loss to Dunkerque ended those hopes. PSG finished 4th in the French Championship, and Cochery left the club at the end of the season after failing to qualify for Europe.[10]
Following the disappointment of the previous campaign, PSG appointed former Boro Golić from Nîmes as manager, ushering in a period of renewed ambition. Goalkeeper Francis Franck departed for Germany and was replaced by Arnaud Siffert, as PSG assembled a competitive and motivated squad. The team made a strong start to the season, winning their first four matches and reaching the winter break with eight wins from ten games. After 20 matchdays, PSG sat second behind Chambéry, but a dip in form late in the season saw them finish 4th in the French Championship. Despite falling short of the title race, PSG secured qualification for the EHF European Cup and enjoyed an impressive run in the Coupe de France, reaching the final. Playing at Coubertin, Paris were defeated 30–26 by Montpellier, but the campaign was widely viewed as a success, marking a clear improvement and a return to competitiveness at the national level.[11]
Coupe de France winners (2002–2012)
PSG reinforced its squad with the signing of Icelandic international Gunnar Viktorsson; however, several key departures weakened the team, including Bernard Latchimy, Stéphane Raphanel, and captain Zoran Stojiljković. Following the departure of Charles Biétry, the PSG multisport structure gradually collapsed, leaving handball as the club's sole remaining section and leading to a reduction in ambitions. During the 2001–02 season, PSG were eliminated from the EHF European Cup in the round of 16 on away goals by Macedonian side Pelister, who later reached the final. Domestically, the club finished fifth in the French Championship and were narrowly eliminated in the Coupe de France quarter-finals, losing 27–26 to Montpellier.[12]
Paris Handball during a match in 2011.
Off the court, a significant institutional change occurred on 25 May 2002, when Louis Nicollin acquired the club, which was subsequently renamed Paris Handball, marking the official end of the PSG multisport project envisioned by Canal+ and Charles Biétry. In 2003, Nicollin succeeded Gérard Picard as club president and remained in the position until 2010. During his tenure, Paris achieved several notable results, including participation in the 2005–06 EHF Champions League, where the team finished second in its group before being eliminated by Kiel in the round of 16 after two defeats. In 2007, the club won its first major trophy, defeating Aix 28–21 in the Coupe de France final.[1][12][13] The reserve team also enjoyed success during the Nicollin era, winning consecutive titles in the Pré-nationale and the Nationale 3, which secured promotion to the Nationale 2.[14]
At the end of the 2008–09 season, Paris finished 13th in Division 1 and was relegated. The club responded by winning the Division 2 title in the 2009–10 season, securing an immediate return to the top flight. Paris also reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, where they were eliminated by Montpellier. In March 2010, club owner Louis Nicollin sold Paris to a group of investors led by former Paris Handball player Bruno Martini, and Jean-Paul Ouillon was appointed president in May 2010. Upon their return to the elite division, Paris, led by academy graduate Alix Nyokas, won their opening match against Ivry and finished 11th in the league. In the following season, the club narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 12th on the final matchday.[1][2][15][16]
Backed by a star-studded squad, PSG quickly established itself as a dominant force in French handball during the 2012–13 season. The team played with a superior style and also benefited indirectly from a betting scandal that heavily affected rivals Montpellier, although PSG were not entirely spared, as Honrubia and Mladen Bojinović were suspended in connection with the investigation. With an exceptional record of 24 wins, one draw, and one defeat, PSG secured the first French Championship title in the club's history, clinching it five matchdays before the season's end and qualifying for the EHF Champions League. The team narrowly missed out on a domestic double, losing 35–28 to Montpellier in the Coupe de France final, and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue by Nantes. At the end of the season, Didier Dinart retired, leaving behind the most illustrious record in French team sports.[1][17]
PSG lifting the 2015–16 league title.
Paris further strengthened its squad for the 2013–14 season with high-profile arrivals, including Daniel Narcisse, Croatians Igor Vori and Jakov Gojun, as well as Fahrudin Melić and Gábor Császár. PSG reached the quarter-finals of the EHF Champions League for the first time in club history. Although they were eliminated by Veszprém just short of the Final Four, the campaign featured a thrilling two-legged clash against Barcelona. In the domestic league, Paris could not match the consistency of Dunkerque, who claimed their first French Championship title. However, the season ended on a high note with a Coupe de France victory over Chambéry, earning PSG its second historic national cup and further expanding the club's honors. PSG also finished third in the Trophée des Champions at the start of the season.[1]
In the 2014–15 season, PSG fought a tight battle with Montpellier in Division 1 and secured the second French Championship title in the club's history after a thrilling final stretch. On the last matchday, following a victory over Tremblay, the Parisians lifted their trophy—a triumph that completed a remarkable treble. A few weeks earlier, PSG had already claimed their second trophy of the season by defeating Nantes in the Coupe de France final at their home arena, Coubertin, following a Trophée des Champions victory over Dunkerque. On the European stage, PSG came close to qualifying for the Champions League Final Four for the first time, only to be stopped once again by Veszprém.[1]
Under the guidance of new manager Zvonimir Serdarušić, experienced in European competitions with Kiel, and strengthened by the arrival of French international Nikola Karabatić, the 2015–16 season marked a major step forward for PSG. In addition to winning the Trophée des Champions and claiming their third French Championship title, the club excelled in Europe, qualifying for their very first Champions League Final Four. Season highlights included a home victory over Veszprém at Carpentier and an impressive away win against Kiel, whose arena had remained unbeaten for four years. PSG also topped Group A after a spectacular match against Flensburg, allowing them to bypass the round of 16. Serdarušić's men ultimately finished on the podium, losing to Kielce in the semi-finals but defeating Kiel once again in the third-place match. Individually, Mikkel Hansen set a new record for the most goals scored in a single edition, with 141 goals.[1]
Champions League runners-up (2016–2020)
With the arrivals of world-class players such as Luka Stepančić, Uwe Gensheimer, Jesper Nielsen, Gorazd Škof, and Sander Sagosen, alongside emerging talent Nedim Remili, PSG opened the 2016–17 season by winning the Trophée des Champions.[1][19][20] The club then made its first appearance at the IHF Men's Super Globe, reaching the final, where they were narrowly defeated by a single goal by defending champions Füchse Berlin.[20][21] Domestically, PSG went on to secure their first Coupe de la Ligue title, followed by a third consecutive French league championship. Nantes were the only team to defeat PSG twice in the league, accounting for the club's only two domestic losses of the season. Despite a late victory in Paris on the final matchday, Nantes finished three points behind PSG. In the Champions League, Gensheimer, the league and European top scorer, led Paris to the final, where they were narrowly defeated 24–23 by Vardar.[19][22] Meanwhile, the reserve team won the Nationale 2 title and were promoted to the Nationale 1.[23]
Backed by a budget of approximately €17.7 million, more than double that of Montpellier, and featuring a star-studded squad, PSG won the French Championship for the fourth consecutive season in 2017–18, marking their fifth league title in six seasons since the QSI takeover in 2012. Daniel Narcisse played the final match of his career, scoring in the closing minutes of the final matchday 30–26 home victory over Chambéry to secure the title. Paris finished level on points with Montpellier after trailing them for much of the campaign but were crowned champions due to a superior head-to-head goal difference. In addition to the league, PSG completed a domestic treble by winning both the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue, but fell short in Europe. The club reached the EHF Champions League Final Four for the third consecutive time but were unexpectedly eliminated in the semi-finals by Nantes.[24]
For the 2018–19 season, PSG underwent a change in leadership, with Raúl González replacing Zvonimir Serdarušić, while retaining most of the squad's key players, including veteran goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer for one final season.[24] Operating with a budget of over €17 million—more than the combined budgets of their three closest competitors, Montpellier (€7.6 million), Nantes (€6.8 million), and Nîmes (€3.5 million)—González guided PSG to the French Championship and a Coupe de la Ligue victory. The club’s fifth consecutive league title and sixth overall was confirmed four games before the end of the season. In European competition, PSG were eliminated in the EHF Champions League quarter-finals by Kielce, marking another disappointment on the continental stage. The season also marked the final domestic title for Omeyer, who retired, as well as the last PSG campaigns for Uwe Gensheimer and Luka Stepančić.[25]
PSG began the 2019–20 season by winning the Trophée des Champions.[19] The club remained unbeaten at the start of the league season and held a six-point lead at the top of the table when the campaign was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ligue Nationale de Handball (LNH) subsequently canceled the final eight matchdays and awarded PSG their sixth consecutive league title and seventh overall.[26] In the EHF Champions League, the competition resumed with a Final Four in December 2020 following the lockdown. PSG were eliminated in the semi-finals by Barcelona but secured third place after defeating Veszprém, marking the club's third third-place finish in the competition, after 2016 and 2018.[27]
Former names
PSG players celebrate winning the 2014–15 edition of the Coupe de France.
Campus PSG is the training ground of Paris Saint-Germain Handball. Owned and financed by the club, the venue will bring together PSG's football (male and female), handball and judo teams, as well as the football and handball academies.[30] The handball division have their own specific areas and facilities spread over 4,510 m2 of space, including two fields, a stand with a capacity of 250 spectators, fitness rooms, recovery areas, staff offices, and meeting rooms.[30][31]
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