handball icon Kretzschmar on success and setbacks
Conversation on leadership with one of Germany’s most iconic handball figures
October 2, 2026
In a conversation with PUMA CEO Arthur Hoeld at PUMA headquarters in Herzogenaurach, handball star Stefan Kretzschmar reflected on leadership, setbacks and the experiences that shaped his career.
Few figures have shaped German handball like Stefan Kretzschmar. A former national team star, Olympic medalist and multiple-time German Handball Player of the Year, he has remained closely connected to the sport throughout his career, both as a manager and as a long-time PUMA ambassador.
Looking back on more than three decades in professional sport, Stefan believes that success alone is not what shapes great athletes, leaders or teams. Instead, the moments that matter most are often the difficult ones.
Looking back on more than three decades in professional sport, Stefan believes that success alone is not what shapes great athletes, leaders or teams. Instead, the moments that matter most are often the difficult ones.
Success is not what shapes you most. The difficult moments are.”
After missing a decisive shot in Germany’s Olympic quarterfinal against Spain in Sydney at the age of 21, Stefan experienced first-hand how setbacks can feel overwhelming. Today, however, he sees such moments as opportunities for growth.
According to Stefan, success can sometimes create a false sense of security. Tough periods, on the other hand, force people to reflect, question themselves and gain a better understanding of the people around them.
According to Stefan, success can sometimes create a false sense of security. Tough periods, on the other hand, force people to reflect, question themselves and gain a better understanding of the people around them.
The tough times are the really important times in life. They make you better as a human being.”
Stefan Kretzschmar
The key to overcoming those challenges is passion. When people genuinely love what they do, they find the motivation to keep going even when things do not go according to plan. But Stefan is equally convinced that no one succeeds alone.
Throughout his career, both as a player and later as a manager, he experienced how the right people can change the trajectory of a team.
Throughout his career, both as a player and later as a manager, he experienced how the right people can change the trajectory of a team.
You have to find the leaders. You have to find the people who have the motivation, the vision and the passion to bring everybody else with them.”
Leadership, he says, is not about hierarchy. It is about inspiring others and creating an environment where different personalities can contribute their strengths. Successful teams need leaders, creative thinkers and hard workers, all united behind a common vision.
Stefan saw this first-hand when he created winning teams as a manager. Building a winning culture started with a clear ambition, but it ultimately depended on bringing together people who wanted to create something meaningful rather than simply chase short-term success.
Stefan saw this first-hand when he created winning teams as a manager. Building a winning culture started with a clear ambition, but it ultimately depended on bringing together people who wanted to create something meaningful rather than simply chase short-term success.
You have to find people who really want to create something big.”
Arthur Hoeld and Stefan Kretzschmar
His final message was one of personal responsibility. Regardless of role or position, every individual has the ability to influence others and contribute to positive change.
Don’t think you’re a small person and somebody else will do it. You can change something. Really.”
For Stefan, lasting success begins with the willingness to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks and take ownership. Because in sport, as in business, real progress rarely happens when everything is going well.
