“I have always been a PUMA guy,” Mathias Gidsel assured us in conversation. The likeable Dane, who is currently playing at the top of the table in Germany with his Berliner Füchse, has been crowned World Handball Player 2023. Here’s no question about it – Mathias is widely recognized as one of the greatest players of his generation. He spoke to us about his future plans for this summer of sport … and his favorite restaurant in Berlin.

Huge congratulations for being named IHF World Player of the Year, Mathias. How does that make you feel?
Mathias: It´s a huge honor. It is the biggest personal achievement you can get in your sport, so of course I’m really proud. I would never have dreamed that this could be possible for me at the age of 25 – it’s a bit hard to comprehend.

You are key-player for Denmark and Füchse Berlin – what are your biggest sporting goals?
Mathias: Sport is about winning trophies and of course we dream about that in both Berlin and with the Danish national team. I think all sport people are having an extra eye on what happens this summer in Paris. A Olympic gold medal is the highest accomplishment you can get as a sportsman, so right now the focus is on the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

You once said, the EHF EURO 2024 was the best tournament ever. Can you please explain us why?
Mathias: For me, it was that the best tournament because of the arenas and the spectators. No matter where we played, the arenas were packed. I think handball deserves that, and it’s also a sign that handball is developing and becoming more and more popular.

You recently posted a picture of yourself as a kid on your insta-channel wearing a PUMA training outfit. How would you describe your connection with our brand; what does PUMA stand for in your opinion?
Mathias: I have always been a PUMA guy. Ever since I was a kid I played in PUMA and was wearing PUMA training clothes. For me PUMA has always been the natural choice – it’s about quality and cool colors.

When did you know you want to be a professional handball player? Did you always wanted to be one?
Mathias: I always wanted to be a footballer, like everyone else, but also had to face the fact that I wasn’t so good at that. Fortunately, I chose handball when I was 15, but it wasn’t until I made my breakthrough at the 2021 World Championships in Egypt, my first tournament, that I realized I had the chance to become a professional.

Thank you for your time and the interview, Mathias. From the entire PUMA family, congratulations again on this great honor!

 

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