Argentine Handball Faces Transition at the 2025 World Championship


The 2025 Handball World Championship kicks off this Wednesday with Argentina debuting against Egypt. This marks a new era for the national team, as the legendary Gladiators undergo a generational shift, with 10 debutants among the 16-player squad led by coach Rodolfo Jung.
A New Team Takes the Stage
Only six players return from the 2023 World Championship, including Leo Maciel, Santiago Barceló, and Lucas Moscariello. The rest are fresh faces, marking the end of a historic era. Notably absent are stars Diego and Pablo Simonet, along with other veterans like Ignacio Pizarro and Nicolás Bonanno. Officially, personal and professional reasons are cited, though some suggest unresolved conflicts with the leadership played a role.
Leadership Struggles Behind the Scenes
Argentina’s handball leadership has faced turmoil since 2021, when Mario Moccia stepped down as president of the Argentine Confederation. A power struggle ensued between successor Carlos Ferrea and Metropolitan Federation president Gustavo Malventano. This discord culminated in the dismissal of coach Guillermo Milano, despite his success, including gold at the 2023 Pan American Games.
Milano was criticized for favoring veteran players over a generational renewal, but statistics show 59% of his call-ups were debutants. His replacement, Jung, inherits a fractured team, with several key players opting out, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with management.
Achievements of the Gladiators
Under the now-departed veterans, the Gladiators achieved unprecedented success: four Olympic appearances (2012-2024), three Pan American golds (2011, 2019, 2023), and their best World Cup finishes (11th in 2021). Their legacy sets a high bar for the young squad taking the stage in Croatia, Norway, and Denmark.
Looking Ahead
As the team begins a new chapter, fans and players alike hope the leadership conflict won’t overshadow their performance. Despite the challenges, there’s optimism that the Gladiators’ storied legacy will inspire this new generation to reach new heights.
