David Späth stays with Rhein-Neckar Löwen until 2029
The Rhein-Neckar Löwen have sent a strong signal for the future: national goalkeeper and fan favorite David Späth has extended his contract, originally running until 2027, early and will remain loyal to the Löwen until 2029. With this, the Löwen have tied down one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in Europe for the long term. The shot-stopper, who has been wearing the Löwen jersey since his youth, will continue to be a key figure in the team for years to come.
With a save percentage of 29.36% in the 2024/25 season, Späth already ranks among the best goalkeepers in the DAIKIN HBL, impressively proving that he can consistently perform at the highest level. Several European top clubs had shown interest in the 23-year-old, but Späth deliberately chose to stay with his Löwen.
Löwen extend with goalkeeping jewel – “David is pure Löwen DNA”
“David embodies the Löwen DNA like hardly anyone else. Since arriving in 2018, he has gone through all of our youth teams and made his Bundesliga debut at just 18. He fought off strong competition and developed into an international top goalkeeper. That’s why, for me, he’s a fixture in the national team. His identification with the club and the region is exceptional – and it’s exactly these players who shape our future,” says Uwe Gensheimer, sporting director of Rhein-Neckar Löwen.
“He gives the team security”
Head coach Maik Machulla also emphasized the importance of the extension:
“David is not only an outstanding keeper but also an emotionally charged mentality player. He radiates calm, gives our defense security, and already takes on a lot of responsibility in the team at his young age. It’s a great joy to plan long term and work together with David. It’s a fantastic sign for the entire club and our team that David has so clearly committed to our path and our future.”
“My heart beats for the Löwen”
“For me, it wasn’t a difficult decision. I grew up here, took my first steps in professional handball in the Löwen jersey, developed with the team and under different coaches, and I simply feel at home in the club and with the fans. My heart beats for the Löwen. We can be successful long term with this team and Maik – and I would love to play internationally in the coming years and fulfill my dream of winning another title,” explains David Späth.
Continuity and identity
With this contract extension, the Rhein-Neckar Löwen are consistently pursuing their path: building on continuity, homegrown talent, and strong identification with the club. David Späth is the perfect example of this philosophy – from the youth setup in Kronau and Östringen to becoming a national team goalkeeper. Löwen fans can therefore look forward to more of Späth’s saves in the yellow jersey in the years ahead.
David Späth: From Löwen youngster to national goalkeeper
Born: April 29, 2002 in Kaiserslautern
Since 2018: Joined Löwen Academy, progressed through all youth levels, 2019 U19 runner-up
2020: Bundesliga debut at age 18 for Rhein-Neckar Löwen
2023: DHB Cup winner with Löwen, decisive factor at the REWE Final4 in Cologne
Since 2023: Regular member of the German national team, standout performances at the 2024 home EURO, Olympic silver in Paris 2024
2025: Already more than 100 competitive matches for Rhein-Neckar Löwen in Bundesliga, Cup, and Europe
