Handball playerSwedishOlympic medalistBorn in 1966

Magnus Andersson (handballer)

Per Magnus Andersson is a Swedish handball manager and former player, recognized for three Olympic silvers, two World titles, four European titles, and four-time Swedish handballer awards.

1. Early Life and Background

Per Magnus Andersson was born on May 17, 1966, in Sweden. He developed an early passion for handball, which would lead to a prominent career both as a player and later as a manager. His dedication to the sport began in his home country, where he honed his skills and established himself as a talented center back.

2. Playing Career

Andersson's playing career was largely centered in the Swedish Handball League. As a center back, he was a pivotal player known for his strategic playmaking and scoring ability. His talent earned him a consistent place on the Sweden men's national handball team, where he achieved significant international success. He was a key member of the national squad that competed in multiple Olympic Games and major international championships.

3. Managerial Career

Following his retirement as a player, Per Magnus Andersson transitioned into a coaching role, bringing his wealth of experience and strategic understanding to the sidelines. He has since established himself as a respected handball manager. Currently, he holds the position of manager for FC Porto's handball team, leading the club in various competitions.

4. Major Achievements and Awards

Per Magnus Andersson's career, both as a player and a manager, is marked by numerous significant accomplishments and accolades at both national and international levels.

4.1. Olympic Medals

Andersson is a three-time Olympic silver medalist with the Sweden men's national handball team.

  • At the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, he was a member of the Swedish team that secured the silver medal. He participated in all seven matches of the tournament, contributing 18 goals.
  • Four years later, at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, he again earned a silver medal with the Swedish team. In this tournament, he played in six matches and scored 16 goals.
  • His third Olympic silver medal came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He played in all eight matches for the Swedish team, scoring ten goals.

4.2. World and European Championships

Beyond his Olympic success, Andersson achieved considerable triumphs in other major international tournaments with the national team:

  • He was part of the Swedish national team that won the World Men's Handball Championship on two occasions.
  • He also contributed to the team's victory in the European Men's Handball Championship four times, demonstrating Sweden's dominance in European handball during his tenure.

4.3. Individual Honors

Andersson's individual prowess was recognized multiple times throughout his career. He was voted as the best Swedish handballer on four separate occasions, a testament to his consistent high-level performance and impact on the sport in Sweden.

5. Legacy and Assessment

Per Magnus Andersson has left an indelible mark on Swedish handball history, both through his distinguished playing career and his subsequent contributions as a manager. As a player, his role as a center back for the Sweden men's national handball team during a golden era of success, including multiple Olympic medals and championship titles, solidified his status as one of the country's most accomplished handballers. His transition to management, notably with FC Porto, demonstrates his enduring commitment and expertise in the sport. His repeated recognition as the best Swedish handballer underscores his individual brilliance and significant impact on the sport's development in Sweden.