Viktor Kireev, the Russian goalkeeper who joined Fuchse Berlin for the latest season, shared his reflections on how the German handball championship stacks up against the Russian league. He pointed to several factors that shape his view after months playing in Europe’s most competitive club competition.
First and foremost, Kireev emphasizes the strength of the German league. He notes that the Handball-Bundesliga is widely regarded as the premier competition in Europe, featuring a very athletic and fast-paced style of play. In his assessment, the disparity in results between bottom-table teams and the top contenders is minimal, which means even the last-placed side can push the league title contenders or upset a favorite on any given night. This competitive balance, he argues, makes every match a real test and keeps the standard of play consistently high across the season.
Another aspect that stands out for the Russian goalkeeper is the atmosphere created by the fans. Regular games attract roughly eight thousand spectators, a figure that swells to about ten to twelve thousand for derbies and marquee clashes. The energy inside German arenas, the proximity between players and supporters, and the sense that every match matters contribute to a demanding, professional environment that players from other leagues find appealing. The crowds are known for their passion and organized, vibrant match-day culture, which can be a source of motivation during long campaigns.
Regarding compensation, Kireev notes that salaries for handball players in Germany are comparable to those in Russia. He stresses that earnings depend heavily on the player’s position on the court and the financial capacity of the club. The take-home pay reflects a combination of market value, sponsorship opportunities, and the club’s wage structure, rather than a universal scale across the league. This reality mirrors broader trends in European handball where contract terms vary widely from club to club, even within the same competition.
In the 2023-2024 season, Fuchse Berlin achieved notable milestones, including a decisive triumph in the Europa League Final Four. On May 28, the team defeated the Spanish club Granollers to clinch a significant European result, underscoring the German club’s growing prestige on the continental stage. Domestically, Fuchse Berlin sits among the top teams in the Handball-Bundesliga, maintaining a strong position in the standings as the season unfolds and contributing to the club’s reputation for high-level performance in both domestic and European competitions.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper’s journey to Fuchse Berlin began in the previous summer, marking a new chapter after his time with Volgograd teams. His career path includes time at prestigious Russian institutions, including education at Lesgafta-Neva University in St. Petersburg, and a stint with CSKA Moscow, one of Russia’s most storied handball clubs. This background reflects a long-standing commitment to the sport and a depth of experience that has helped him adapt to a different playing style and a new league landscape.
Looking ahead, the Russian men’s national handball team faced a challenging path in its bid to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. While the team demonstrated flashes of potential during qualification matches, the overall results did not align with the Olympic dream this cycle. The experience underscored the ongoing competition at the highest levels of international handball and the importance of continued development for athletes competing on the global stage.