The captain of TM Benidorm, Carlos Grau, will retire from professional handball following this Saturday’s match against Blendio Sinfín in Palau. The decision was confirmed by the Benidorm foundation this week, signaling the end of a remarkable era for the club and its loyal supporters who have followed Grau through countless battles on the court and countless hours of training off it.
Grau remains the last link to the team’s first season in the Asobal League, embodying a lineage that has carried the club through significant moments and evolving challenges. He has long managed the demanding schedule of elite handball alongside the responsibilities of his professional life, a balancing act that ultimately led him to choose retirement from competitive play while continuing to contribute to the sport in other capacities beyond his playing days.
In front of his fans and after Saturday’s game against a Cantabrian rival, the 36-year-old will close a 20-year chapter in handball. The moment is framed as a heartfelt transition rather than a simple exit, offering a chance to reflect on a career defined by perseverance, loyalty to Benidorm, and a steady commitment to the city that fostered his growth as a player and a person.
Grau’s journey started in the Benidorm youth academy, a beginning that would shape more than three decades of dedication to handball. Over his time in the Asobal League, he accumulated 363 appearances across several clubs, including Benidorm, Altea, Puerto de Sagunto, and Huesca. He recorded an impressive 756 goals, with 438 tallying in his later years at Benidorm, underscoring the impact he has had on the team’s offense and its standing within the league’s competitive landscape.
Speaking to supporters, Grau conveyed a deep sense of pride in concluding his professional journey in his hometown, surrounded by the people who formed his early years. He described the experience as a genuine joy and a privilege to wear the city’s colors as part of a community that has stood by him through triumphs and trials alike. His reflections highlighted gratitude for the support from teammates, coaching staff, and fans, all of whom contributed to a tenure marked by shared wins and resilient teamwork.
In his own words, the captain recalled the good years that followed challenging periods, noting that every milestone achieved with Benidorm Handball Club sprang from teamwork and unwavering commitment. He emphasized the camaraderie and the bonds formed with teammates, many of whom became lifelong friends. The message conveyed a sense of continuity, suggesting that the close ties forged within the locker room will endure beyond retirement as Grau looks toward new chapters while cherishing the memories created during this long journey.
As the season progresses toward its conclusion, the club extended its best wishes for Grau’s future in professional sport and beyond. The organization expressed confidence that their paths will cross again in the future and that they may pursue shared goals in new contexts. Supporters are encouraged to celebrate Grau’s contributions while looking ahead to the next generation of players who will carry forward the legacy he helped establish in Benidorm.