One of the most consistent Swedish players over the last decade, Niclas Ekberg, decided to met an end to his international career, after scoring 841 goals in 210 matches for the Sweden men’s national team.

The Sweden Male Player of the Year in 2015, Ekberg made his debut in the Sweden men’s national team in 2008 and took part in five editions of the IHF Men’s World Championship, in 2011, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2023, making the All-Star team at Poland/Sweden 2023 as the best left wing in the competition.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision to make, but the time has come. For me, it has always been so much bigger than featuring in the major international competitions. The honour of being selected for the Sweden national team, to be one of the best Swedish players in my position over the last years, it has been amazing. It has been a fantastic feeling to play for Sweden. something that very few players get to experience. There are so many talented players who never get that chance,” said Ekberg, according to the official website of Sweden’s handball national team.

Ekberg featured in 13 major international competitions for Sweden – five IHF Men’s World Championship editions, two Olympic Games editions and six EHF EUROs, being the top goal scorer of the London 2012 Olympic Games, where the Scandinavian side clinched the silver medal.

The right wing was also crucial for Sweden at the EHF EURO 2022, scoring the last goal in the final against Spain, which brought the title for Glenn Solberg’s side, ending a 20-year wait, while also qualifying for the semi-finals at the IHF Men’s World Championship two times, in 2011 and 2023, when Sweden finished fourth.

“It is clear that my fingers will itch when I see Sweden play at major competitions, but at the same time I feel so confident in this decision. I would never say no if I didn't feel 110 percent sure, but when I feel like it is costing me more than I can give, that I cannot be there fully with my body, it is best that other, healthier players are there,” continued Ekberg.

With 210 appearances for Sweden men’s national team, Ekberg ranks 17th in the all-time appearances standings, while his 841 goals, an average of a little over four goals per match, saw Ekberg jump to the eighth place in the all-time goal scoring standings of one of the most decorated handball teams in history.