In Argentina, they say handball runs in the family. In a sports-mad country, the power of example is huge and this is probably what happened with the Simonet brothers, which have been part of the national team for a few years now and have written history, by becoming true global stars.

Handball also rubbed off on the Fernández brothers, as Federico and Juan Pablo were part of the squad which took part in the IHF Men’s World Championship in 2015, 2017 and 2019, as well as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 

Now, both Federico and Juan Pablo are closer to the end of their careers, being aged 34 and 35 years old respectively. But despite their star-studded trek through handball, they had to check one more milestone before retiring.

For the first time in history, in the 16th edition of the IHF Men’s Super Globe, an Argentinian side dons the court of the competition, with San Fernando HB qualifying to this edition after securing an unprecedented title at the South and Central American Club Championship.

“To be here, it is something really amazing. It is really like a dream, to be honest, because it was not easy. I am very happy to be here, we are all very happy to be here, because we fought a lot, we wanted this and just to be here and soak it in, it is an amazing feeling,” says Federico Fernández.

“We are feeling like we are a part of the world handball elite here, there are so many great teams, therefore the feeling is really special. We have plenty of players which are featuring in their first major international competition, so this is an amazing experience.”

Fernández is no stranger of the big stages – he fought tooth and nail for Argentina in six consecutive editions of the IHF Men’s World Championship, between 2011 and 2021 – but this participation in the IHF Men’s Super Globe is truly special and close to his heart.

San Fernando HB has been his home for as long as he can remember and, more importantly, he is sharing these extraordinary moments with two of his brothers, Juan Pablo and Sebastian, while the team’s coach is their father, Elio.

“It happens a lot in the national team, we had plenty of pairs of brothers, right? For us, here, it is something very special, truly very special. We have always dreamt about this, my father even for a longer time than us. I remember that he always put in the head of his players that we really have a chance to be here, at the Super Globe, and now, here, the dream came true, we are at the Super Globe,” adds Fernandez.

“Now, to be able to be here, to share this experience with my family, with my father, my brother, my uncle, this is something very interesting, very special, which will hold a very high place in my career. We are proud to be here and we will give our best.”

Unfortunately for San Fernando HB, the first match at the 2023 IHF Men’s Super Globe turned into a rout, as the Argentinian side conceded a painful loss against Kuwait SC, 29:41, as all of their weaknesses were on display in that match.

Too many turnovers, some tired legs and plenty of mistakes were San Fernando’s undoing in the match, which proved to be somewhat of a wake-up call for the South and Central American champions, which will now face Füchse Berlin in the second match, with the German side being overwhelming favourites.

Nevertheless, San Fernando truly enjoy their experience at the IHF Men’s Super Globe and for Fernandez, it caps off some truly exciting days, after he was part of the Argentina team which sealed a place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, after securing the title in the Pan American Games just a few days ago.

The win in the final against Brazil saw Argentina earn the coveted ticket to the competition, which took place in Chile, as the left wing, who can also played as a centre back, dashed halfway around the globe immediately to be able to feature for San Fernando in Dammam.

“It was a trip of about 50 hours, that is true, but that does not matter when you have the passion. Of course, there are tired legs, but I could not miss the Super Globe for nothing in the world. It is something extraordinary for myself and for Argentinian handball, therefore it is worth all the sacrifices.”

“Once again, we are proud to be here and this is the life we chose, therefore being able to compete against the best is just a nice reward,” concludes the Argentinian star.