Ahmad Hesham praises Veszprem fans after Barcelona victory in Handball Club World Cup

Ahmad Hesham “Dodo” has praised the support from Veszprem’s supporters after the Hungarian side defeated Barcelona 42-33 to win the Handball Club World Cup.

Veszprem secured the title with an emphatic victory over Barcelona in the final, with Hesham highlighting the role played by the team’s fans during the match.

“The fans supported us tremendously, and winning the Handball Club World Cup is extremely important,” Hesham told ON Sport. “Thank God we were able to beat Barcelona.”

The Egyptian player dedicated the trophy to those closest to him, adding: “I dedicate this championship to my family, my friends and the fans.”

Yahia Elderaa also featured for Veszprem and helped the club complete its victory. His brother, Seif Elderaa, plays for Barcelona.

Veszprem’s squad includes four Egyptian players: Yahia Elderaa, Ahmad Hesham “Dodo”, Ali Zein and Ahmed Adel “Dola”. The team is coached by Spain’s Javier Pascual, who also manages the Egypt national team.

The triumph was Veszprem’s second Handball Club World Cup title. The club first won the competition in 2024, when Yahia Elderaa was also part of the team and was its only Egyptian player.

Barcelona claimed the trophy in 2025 under the leadership of Seif Elderaa. Although he was not the captain at the time, his team-mates encouraged him to lift the trophy because the tournament was held in Egypt.

Yahia Elderaa will now raise the trophy as Veszprem’s captain.

Veszprem goalkeeper Emil Nielsen was named player of the match. The Denmark international previously played for Barcelona before moving to the Hungarian club.

Veszprem forward Hugo Descat was the leading scorer in the final, finishing with 10 goals.

The final result completed the tournament’s top-four standings. Veszprem took the title, Barcelona claimed the silver medal, Al Ahly finished with bronze and Zamalek placed fourth.