Gauthier Mvumbi He was the sudden star of the 2021 Males’s World Championship Handball championship in Egypt

At 1.95m and 137kg (6’5″, 301lbs) tall, opposing defenses discovered the Democratic Republic of the Congo heart (or line participant, as his place is understood) too huge to deal with, incomes him his nickname. ‘Shaquille O’Neal Handball’.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo completed twenty eighth within the 32-team match, whereas Mvumbi scored 13 objectives in 14 tries – together with 4 out of 5 in opposition to eventual winner Denmark – in his nation’s first entry into international competitors.

his exploits It even caught Shaq’s attention.and the couple communicated earlier than lastly meet in New York final month.

Learn on to study extra about what has occurred to the mountain heart man since his World Championship debut.

Shaq from handball, Gauthier Mvumbi: “I have been extra profitable with sponsors than sports activities”

The French-born participant was additionally enjoying earlier than the match. Nationwide 2 (N2) – The fourth stage of French handball – for his hometown Dreux AC.

Regardless of provides to play in Spain, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, Mvumbi moved to Nationale 1 aspect Pouzauges Vendée HB earlier than signing. Entente Charente Handball (ETEC) has returned to N2.

Informed Le Quotidien du Sport He mentioned he was impressed by ETEC’s provide to maneuver as much as N1, and “It is extra attention-grabbing to play the climb.”

When requested why he wasn’t in a workforce in France’s main handball leagues, Starligue or Proligue, he mentioned, “For a participant like me, the handball market is fairly closed. I am primarily the offensive heart and protection just isn’t my factor.” robust level Immediately handball is so quick that if the coach makes use of me there’s a hazard of conceding a objective on the counter.

“It isn’t that I do not suppose I can play in D1 (Starligue) or D2 (Proligue), I simply do not tick the packing containers.”

Mvumbi has comfortable reminiscences of the 2021 World Championships and mentioned, “It modified my life! It triggered issues I’ve by no means skilled earlier than. My solely disappointment is that I could not qualify for the World Championship once more in July with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“One or two objectives had been scored. We misplaced to Tunisia on penalties after further time to Algeria… so it is a disappointment not being there.”

Whereas he could make a dwelling from handball, the place his profession actually rose is off the sector.

Mvumbi acknowledges that he has been “extra profitable with sponsors than with sports activities” since his World Cup successes by signing a two-year contract with Japanese sportswear firm Mizuno.

Its personal too ‘The Shaq of Handball’ Branded clothes line that includes ‘El Gigante’, one other nickname he acquired in Egypt.

Talking of Shaq, the 2 have been working collectively to search out buyers for a handball league in the US since contacting him in the course of the 2021 World Championship.

Mvumbi, who’s presently an envoy for the Detroit Handball Membership, and O’Neal and New York Metropolis Handball Membership to advertise sports activities Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

if you converse Le Quotidien du Sport In November, he mentioned he and O’Neal “spoke often” and hoped the 2 would meet quickly.

And some weeks later, they lastly acquired collectively on the New York Metropolis Handball Membership’s promotional occasion.

When Handball’s Shaquille O’Neal met the true Shaq

Mvumbi informed L’Equipe: Transmitted by RMC Sport“He impressed me once I walked into the bar: he stood as much as greet me, hugged me and mentioned, ‘Lastly you stored your phrase. You got here to see me. I am comfortable.’

“I am Shaq! He confirmed me a lot love and that impressed me loads. He is so huge. My head was simply on his shoulder!”

Earlier, Mvumbi mentioned she was within the course of. making a documentary movie About her life, which is able to embrace her assembly with O’Neal.

He did not go into particulars about their conversations or plans to work collectively, however added, “He loves me very a lot and me too. He sees me as his little brother.”

O’Neal gifted Mvumbi his jacket, which was after all just a little too huge.

Nevertheless, if all goes effectively, ‘The Two Shaqs’ will do their bit to develop handball within the USA.