10. Sorhaindo

Born in Trinité (Martinique), Sorhaindo started playing handball with Gauloise de Trinité at the age of 15 years. He moved to France to play for Angers Noyant and at the age of 20 was snapped up by Paris Handball, where he has spent most of his career. It was there that he won the French Cup in 2007.

In the 2008/09 season he was named best defender and playmaker in the French League, but his club was relegated, which was a major blow to the player’s progress. Midway through the 2009/10 season he moved to first division Toulouse, and at the end of the season, he signed for FC Barcelona. Since then the French line player has been a key member of Xavi Pascual's squad, helping them dominate domestically and in Europe over recent years.

He is a product of the same generation as national star Nikola Karabatic, and both players have excelled in the French national jersey. He made his international debut against Spain 2005 in the Super Cup of Nations. With France, he won the 2009 World Championship in Croatia and the 2015 edition in Qatar. He claimed the European Championships in Austria 2010 and in Denmark in 2014. Sorhaindo established himself in defence for France alongside Didier Dinart, and has been the natural successor to Bertrand Gille.

TECHNICAL PROFILE

Sorhaindo is a physically powerful line player. He weighs 100 kg and is 193 cm tall, making him highly intimidating to play against. He is a versatile defender, but can also score goals. He may not be as mobile as other players in his position, but he is extremely strong in one on one situations.