Felix Möller: Sweden’s Rising Handball Star at the 2023 World Championship
At only 22 years old, Felix Möller has emerged as a key player for the Swedish national handball team at the 2023 World Championship. Despite his youth, Möller has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, playing a pivotal role in Sweden’s progression to the main round of the tournament. His impressive performances have garnered attention, and he has been lauded as one of Sweden’s brightest talents alongside teammate Albin Lagergren. While a missed last-second shot in the group stage match against Spain might have lingered in some players’ minds, Möller remains focused on the challenges ahead. He acknowledges the tough competition in the main round, with formidable opponents like Portugal, Brazil, and Norway awaiting.
Möller’s ascension to a prominent role in the national team was somewhat foreseeable. His potential has been evident for some time, having long been recognized as one of Sweden’s most promising line players. Injuries to key defensive players Oscar Bergendahl and Max Darj created an opportunity for Möller to step up, and he seized it with both hands. Further aiding his integration into the national team setup is the familiarity he shares with national coach Michael Apelgren. Apelgren previously coached Möller at Sävehof, where they celebrated a Swedish championship victory together. This shared history provides Möller with a deep understanding of Apelgren’s coaching philosophy and tactical approach, a significant advantage at the international level.
The Sävehof connection has been instrumental in shaping Möller’s development. He credits Apelgren’s meticulous attention to detail, often delivered through extensive video analysis and precise instructions, for the team’s success. While sometimes overwhelming, Möller recognizes the value of Apelgren’s demanding approach, highlighting how it ultimately led to their triumph in the Swedish championship and their impressive run to the quarterfinals of the European League. This experience has undoubtedly prepared Möller for the rigors of international competition. Following his successful spell at Sävehof, Möller made the move to Danish powerhouse Aalborg, a Champions League finalist, further enhancing his skills and experience.
Adding an intriguing layer to Möller’s story is his family connection to the sport. His older brother, Simon Möller, is a talented goalkeeper who was part of the Swedish team that won bronze at the 2022 European Championship. Unfortunately, Simon suffered a cruciate ligament injury during the Swedish championship final against Ystad, sidelining him for an extended period. Felix remains hopeful that one day he and his brother will have the opportunity to represent Sweden together at a major championship. He acknowledges his brother’s exceptional abilities as a goalkeeper and aspires to continue performing at a high level to make this dream a reality.
Möller’s impact at the 2023 World Championship is undeniable. He has displayed a remarkable scoring prowess, netting 19 goals in the first three matches, including a dominant 10-goal performance against Chile. He attributes his scoring success partly to the element of surprise, suggesting that opposing defenses may have underestimated his offensive capabilities. He also praises his synergy with playmaker Jim Gottfridsson, highlighting their seamless connection on the court. With Gottfridsson’s astute passing, Möller often finds himself in prime scoring positions, simply needing to "put his hand up" to receive the ball and finish the play.
Looking ahead to the main round, Möller exudes confidence and determination. Sweden carries three points into the next stage following a dramatic draw with Spain. While Portugal enters the match with three consecutive wins and an extra day of rest, Möller dismisses any notion that this advantage will impact his performance. He emphasizes his readiness to compete, regardless of the rest period. The main round promises intense competition, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. With his current form and unwavering focus, Felix Möller is poised to play a crucial role in Sweden’s quest for a medal at the 2023 World Championship. His emergence as a key player for the national team underscores his talent and potential, marking him as one of the most exciting young prospects in handball.
The World Championship has entered the main round, featuring 24 teams divided into four groups. Teams carry forward the points earned against other qualifying teams from the preliminary round. The top two teams from each group in the main round will progress to the quarterfinals. Group 1 comprises Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Tunisia. Group 2 consists of France, Hungary, Netherlands, Austria, North Macedonia, and Qatar. Group 3 includes Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Brazil, Norway, and Chile. Finally, Group 4 features Egypt, Iceland, Croatia, Slovenia, Cape Verde, and Argentina. Each team will face a tough battle to secure a place in the knockout stages.
