Metz Handball has etched its name into the annals of European handball, securing a historic maiden EHF Champions League Women title in the 2025/26 season. The French club culminated a dominant campaign with a 31:29 victory over the formidable Györi Audi ETO KC in the final on June 7, 2026, at the MVM Dome in BudapestVenue·Budapest. This triumph not only marks Metz Handball's first European crown but also establishes them as the first French team to claim the prestigious competition.
The path to glory for Metz Handball was paved with consistent performance throughout the season. They demonstrated strong form in the group stage, earning a direct qualification to the quarter-finals by finishing among the top two teams in Group A, accumulating 22 points from 11 wins and 2 losses. Their momentum was evident with a four-game winning streak leading into the knockout stages.
In the quarter-finals, Metz faced FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria. After a thrilling 31:31 draw in the first leg, Metz Handball secured their spot in the Raiffeisen Bank EHF FINAL4Competition·Raiffeisen Bank EHF FINAL4 with a decisive 31:28 win in the second leg, advancing with a 62:59 aggregate score. The semi-final clash in BudapestVenue·Budapest saw them overcome CSM Bucuresti with a 32:27 victory, marking their first-ever win in an EHF FINAL4 semi-final after four previous attempts, setting the stage for their historic final.
The final match, held at the sold-out MVM Dome, drew a record-equalling crowd of 20,022 spectators for a women's club match. Metz Handball led Györ 18:17 at halftime and maintained their composure to secure the 31:29 win, ending the Hungarian powerhouse's long-standing dominance.
Line player Sarah Bouktit was a standout performer, earning the MVP title of the Raiffeisen Bank EHF FINAL4Competition·Raiffeisen Bank EHF FINAL4 2026. Bouktit delivered an exceptional performance in the final, scoring 12 goals, and was the top scorer of the FINAL4 weekend with a total of 20 goals, achieving an impressive 87% shooting accuracy. Her crucial role was highlighted by her 8 goals in the semi-final against CSM Bucuresti. Lylou BorgPlayer·Lylou Borg also contributed significantly, scoring the decisive goal in the final, while goalkeeper Johanna BundsenPlayer·Johanna Bundsen was instrumental in the semi-final, making 17 saves with a 39.5% saving efficiency.
Following the victory, Sarah Bouktit expressed her overwhelming joy and disbelief. "I can't believe what's happened. I'm so happy, so much work, we've put in so much effort only for failures and it was so hard to get back up each time. I'm so happy, I don't know what to say." — Sarah Bouktit.
She further added about her individual performance: "I was so prepared for this FINAL4, I focused on it for such a long time to produce a big performance. The team needed me, and we did it today. So yes, I think it's my best performance. It's mad . I didn't think about it, I didn't consider it at all. I was only thinking about the victory and nothing else. But it's a nice extra. I'm so, so happy, that's all." — Sarah Bouktit.
Metz Handball head coach Emmanuel Mayonnade acknowledged the team's past struggles in the semi-finals and praised his players. "But the girls, they did a good job and tried to play the match in a good way. As we have seen before, if you want to play the final of the FINAL4, you need to give everything. Maybe we didn't do it in the past, maybe I didn't find a way to help my team, but tonight they did it, so congrats to the players." — Emmanuel Mayonnade.
After the final, Mayonnade stated: "Metz deserved this Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League title, they were worth for a long time for a title. First time in final and winning it is impressive. No excuses, they were the best team in the season." — Emmanuel Mayonnade.
Metz Handball's maiden EHF Champions League Women title signifies a notable shift in the landscape of European club handball, concluding Györi Audi ETO KC's period of dominance. This historic win also caps off a remarkable season for French handball, as it comes just weeks after JDA Bourgogne Dijon Handball secured the EHF European League title, ensuring a "perfect European season for French teams."
Sarah Bouktit (27) of Metz Handball during the EHF Final4 match. Photo: Gonzales Photo/IMAGO
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