Diego Simonet (36 years old) announced on Wednesday that this season would be his last. The Argentine international center-back for MHB since 2013 was part of the Montpellier champions of the Champions League in 2018.
A legend of Montpellier Handball is preparing to bid farewell. Diego Simonet (36 years old) announced on Wednesday that he would end his career after the season and one final match, scheduled for June 6th in the Liqui Moly Starligue against local rivals Nimes. The iconic Argentine center-back and his team are certain to let slip another year without a title since 2012, losing out to PSG. However, they can still hope to secure a spot in the Champions League.
This Languedoc derby will mark the farewell of the iconic Argentine international center-back (360 games played, 1324 goals scored), who arrived in Herault in 2013 following a scandal involving bets. At that time, it seemed impossible to imagine that the Vicente Lopez native from the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, would still be defending MHB’s colors thirteen years later. But “Chino,” as everyone at the club calls him, surpassed all expectations.
Two more titles before Simonet leaves?
He has made history by helping Montpellier win two French Cups (in 2016 and 2025), two League Cups (in 2014 and 2016), two Champions Trophies (in 2018 and 2025), and most notably the Champions League in 2018. This second victory in the most prestigious of European Cups for MHB and the first for Simonet, who was voted MVP of the Final Four in Cologne that year.
The Argentine could further enhance his record before retiring, as MHB is still in contention for another French Cup title and could also dream of winning the European League for the first time after reaching the final last year.
On social media, the National Handball League has already paid tribute to the future retiree. “Fifteen years of thrills. From Ivry to Montpellier, ‘Chino’ has left his mark on our championship with his genius, fiery support, and legendary fighting spirit. French handball loses one of its greatest creators. Thank you for everything, Diego.”
“The departure of Diego is one of those that leaves a mark, because he is a very great player and a very great man,” said Valentin Porte, team captain and teammate of the Argentine for ten years.
