# European women's handball players maternity comebacks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-womens-handball-players-maternity-comebacks
> Updated: 2026-10-25T11:14:37.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

High-profile European handball players have begun processes to return to international competition following maternity leave.

French national team captain Estelle Nze Minko has rejoined training sessions with the French squad ahead of test matches against Hungary. While working to regain her physical peak, she is targeting the 2026 European Championship.

Similarly, German player Xenia Smits is evaluating a return to the national team for the upcoming European Championship in Slovakia and Poland. Smits has been undergoing physical recovery through light cardio and strength training, noting that her participation depends on her readiness for final squad selection.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Xenia Smits eyes handball European Championship comeback

German handball star Xenia Smits is training for a potential return to the national team for the European Championship following the birth of her son.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xenia-smits-eyes-handball-european-championship-comeback

### 2026-10-16: Estelle Nze Minko begins handball comeback with France national team

French handball captain Estelle Nze Minko has rejoined national team training in Hungary as she continues her professional comeback following maternity leave.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/estelle-nze-minko-begins-handball-comeback-with-france-national-team

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Cite as: European women's handball players maternity comebacks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-womens-handball-players-maternity-comebacks