Brief Introduction of Simen Schønningsen
Simen Nicolay Högdahl Schønningsen is a distinguished Norwegian professional handball player, recognized for his role as a powerful left-handed right back. Throughout his career, he has competed in some of Europe’s top handball leagues, including the Norwegian, German, and Danish leagues. Schønningsen has been a notable figure on the Norwegian national team, representing his country in various international competitions. His journey in professional handball is marked by significant achievements, including winning national championships and competing in the prestigious EHF Champions League. Known for his skill, dedication, and versatility on the court, Schønningsen has established himself as a respected athlete in the international handball community. His career reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence, moving between prominent clubs and making valuable contributions to each team he has been a part of.
Simen Schønningsen Overview
| Full Name | Simen Nicolay Högdahl Schønningsen |
| Date of Birth | February 21, 1996 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | Fetsund, Norway |
| Profession | Professional Handball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Moa Högdahl Schønningsen |
| Family | Not publicly available |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Information not disclosed |
Early Life and Education of Simen Schønningsen
Simen Schønningsen was born in Fetsund, Norway, on February 21, 1996. His early years were spent in Fetsund, where his passion for sports began to blossom. Before fully dedicating himself to handball, Schønningsen was also a talented football player in his youth. His formal journey in handball started at the local club Fjellhammer IL. It was here that he honed his foundational skills and developed the physical and tactical understanding of the game that would become the bedrock of his professional career. Recognizing his potential, he made a significant step at the age of 18 by moving to Haslum HK in 2014, a move that would launch his professional career in earnest. Alongside his burgeoning sports career, Schønningsen has also pursued academic interests, reportedly taking courses at BI Norwegian Business School, demonstrating a commitment to personal development off the court. This blend of athletic prowess and academic ambition highlights a well-rounded individual dedicated to growth in multiple facets of his life.
Simen Schønningsen’s Career
Simen Schønningsen’s professional handball career is a testament to his talent and adaptability, featuring successful stints in several of Europe’s most competitive leagues. His journey began in his native Norway with Haslum HK, which he joined in 2014. During his time with Haslum, he developed into a formidable right back and was a key player for the team. A significant highlight of his tenure with the club was winning the Norwegian Cup in 2017. His impressive performances in the Norwegian league did not go unnoticed, and in 2017, he made his first move abroad to Germany.
In 2017, Schønningsen signed with the German club HBW Balingen-Weilstetten, a move that marked his entry into the highly physical and competitive German handball scene. After a season in Germany, he transitioned to the strong Danish league, joining Ribe-Esbjerg HH in 2018. For two seasons, he was an integral part of the Danish team, further enhancing his skills and gaining valuable international experience. In 2020, Schønningsen returned to Norway to play for the top club Elverum Håndball. This move proved to be highly successful, as he won the Norwegian Championship with Elverum in 2021 and gained significant experience playing in the prestigious EHF Champions League.
His strong showing with Elverum led to a return to Germany’s top-tier league, the Bundesliga, where he signed with Bergischer HC in the summer of 2021. He spent two seasons with the German club, consistently performing at a high level. In the summer of 2023, seeking a new challenge and a location closer to his family, he moved back to Denmark to join HØJ Håndbold. He made an immediate impact, helping the team secure promotion to the top Danish Håndboldligaen in 2025. Schønningsen has also been a part of the Norwegian national setup for many years. He achieved early success with the youth national team, winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing. He later represented the junior national team and made his debut for the senior A-national team in January 2021. He was notably called up to the squad for the 2026 European Championship.
Simen Schønningsen Personal Life & Family
Simen Schønningsen’s personal life is deeply intertwined with the world of handball. He is married to fellow Norwegian international handball player, Moa Högdahl Schønningsen. The couple, who are both prominent figures in the sport, got married in July 2023. Moa herself is a successful right back and comes from a family with a rich handball heritage; her mother is Mia Hermansson-Högdahl, a former world handballer of the year, and her father, Arne Högdahl, is a respected handball coach. This shared professional world provides a unique dynamic for their relationship. When Schønningsen decided to join the Danish club HØJ Håndbold in 2023, a significant factor in his decision was the ability to live in Copenhagen with his then-fiancée, Moa, who was playing for a Danish club nearby. He has also stated that the location makes it easier to maintain close contact with his family in Norway. Beyond the handball court, Schønningsen has other interests. He is known to be pursuing studies and is an avid golf player in his spare time. One interesting tidbit he has shared is that he considers himself the best football player on his handball team.
Awards and Achievements of Simen Schønningsen
- Bronze Medal at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games with the Norwegian youth national team.
- Winner of the Norwegian Cup with Haslum HK in 2017.
- Winner of the Norwegian Championship with Elverum Håndball in 2021.
- Achieved promotion to the Håndboldligaen with HØJ Håndbold in 2025.
Simen Schønningsen Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Simen Schønningsen’s exact net worth and salary as of 2025 is not publicly available. As a professional handball player who has competed for top clubs in Norway, Germany, and Denmark, his income is primarily derived from his club contracts, which would include a salary and potentially performance-based bonuses. Endorsement deals and sponsorships may also contribute to his earnings. However, specific financial details of professional handball players are often not disclosed publicly.
Legacy and Influence
Simen Schønningsen’s legacy is that of a dedicated and talented athlete who has consistently proven his abilities across various high-level European handball leagues. His career path, which has taken him from the Norwegian league to the demanding German Bundesliga and the competitive Danish Håndboldligaen, showcases his adaptability and commitment to challenging himself at the highest levels of the sport. As a key member of several successful club teams, contributing to national cup and league victories, he has demonstrated his value as a team player and a skilled right back. His representation of Norway on the international stage, from winning a bronze medal at the Youth Olympics to competing with the senior national team, has solidified his place among his country’s notable handball talents. He serves as an inspiration for young Norwegian players aspiring to a professional career in Europe. His public image is one of a focused and professional athlete who values family and personal development alongside his sporting career.
Interesting Facts about Simen Schønningsen
- Before focusing on handball, he was also a promising football player.
- He won a bronze medal at the second-ever Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, in 2014.
- He is married to Moa Högdahl Schønningsen, a fellow professional handball player and the daughter of handball royalty Mia Hermansson-Högdahl and Arne Högdahl.
- Outside of handball, he enjoys playing golf and is pursuing further education.
- He considers himself to be the best football player among his handball teammates.
Controversies
There are no publicly documented controversies involving Simen Schønningsen. He has maintained a professional and positive public image throughout his career.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Simen Schønningsen
Simen Schønningsen continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of professional handball. Currently playing for HØJ Håndbold in the top tier of Danish handball, he remains a key contributor to his team’s success. His career, characterized by strategic moves across Europe’s top leagues, reflects a player constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. The Simen Schønningsen biography is one of consistent achievement and dedication. As he continues to compete at a high level, his experience and skill will undoubtedly be an asset to his club and a potential resource for the Norwegian national team in future competitions. His journey is a significant chapter in modern Norwegian handball, and his future plans will be followed with interest by fans and fellow players alike.