# Marko Mitev

Marko Mitev (born 23 February 2003) is a Macedonian handball player who plays as a centre back for RK Alkaloid and the North Macedonia men's national handball team.

## Early life and background

Born in Skopje, North Macedonia, Mitev began playing handball at a very young age. He started training at the age of 9 at RK Aerodrom under coach Darko Petrovski. He recalled that the team play, physical contact, and fighting spirit were the key factors that led him to choose handball. This early foundation laid the groundwork for his technical and tactical development.

## Club career
### RK Aerodrom (2012–2020)

Mitev spent his formative years at RK Aerodrom, progressing through the youth system before being promoted to the senior team in 2018 at the age of 15. At Aerodrom, he gained valuable experience in the Macedonian Handball First League (second tier) and established himself as a promising young talent.

### HC Butel Skopje (2020–2023)

In 2020, Mitev signed with HC Butel Skopje, marking a significant step in his professional career. At Butel Skopje he participated in domestic competitions and gained exposure in European contests—experiences that further developed his game and prepared him for higher-level challenges. During the 2020–21 season, he also competed in the EHF European League with HC Butel Skopje. In addition, he was named the best young player of the half-season in the Macedonian Handball Super League in the same year.

### RK Alkaloid (2023–present)

Mitev transferred to RK Alkaloid in 2023, a move widely reported in Macedonian sports media. His signing was seen as a major boost for the club's ambitions, with his arrival expected to greatly benefit RK Alkaloid both in domestic and European competitions. In his time at Alkaloid, he has contributed consistently in key matches, helping the club achieve strong finishes in league and cup competitions. During the 2023/24 season, he recorded 32 goals in the EHF European League, and in the 2024/25 season he has already contributed significantly in the EHF European Cup. In addition, Alkaloid clinched both the Macedonian Handball Cup and the Macedonian Handball Super Cup in 2024, with Mitev playing a crucial role in these triumphs.

## International career

Mitev represented Macedonia at all youth levels—including the under-16, under-18, and under-20 teams—before making his senior debut in 2022. During his cadet career, he reached the final of the 2021 Men's 19 EHF Championship B in Skopje, where he was recognized as the tournament's most useful player (MVP). At his first European Championship in 2022 with the senior national team, he scored his debut goal against the reigning world champion Denmark—a moment he described as immensely gratifying. Since then, he has represented the Macedonian Handball National Team in every major tournament. At the 2025 World Men's Handball Championship, he further distinguished himself by earning two Player of the Match awards—one in a match against Qatar and another in a match against France.

## Playing style

Mitev is known for his quick decision-making and exceptional playmaking abilities from the centre back position. His remarkable speed, precision, and ability to read the game allow him to create scoring opportunities and maintain composure in high-pressure situations. His technical skills and tactical awareness have been evident in his performances at both club and international levels.

## Honours
### Club
#### RK Alkaloid

* Macedonian Handball Super League
    Runner-up (1): 2022/23
* Macedonian Handball Cup
    Winner (1): 2024
* Macedonian Handball Super Cup
    Winner (1): 2024

### Individual

* Best Young Player of the Half-Season in the Macedonian Handball Super League: 2020–21 season.
* Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2021 European Men's U-19 Handball Championship B
* Player of the Match Awards – Two awards at the 2025 World Men's Handball Championship (against Qatar and France)

## Personal life

Marko Mitev is the older brother of handball player Damjan Mitev.