Blaž Janc
A powerful and agile right back, his cannon-like shots and defensive grit have made him a cornerstone for both Slovenia and the mighty FC Barcelona.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Slovenian handball player·Birthday: November 20·Millennials
Biography
Blaž Janc represents the modern handball wing in its most potent form. Standing tall and possessing a thunderous shot, he developed his game in Slovenia before making a pivotal move to Polish powerhouse Vive Kielce. It was there he truly announced himself on the European stage, helping the team to domestic and continental success. His performances caught the eye of FC Barcelona, one of the world's most prestigious clubs, which signed him in 2022. For the Slovenian national team, Janc is a vital component of a 'golden generation' that includes his brother Mitja. His role is often that of a game-breaker, using his physicality and powerful jumps from the backcourt to score crucial goals in tight matches, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport's premier players in his position.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Blaž was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Blaž Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Blaž's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the EHF Champions League with Vive Kielce in the 2015-16 season.
- Helped Slovenia win the silver medal at the 2017 World Men's Handball Championship.
- Signed with FC Barcelona, a dominant club in European handball, in 2022.
- Named to the All-Star Team as the best right back at the 2020 European Men's Handball Championship.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Mitja Janc, is also a professional handball player for the Slovenian national team.
Before focusing on handball, he was a talented track and field athlete, particularly in the high jump.
He wears the number 22 jersey for both FC Barcelona and the Slovenian national team.
“You have to be ready when the ball comes your way.”
