MVP Adriana Holejova: “It's like I'm dreaming”

The Slovakian international capped off an outstanding weekend by being named the MVP of the EHF Finals Dijon métropole 2026 after playing a crucial role in Dijon's shot for glory on home court and finishing with 15 goals netted over the weekend.

After leading her side with 10 goals in the semi-finals against Viborg HK — including a few crucial ones to get to the title-deciding match — she rose to the occasion again in the final with five goals, in what turned out to be a historic comeback in a packed Palais des Sports JM Geoffroy to ultimately win against Thüringer HC 29:25.

“I believed in my team every step of the way. When we were in the dressing room, we said we will come back and we will go there and do our maximum, because we are able to do that. And we did it. I'm so proud of my team and that we won,” says Holejova.

Fuelled by the atmosphere in the arena, Dijon gradually closed the gap from being down by nine and turned the flow of the match, refusing to let go easily despite the pressure and difficult moments. But playing at home in front of the sold-out arena gave them a touch of magic, just what Dijon needed.

“I'm so thankful for our fans. They were there when we needed them, when we were down and they helped us to stand up and come back. It's a big thing,” adds Holejova.

Moments after helping Dijon complete the turnaround that would write their names in the history books, the Slovakian international heard her name being announced as the MVP of the final weekend, with her teammates erupting with joy on the court.

“It's crazy, I still can't believe it. It's like I'm dreaming. I think every player dreams of something like this, so I still can't believe it happened,” explains Holejova.

Still, Holejova quickly turned the spotlight towards her teammates, emphasising that she would never be here without their support.

“I would not be here with this MVP award without my teammates. We did this together. I only play attack, so they also need to be talked about for the job they were doing in defence. I was good in attack, but they were good with me, so I really need to thank them for this award,” says the 27-year-old right back.

For Holejova, the MVP trophy also became another milestone in a journey that started far away from the EHF Finals spotlight. From her first European games with IUVENTA Michalovce in the EHF Cup in the 2015/16 season at 17, moving to France in 2022 and spending three years with OGC Nice to finally joining JDA in the summer of 2025, Holejova came a long way. The versatile back player says she would have never thought at the start of her journey in Slovakia that she would stand here in Dijon with two awards in her hand.

“I never thought I would end up here, with the European title and the MVP award. That's why this award is even more special,” concludes Holejova before joinig the rest of her team for a new set of celebrations.

Photos © Foxaep