Israeli Sports Broadcaster Avi Meller Dies at 72

A beloved voice of Israeli sports has gone silent. Avi Meller, one of the country’s most iconic broadcasters and soccer commentators, passed away at the age of 72 after a long battle with skin cancer. His death marks the end of an era in Israeli sports journalism, and his absence will be felt in stadiums, studios, and homes across the nation.

Born on August 7, 1953, in Haifa’s Neve Sha’anan neighborhood, Meller’s career spanned decades and mediums. From the pages of major newspapers like Maariv and Yedioth Ahronoth, to the airwaves of Israel’s top radio and television studios, he built an unmatched reputation as an expert on international soccer especially the English game, which he revered with encyclopedic knowledge and heartfelt passion.

Meller was among the founding voices of Sport5, Israel’s premiere sports network, joining at its inception in 1992 and staying until his final days. He became synonymous with broadcasts of the English Premier League and Champions League, lending his unique voice, sharp analysis, and emotional storytelling to every match. Generations of Israeli fans grew up listening to his commentary, which blended enthusiasm with deep insight.

More than just a broadcaster, Meller was a respected journalist, columnist, and lecturer. He appeared in the first season of Golstar and shared his knowledge through lectures at academic institutions across the country. His time living in England only deepened his love for the game, enriching his commentary with personal experience and unmatched authenticity.

Alongside the late Mudi Bar-On, Meller hosted iconic programs like Olam HaKaduregel and Shishi Chai Ve’Bo’et, helping shape a new language and tone for Israeli sports broadcasting. Despite publicly revealing his illness in 2022, he continued to work, commentate, and inspire until the very end.

Tributes poured in from across Israel following the news. Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar expressed deep sorrow, calling Meller “one of the most identified and beloved voices in Israeli sports.” Zohar added, “His voice and style turned him into a mythological figure in the landscape of Israeli media. His contribution will remain etched in the public memory.”

Avi Meller’s legacy is not just in the games he covered, but in the way he brought them to life for millions of fans. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, he made each broadcast an experience and helped elevate Israeli sports journalism to global standards.

May his memory be a blessing.

Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter to honor the voices that shaped Israeli culture and sport.