Eran Zahavi Retires After Legendary Career

Eran Zahavi, the most prolific scorer in Israeli national team history, has officially announced his retirement, concluding a storied career that shaped the modern era of Israeli soccer. At 38, Zahavi’s decision marks the end of a 19-year professional journey that captured the hearts of fans and etched his name into the annals of Israeli sports.

“Thank you, my football, my first and greatest love in life,” Zahavi wrote in an emotional farewell. His message, paired with a poignant video reflecting on his career, struck a chord with supporters across the country who watched him rise from a local talent to an international star.

Born in Rishon Lezion, Zahavi began his football path at Ironi Rishon Lezion before entering the Maccabi Tel Aviv youth system. His senior debut came at Hapoel Ramat Hasharon, but it was his return to Hapoel Tel Aviv that launched him into national prominence. During the 2009/10 season, he scored one of the most iconic goals in Israeli soccer a dramatic last-minute winner against Beitar Jerusalem to secure the league title.

That season also saw Hapoel Tel Aviv break into the UEFA Champions League, where Zahavi delivered memorable goals, including a stunning bicycle kick against Lyon and a brace against Benfica. A short stint in Italy’s Serie A with Palermo followed, but it was upon his return to Israel this time with Maccabi Tel Aviv that Zahavi truly transformed.

Under new management and a refined role as striker, Zahavi blossomed. He became the face of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s dominance, leading them to historic achievements. In 2015/16, he shattered Nissim Elmaliach’s long-standing single-season scoring record with 35 league goals and captained the club into the Champions League group stage.

Zahavi’s success then took him abroad once again, this time to China’s Guangzhou R&F, where he scored 100 goals in three seasons and was named the league’s Player of the Season. He later joined Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup and played alongside rising stars like Cody Gakpo and Denzel Dumfries.

In 2022, Zahavi returned home for one final chapter with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He helped secure back-to-back league titles, including the 2024/25 championship. Even at 38, he remained a force, netting 12 goals this past season, eight of them during the championship playoff.

Across 720 matches, Zahavi scored 401 goals 175 of them in domestic league play. He won six league titles, two State Cups, and was a four-time league top scorer in Israel, adding two more scoring titles in China. He was named Israeli Footballer of the Year three times.

But Zahavi’s legacy isn’t complete without his international record. With 35 goals in 74 appearances, he surpassed Mordechai Spiegler to become Israel’s all-time leading scorer, cementing his place as a national icon.

While his career included moments of controversy on-field outbursts and disputes with national team management none of it diminished the brilliance of his football. His impact on Israeli sports is lasting, joining the ranks of legends like Eyal Berkovic, Haim Revivo, and Yossi Benayoun.

Eran Zahavi leaves behind not just a list of records, but a legacy of passion, excellence, and an unwavering will to win. As he steps off the pitch, he remains forever part of the soul of Israeli soccer.

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