Israeli sports

Former Israeli national soccer captain Bibars Natcho retires from the sport

Israeli soccer legend and former national team captain Bibars Natcho announces retirement, saying "My journey has come to an end."

A wonderful career. Bibars photographed wearing the Israeli national team uniform
OVER HIS four-year tenure in Israel, Richard Priestman’s calm precision and world-class expertise helped transform the country’s national archery program into an emerging international force.

The zen of the siren: Richard Priestman and the architecture of Israeli archery stillness

WHILE KEEPING it a tight game, Hapoel Tel Aviv (in red) fell to Real Madrid 86-82 in their Euroleague quarterfinal series opener in Spain.

Real Madrid edges Hapoel Tel Aviv in Euroleague series opener

Israel’s national cheerleading team at the International Cheer Union.

Israel to compete in Cheerleading World Championship for first time in history


The Jewish boxer: Dmitriy Salita represents Judaism in and out of the ring - interview

Once, Salita fought other boxers in the ring; now he fights for other boxers to give them a shot at getting in the ring.

 DMITRIY SALITA praying at the Western Wall during his first trip to Israel, 2009

Police arrest dozens of soccer players suspected of fraud and embezzlement

They are suspected of fraud and embezzlement of public funds. Also held and questioned were a doctor, a lawyer, and a staffer at the NII. 

Police car at night

New era in Israeli soccer: American group led by Ross Kestin to buy Maccabi Netanya

Maccabi Netanya will be acquired by US firm Aliya Capital Partners, led by Ross Kestin, pending approval. The deal reflects rising foreign interest in Israeli soccer.

Israel and US flags

Eran Zahavi to announce his leave from Maccabi Tel Aviv at end of season

Though there was a mutual option to extend his contract, Zahavi independently chose to step away, marking the end of his second stint with the club.

 ERAN ZAHAVI has not chosen to retire, but the 37-year-old Israeli striker will not play next season with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Championship race coming down to wire

Zahavi hat-trick powers Maccabi Tel Aviv at Netanya • Beersheba clinging to lead with 2 games left

 ERAN ZAHAVI (left) celebrates with his Maccabi Tel Aviv teammates after his hat-trick during the yellow-and-blue’s 6-1 away victory over Maccabi Netanya to keep the pressure on leader Hapoel Beersheba in the Israel Premier League championship race

How Jewish athletes are preparing for the first Maccabiah since October 7

This summer’s Maccabiah Games mark Israel’s first major international event since Oct. 7, 2023, spotlighting Jewish unity, Israeli resilience, and the power of sport.

 OPENING CEREMONY, Maccabiah 2022

Manor Solomon’s moment of magic lifts Leeds United to Championship glory

Reports suggest Tottenham are open to selling Solomon for £15–20 million – a fee that now seems like a bargain for a player who has become a fan favorite.

Leeds United's Israeli forward Manor Solomon celebrates after scoring the Championship title-clinching goal against Plymouth Argyle in a 2-1 win on Saturday.

Israeli gymnasts shine at European Acrobatic Championships

Israel's national acrobatic gymnastics team delivered a standout performance at the 2025 European Championships in Luxembourg, winning two gold medals and two silver.

 European Acrobatic Championship Luxembourg 2025 Israel Mixed Pair takes the Gold with the highest score of the competition.

Israel’s Ben Saraf sets sights on NBA Draft

At just 19, Saraf has shown immense promise during his standout season with Ulm in the German Bundesliga, drawing attention from several NBA teams.

 ISRAELI GUARD Ben Saraf is projected to be picked in the first round of June's NBA Draft

How Deni Avdija quietly became Portland’s most reliable star

Freed from a supporting role, Deni Avdija found his rhythm—and emerged as the Blazers’ most reliable force on both ends of the court.

 DENI AVDIJA speaks to reporters upon his return to Israel this week following a NBA season that saw him take his game to the next level with the Portland Trail Blazers.