Home / Sports / Israel's Top Scorer Eran Zahavi Ends Iconic 19-Year Career
Israel's Top Scorer Eran Zahavi Ends Iconic 19-Year Career
1 Jan
Summary
- Eran Zahavi, Israel's all-time leading scorer, announced retirement at 38.
- He scored 401 goals in 720 appearances over a 19-year career.
- Zahavi played for clubs in Israel, China, and the Netherlands.
Eran Zahavi, Israel's record-breaking goal scorer, has concluded his remarkable 19-year professional soccer career at the age of 38. After months of contemplation, he confirmed his retirement, closing a chapter defined by numerous achievements and unforgettable moments on the pitch. His farewell message expressed deep gratitude for his "first and greatest love."
Born in Rishon Lezion, Zahavi's career began in youth systems before a notable senior debut. He gained national recognition at Hapoel Tel Aviv, scoring a championship-winning goal in 2010 and featuring in the Champions League. Subsequent moves to Palermo and then Guangzhou R&F in China saw him continue his prolific scoring, netting 100 league goals and earning Player of the Season honors.
Zahavi later played for PSV Eindhoven, winning a Dutch Cup, before returning to Maccabi Tel Aviv for two more league titles. He finishes with 401 goals in 720 games, including six league titles and four top scorer awards in Israel. On the international stage, he remains Israel's top scorer with 35 goals in 74 matches, solidifying his status as a national soccer icon.
