Former Israeli Soccer Star Eran Zahavi Reveals Family's Violent Robbery Ordeal in Netherlands

Eran Zahavi, former Israeli national team star and top scorer in Israeli football history, shared harrowing details of a violent robbery his family endured in the Netherlands. In an emotional interview with Omri Asenheim airing on Channel 13 at 21:15, Zahavi described the agonizing 100-minute journey home, filled with uncertainty about his family's safety. "You don’t know who is telling the truth or what really happened," he said, recalling the fear and dark thoughts of potential injuries.

Upon arriving home, Zahavi was relieved to find his wife and children unharmed, but the trauma soon became clear. His wife was physically assaulted, had her hair cut forcibly, and was threatened by the robbers demanding valuables, including a specific watch. The children were bound with tape and silenced while witnessing their mother’s attack. Zahavi recounted, "She said, ‘If you don’t tell, they will cut your hair.’"

When asked what he would do if he confronted the robbers, Zahavi did not hesitate: "I would kill them, without shame, even if it meant spending the rest of my life in prison." He condemned the attackers for their cruelty, saying they did not deserve to live for harming children and his wife for mere possessions.

The robbery occurred during Zahavi’s time playing for PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup. The trauma stayed with the family after their return to Israel, where Zahavi continued his career with Maccabi Tel Aviv, winning two more championships before retiring. The full interview will also cover other career controversies, including a conflict with Yossi Benayoun that affected his national team call-ups.