Israeli Footballer Eyal Golasa Retires at 34 After Decorated Career

Eyal Golasa, a prominent Israeli midfielder, announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34. His career, spanning over a decade, was marked by significant achievements, including five league championships. Golasa won two titles with Maccabi Haifa (2009, 2011) and three with Maccabi Tel Aviv (2019, 2020, 2024).

Golasa began his career at the youth academy of Beitar Tubruk before joining Maccabi Haifa. He made his Israeli Premier League debut at just 16 and a half years old and played in the Champions League a year later. He also had a stint in Europe with PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece from 2014 to 2016.

Returning to Israel, Golasa signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2016, where he spent eight successful years. During his time with the club, he played 225 games, scoring 13 goals and providing 24 assists. He concluded his career with a season at Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2024/2025, after which he effectively stopped playing.

In addition to his five league titles, Golasa won the State Cup in 2021 and two Super Cups (2019, 2020) with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He also represented Israel internationally, earning 17 caps. Golasa cited the cumulative physical toll of years of intense play as the reason for his retirement, stating it was time to listen to his body, though it was a decision he had tried to postpone.

Reflecting on his journey, Golasa expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, medical staff, clubs, and fans, calling it a privilege to have lived his dream. He began his career as a teenager who hitchhiked to training, and his path led him to considerable success in Israeli football.