Maccabi Tel Aviv Completes Foreign Player Quota with Russian Addition

Maccabi Tel Aviv has signed Russian player Nikita Axioutine, a 32-year-old, 2.01-meter blocker, to complete their quota of foreign players for the upcoming 2026/2027 season. Axioutine joins two other foreign signings, Brazilian players Danilo Galinski and Renato Santos, who have already joined team practices. Axioutine arrives from MGTU Moscow of the Russian Superleague, bringing 12 years of experience in Russia's top volleyball league. He previously played in Turkey's top league in the 2021/22 season and won a championship in Libya. A decade ago, he reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League with Lokomotiv Novosibirsk. The team's key players for the upcoming season are expected to include these three foreign signings, along with Israeli-Argentinian Ramiro Núñez, and continuing Israeli players Gendy Sokolov, Slava Bechkle, and Omri Roitman. Axioutine expressed his excitement about joining Maccabi Tel Aviv, stating, "I am very happy to join Maccabi Tel Aviv and be part of the Tel Aviv family. I am already looking forward to starting the season: getting on the court, meeting the fans, and fighting for every point for them. I wish us a good season, full of victories." Head coach Gal Galili commented on Axioutine's addition, noting, "Nikita is a player with good and diverse offensive play. He will also help us with reception and overall with the experience and abilities he brings from the Russian Superleague. We believe he will have a significant part in our team this year."