Maccabi Tel Aviv Player Christian Pulisic Considers Permanent Stay in Israel
Serbian midfielder Christian Pulisic, who joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in August 2025, has expressed a strong desire to remain in Israel permanently, citing his deep affection for the country and its people. Despite a season plagued by injuries, Pulisic shared his thoughts in an interview with Serbian journalist Vladimir Trifunović, revealing that he feels more at home in Israel than anywhere else he has lived.
Pulisic recounted his initial hesitation to move to Israel due to the ongoing conflict, with many advising against it. However, his brother encouraged him, and the move aligned with a long-held desire to live in the "Holy Land." He described Israel as the most beautiful country he has visited, emphasizing that despite the war, daily life continued with minimal disruption for him personally. He contrasted the reality on the ground with media portrayals, noting that even during the Iran conflict, Tel Aviv appeared normal and vibrant, contrary to reports of destruction.
He highlighted the positive experiences of friends and teammates who visited, all of whom were impressed by the food, people, beaches, and weather. Pulisic also pointed to the harmonious coexistence of different religious groups, citing an example where a Jewish stadium chanted the name of a Muslim player, Abu Farchi. He believes the media exaggerates the chaos and that most Israelis, including Muslims within his team, live peacefully together.
Pulisic shared a personal anecdote about receiving a "sign" to stay in Israel. After praying for guidance while standing by the Mediterranean Sea, he emerged from the water to find ten people on the beach shouting his name. Shortly after, the club president called to inform him of their decision to exercise their option to purchase his contract, despite his injury history.
Reflecting on his career path, Pulisic mentioned a previous near-transfer to Turkey that fell through due to payment issues, which he also interpreted as a sign to go to Israel. He feels a strong connection to Israel, influenced by both its religious significance and the warmth of its people. He is also learning Hebrew and hopes to continue his studies once fully recovered from his injuries. Pulisic encourages others to visit Israel to experience it firsthand, emphasizing that the reality is often different from media narratives.
