Irish Footballer Finn Azaz Urged Teammates to Play Israel, Citing Family Ties

Finn Azaz, an Irish national football team player with Israeli roots, reportedly delivered an impassioned speech to his teammates urging them to play against Israel in a Nations League match, despite significant controversy and some players considering a boycott. The Irish media, specifically the "Irish Independent," detailed Azaz's efforts, stating he held two separate meetings on Friday and Saturday to persuade his colleagues.

During these meetings, Azaz shared personal anecdotes, including that his maternal grandmother served as a commander in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He presented the Israeli perspective on the conflict, a challenging task given the presumed widespread opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon among the Irish public and potentially his teammates. The report acknowledges it remains unclear if Azaz's words swayed the players who were contemplating not participating in the match.

Regardless of the speech's impact on the boycott, Azaz's future with the Irish national team is reportedly in jeopardy due to his stance. His mother, Orith, is from an Israeli family, and his maternal grandfather was the Israeli sculptor Nehemia Azaz, a veteran of World War II's Jewish Brigade and the Israeli War of Independence.

Azaz, born in London, developed through youth academies at West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa before moving to Middlesbrough in January 2024. He became a key player there, scoring 17 goals and providing 17 assists in 67 league appearances. He then transferred to Southampton in August 2025 for a reported £15 million.