Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Prospect Ronen Hantzis Reveals Suicidal Thoughts

Ronen Hantzis, once considered a promising talent for Maccabi Tel Aviv's football club, has opened up about his struggles with a severe injury and a prolonged rehabilitation period that forced him to retire. In an interview on the program "Lo Le'פרסום" (Not for Publication), Hantzis detailed a year where he barely left his home, consumed by the fear of never playing again. He admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts during this dark period, questioning the meaning of life without football.

Hantzis described how his family was deeply concerned about his mental state, with his mother calling every couple of hours to ensure his safety. The uncertainty surrounding his football career was a major source of distress, leading to anxiety about potentially ending his playing days. His brother, Nadav, was a constant source of support, attending every game and training session.

A pivotal moment came when Nadav, who was about to perform for the first time at Bloomfield Stadium with Eyal, experienced chest pains and anxiety. Hantzis recalled how he put his own struggles aside to support his brother, accompanying him to rehearsals, an experience that helped pull him out of his own despair.

Regarding his relationship with Maccabi Tel Aviv during his recovery, Hantzis expressed significant anger. He stated that the club was not involved in his rehabilitation after his contract ended that year, feeling they largely abandoned him. While acknowledging the club's role in his development as a player, he felt their lack of support was a failure of basic humanity, stating, "I'm angry because it's A-B-C of humanity."