Douglas da Silva Reflects on Hapoel Tel Aviv Stint, Now in Brazilian Real Estate

Former Hapoel Tel Aviv defender Douglas da Silva, considered one of the best foreign players to play in Israel and a key part of the team's golden era that won the double and reached the Champions League group stage, recently spoke fluent Hebrew on the "Yatzi Ha'itonut" (Press Box) program. Da Silva, who is currently living in Florianópolis, Brazil, stated he is not involved in football at all and is instead working in real estate, renting out properties. He admitted he doesn't miss football but still follows Hapoel Tel Aviv, noting his disappointment with their recent derby loss.

Da Silva expressed his strong identification with Hapoel Tel Aviv, calling its fans the best in the world, even surpassing his experience at Vasco da Gama where he won a championship in the Maracanã stadium. He cited Eli Guttman as the greatest coach he played under. The toughest opponent he faced in Israel was Eitan Shechter when Shechter played for Maccabi Netanya, while internationally, he found Raul of Schalke difficult to play against.

He identified winning the championship, the cup, and reaching the Champions League with Hapoel Tel Aviv as the three greatest moments of his career. The most difficult moment was a knee injury he sustained in Salzburg. Da Silva also recalled his goal in the first derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2010, a 1-0 victory, and presented Eli Bueno, Hapoel Tel Aviv's equipment manager, with a Fujicom television as a gift. He fondly remembered his partnership with Walid Badir, praising Badir's guidance and their strong connection on the field.

Recounting the championship-winning goal in 2010, Da Silva described the emotional moment, remembering the foul, his fall, and the ball reaching Eran Zahavi, who scored. He recalled the event as if it happened yesterday.