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

Former Hapoel Tel Aviv defender Douglas da Silva, widely regarded as one of the best foreign players to have played in Israel, recently spoke fluent Hebrew on the "Yatzi'a Ha'itonut" (Press Stand) program. Da Silva, a key member of the "golden generation" that won the double and reached the Champions League group stage with Hapoel Tel Aviv, is currently living in Florianopolis, Brazil, and has left football behind.

"I'm not close to football at all. I'm dealing in real estate in Brazil, renting out properties, and that's it. I'm living life," da Silva stated, adding that he does not miss the sport but does follow Hapoel Tel Aviv. He expressed disappointment over their recent derby loss, saying, "It's not good."

Da Silva identified Hapoel Tel Aviv as the club he is most connected to, calling their fans "the best in the world." He recalled playing at the Maracanã with 70,000 spectators but stated, "there's nothing like Sha'ar 5" (Hapoel Tel Aviv's stadium). He named Eli Guttman as his greatest coach and found Raul the most difficult opponent in Europe, while in Israel, Itay Shechter, when playing for Maccabi Netanya, posed the biggest challenge.

His career highlights with Hapoel Tel Aviv include winning the championship, the cup, and reaching the Champions League. A significant low point was a knee injury sustained in Salzburg. He fondly remembered his first derby goal against Maccabi Tel Aviv in a 1-0 victory, presenting a Fujicom television to equipment manager Eli Bueno. Da Silva also praised Walid Badir as his favorite playing partner, noting Badir's guidance and their strong on-field connection.

Recounting the championship-winning goal in 2010, he described the moment vividly, recalling a foul, his fall, the ball's trajectory, and the subsequent shot by Zahavi, remembering it as if it were yesterday.