Gabee Kanikovsky Says He Nearly Quit Israel Duty and Plays for Fallen Friends

Franzvaros midfielder Gabee Kanikovsky said in a rare interview with the religious-national weekly HaDor that he once considered retiring from Israel’s national team after a difficult period on and off the field. Kanikovsky, who left Maccabi Tel Aviv for the Hungarian club a year ago and returned to the national squad only recently after almost a year out, also made clear he has no immediate plans to come back to Israel this summer. He said he is thriving in Hungary and had earlier interest from stronger European leagues, but some moves fell through because fans protested against signing an Israeli player.

Kanikovsky rejected claims of racism in Hungary. “Not at all,” he said, adding that even rival supporters treated him well. He said the season was successful, even without a league title, because Franzvaros won the cup and reached the Europa League round of 16. Still, he described loneliness away from his family and friends, saying that on some Fridays he sits alone in a hotel before a match and asks himself, “What am I doing here?” He said the sacrifice motivates him and his wife to give everything on the pitch and aim for the strongest leagues.

Talking about Israel, Kanikovsky argued that the national team must become more humble and play for the badge rather than for individuals or personal careers. He pointed to Cape Verde at the World Cup as an example of a small team fighting together without stars, saying Israel lacks that kind of unity.

He also described how keeping Shabbat shaped his career from age 13, when he missed away matches and later traveled with his father to morning prayer before home games. Maccabi Tel Aviv later built a logistics arrangement of transport and lodging so he could attend Saturday matches and training. He said he once struggled with the idea of leaving football for combat service, but ultimately served as an outstanding athlete. On the national team, he said “there were some unpleasant incidents behind the scenes,” felt tension, and nearly quit. He added that his brother reminded him, “You are not playing there for yourself. You are playing for your country and for your fallen friends.”