Louis Taha Announces Retirement to Focus on Football Academy

At age 36, Israeli footballer Louis Taha has announced his retirement from professional play to dedicate himself to his football academy for young players. Taha, who grew up in Ar'ara in northern Israel, began his career in youth teams of Hapoel Haifa and Bnei Sakhnin before debuting in senior football with Ahva Ar'ara in 2007. After helping Ahva Ar'ara rise to the National League, he moved to M.S. Ashdod in the Premier League and was loaned to Hapoel Kfar Saba in the National League. He later played for Maccabi Umm al-Fahm and Hapoel Ra'anana in the second division, scoring a key goal in a 3-1 win over Hapoel Jerusalem that secured Ra'anana's promotion to the Premier League in the 2012/13 season.

Taha continued with Ra'anana in the top division before joining Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the 2014/15 season. During six seasons in Be'er Sheva, he won three league championships, the State Cup, the Toto Cup, and two Super Cups. Afterward, he played for Hapoel Haifa for about a year and a half and then moved to Hapoel Akko in the National League. Over his career, Taha earned 13 caps for the Israeli national team.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Taha expressed gratitude to all the clubs, coaches, teammates, staff, fans, and especially his family for their support throughout his career. He described his retirement as closing a significant chapter and opening an exciting new one focused on nurturing young talent at his academy. Taha said he plans to dedicate all his knowledge, experience, and passion to helping develop a new generation of players.