Aviv Avraham Returns to Football with Hapoel Afula

Midfielder Aviv Avraham, 30, is set to return to professional football, signing with Hapoel Afula of the National League. Avraham has not played since the start of the current season, with his last official appearance being on May 13, 2026, for Ironi Kiryat Shmona. His decision to join Hapoel Afula comes after a period of significant religious strengthening, which became a key factor in choosing his next club. Avraham sought a team that would allow him to balance his professional career with his religious lifestyle and observance of tradition. Despite receiving offers from Premier League clubs, he chose to decline them.

Several factors influenced Avraham's decision, including his residence near Afula's stadium and the club's accommodation of his traditional needs. For Avraham, the opportunity to resume his football career in an environment that supports his chosen lifestyle was crucial. He is primarily associated with Maccabi Netanya, where he developed into a key player and captain. He also played abroad for AEK Limassol in Cyprus and Levadiakos in Greece before returning to Israel with Ironi Kiryat Shmona. Now, after an extended break from the game, he is expected to begin a new chapter with Hapoel Afula, the club in the city where he grew up.