Niv Zrihan Retires at 32 After Injury-Plagued Career, Reflects on Football Journey

Niv Zrihan, the Israeli footballer, announced his retirement at the age of 32 due to persistent injuries that ultimately ended his career. In an exclusive interview on Sport 5, Zrihan detailed his 15-year career, which began at age 17 with M.S. Ashdod and included significant periods at Hapoel Be'er Sheva and other clubs. Despite the early retirement, he expressed no regrets, emphasizing the highs and lows he experienced, including league relegations and championship victories.

Zrihan revealed that two major injuries forced his retirement: a torn ankle ligament sustained at Maccabi Jaffa and subsequent swollen veins in his other leg, which required urgent surgery abroad. The recovery was difficult, with prolonged pain and limited mobility preventing a return to professional play. He described the physical and emotional challenges of coping with these injuries and the transition away from football.

Reflecting on his career, Zrihan spoke about the pressure and expectations of being the son of former player Yigal Zrihan, noting the balance between burden and privilege. He credited coaches like Barak Bachar and Yossi Abuksis for their roles in his development, while also sharing anecdotes about teammates and memorable moments, including a frightening incident involving Eliniv Breda’s collapse during training.

Zrihan also paid tribute to his close friendship with the late Gadi Kinda, recalling their shared experiences on and off the pitch. Looking ahead, he is exploring new opportunities after taking time to travel and recover. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a sporting routine post-retirement and acknowledged the lasting impact football has had on his character.

When asked about his favorite teams and players, Zrihan expressed loyalty to Be'er Sheva and admiration for players like Maor Melikson and Tony Wakama. He also discussed his football idols growing up, including Arjen Robben and Lionel Messi, and shared his views on the sport’s greatest talents. Zrihan concluded by addressing his reputation as a confident player, clarifying that his strong presence was often misunderstood as problematic behavior.