Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Defender Alexander Polukarov Undergoes Partial Leg Amputation at 66

Alexander Polukarov, the former defender known for his successful football career with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the early 1990s, has undergone a partial amputation of his leg at age 66. The exact medical reasons behind the procedure have not been disclosed, but the news has shocked the Russian football community. Anton Smirnov, a sports lawyer, announced the development on his Telegram channel, expressing sorrow and wishing Polukarov strength and health.

Polukarov is remembered fondly by Israeli football fans, having joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in 1991 and contributing significantly to the club's golden era. During his time there, he helped secure the Israeli Premier League title in the 1991/1992 season, the State Cup in 1993/1994, and the Toto Cup in 1992/1993. After leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv, he continued playing in Israel with Maccabi Herzliya, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Maccabi Ironi Ashdod, achieving promotion to the Premier League with the latter.

In Russia, Polukarov is regarded as a legend of Torpedo Moscow, where he played 319 matches, ranking third in club appearances, and scored 21 goals. He won the Soviet Cup in 1986, made 23 European competition appearances, and was twice named among the top 33 players in the Soviet Union (1990 and 1991). After returning to Russia and retiring from active play, he transitioned to coaching, including a stint as assistant and interim head coach at FC Moscow in 2010. Since 2011, he has been coaching youth teams at Torpedo Moscow, his original club.

The football community in both Israel and Russia mourns this difficult development in Polukarov’s life, hoping for his recovery and well-being.