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

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

Polukarov was a key player in Maccabi Tel Aviv's golden era, joining the club in 1991 and contributing to winning the Israeli league championship in the 1991/1992 season, the State Cup in 1993/1994, and the Toto Cup in 1992/1993. After leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv, he remained in Israel, playing for Maccabi Herzliya, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Maccabi Ironi Ashdod, helping the latter achieve promotion to the Israeli Premier League.

In Russia, Polukarov is regarded as a legend of Torpedo Moscow, where he played 319 matches from 1980 and scored 21 goals, ranking third in club appearances. He won the Soviet Cup in 1986, appeared 23 times in European competitions, and was twice named among the top 33 Soviet players in 1990 and 1991. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, including a stint as assistant and interim head coach at FC Moscow in 2010, and since 2011 has been coaching youth teams at Torpedo Moscow, his original club.

The football community in both Israel and Russia mourns the difficult health setback of a player who left a lasting legacy in both countries.