Miki Berkovich Faces Complex Health Challenges After Illustrious Basketball Career

Miki Berkovich, aged 72 and one of Israel's greatest basketball players and a legendary figure of Maccabi Tel Aviv, has been dealing with a complex medical condition for the past two and a half years. This was reported by ynet following recent social media rumors about his health. Berkovich, who has rarely appeared in public in recent years, receives strong support from his wife Shelly Berkovich, close friends including former stars Tal Brody and Moti Aroesti, and members of Maccabi Tel Aviv. One of his last public appearances was in 2024 when he received the Israel Prize.

Born in 1954 in Kfar Saba, Berkovich joined Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth team at age 11 and debuted with the senior team at 17. He became the face of Israeli basketball, playing a key role in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s historic 1977 European Cup victory and leading the national team to a second-place finish in the 1979 European Championship. Over his career, he won 16 Israeli league titles, 13 national cups, 3 European Champions Cups, and an intercontinental cup. In 1981, he was offered a contract by the NBA’s New Jersey Nets but was unable to join due to contractual obligations with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Maccabi Tel Aviv chairman Shimon Mizrahi praised Berkovich as a true winner and exemplary athlete. He recalled seeing signs of Berkovich’s illness two years ago, despite his outward appearance remaining strong. Mizrahi also noted Berkovich’s induction into the Israeli Basketball Hall of Fame and the honor of presenting his jersey to Berkovich’s son.

Berkovich was awarded the Israel Prize in 2024 for outstanding athletes, receiving congratulations from Education Minister Yoav Kish. After retiring, Berkovich coached several teams and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017. He ranks second in all-time scoring in the Israeli Premier League and is widely regarded as Israel’s greatest basketball player. The Israel Prize committee highlighted his inspirational legacy and exemplary character as a role model for all ages. Berkovich’s family has chosen not to comment on recent reports about his health.