The 2025/26 season of Hapoel Tel Aviv’s women’s team gets underway tomorrow (Thursday) with an away match in Be’er Sheva: “We’ve worked hard ahead of the season opener – this journey will require us to be even better”.
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s women’s team will officially begin its National League campaign tomorrow (Thursday), facing Hapoel Be’er Sheva at Reisser 3 Stadium in Be’er Sheva (kickoff at 19:30).
After one season in the Premier League, the team returns to the second division, with a clear goal for this year: earning promotion back to the Premier League. The road won’t be easy, but over the summer a new squad was built – one that we believe can achieve that target.
The team is coached by Ofer Ben Ze’ev, who was appointed last January and continues for another season. “We’ve worked hard for this moment. We’re at the beginning of a long journey that will demand improvement from all of us,” said Ben Ze’ev. “I believe in the players and in the staff, and I’m confident we’ll meet our goals”.
The captain’s armband this season will be worn by Ana Cheminava from Georgia, who also captains her national team. Anna, an attacking player who joined Hapoel at the start of last season, suffered a serious injury – a torn ACL – after just a few matches. She completed her rehabilitation within the club and is now fully fit and ready for the challenge ahead.
“We’ve worked hard for two months to be ready for this moment”, Ana shared. “I’m really excited, and so are the rest of the players. We’re looking forward to tomorrow, and I believe we’ll give our best performance and come back home with three points”.
From last season’s squad, several key players continue: Israel national team forward Eden Avital, defender Shai Perl, goalkeeper Agam Haviv, and midfielder Zohar Cohen.
They are joined by Brazilian defender Thayna Marins, as well as Hadas Prawer and Noa Levi, both returning for a second spell at the club, Moran Heyman, and young talents Shira Feniger, Shoval Kedoshim, Miya De Russo, Eliya Sharara, and Roni Ohana.
The National League this season includes ten teams, each playing the others twice (two rounds). After that, the league splits into playoffs - four teams in the upper group and six in the lower – where each team again plays the others twice. The top two teams at the end of the playoffs will be promoted to the Premier League.
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s home matches will be hosted at Hodorov Complex, and we hope to see as many of our red fans as possible throughout the season – cheering and pushing the team forward from the stands!
Two Years Since the Outbreak of the Devastating War: The Hapoel Family Mourns and Remembers
Today we mark two years since the brutal terror attack and the painful war that claimed the lives of thousands of Israelis — among them dozens of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans.
From that cursed day, the Hapoel Tel Aviv community lost many of its own: families slaughtered in the Gaza border kibbutzim, young people who came to celebrate life at the Nova festival, and members of the security forces who fought bravely within Israel and beyond its borders.
Hapoel Tel Aviv was a meaningful part of each of their lives — and we are committed to preserving and honoring their memory.
Over the past two years, we have continued to embrace the bereaved families who lost their entire world, to extend help and support to all those wounded in body and soul, and to maintain the strength and resilience of our beloved community.
Our prayer is for the war to end without further loss of life, for the swift return of all hostages home, and for days of peace and quiet.
We will remember them all, we will love them all —
and you will never walk alone.
Together, forever.
The two clubs held a joint ceremony attended by the families of fans from both teams who were murdered on October 7: “We will continue to commemorate and remember forever״
Before the kickoff of last night’s match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, the two clubs held a ceremony marking two years since the outbreak of the war. Players and referees took to the pitch wearing shirts honoring the 48 hostages still held captive.
Joining them on the field were the families of Hapoel Be’er Sheva fans Shahar Kriaf, murdered on Zikim Beach, and Amit Cohen, murdered at the Nova festival - alongside the families of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans who were murdered in the horrific massacre and whose bodies remain in Gaza: Meni Godard from Be’eri and Lior Rodaif from Nir Yitzhak.
“We will continue to commemorate all those who were murdered and express gratitude to all the heroes who saved, were injured, and fought for us. We conclude with a call and prayer for the release of the hostages - amen,” the stadium announcer concluded.
The club marked the start of the new year with a festive gathering. Edmond Safra sent his greetings: “I wish for us all to continue the work that brings pride to our fans”
On Wednesday evening, a holiday toast was held at Bloomfield Stadium with the participation of players from both the men’s and women’s teams, the coaching staff, club management, and business partners.
Club owner Edmond Safra greeted those present in a video call: “I want to wish everyone – the players, coaches, medical staff, employees, management, business partners, and of course our dear fans – a Happy New Year. I hope we continue the important work that brings pride and joy to our supporters. My family and I are proud to be part of the red family. We long for quieter days and, of course, the return of all the hostages”.
Club CEO Guy Primor added: “There’s something special about Rosh Hashanah that makes us reflect on the past year while looking ahead to the next one. Many good things have happened here, and it’s important we keep building on them. For us, today’s Hapoel Tel Aviv strives to be competitive, community-driven, and innovative. That responsibility is with us every step we take. We work hard to be the best in what we do while remembering we’re part of a large community that looks to us every day. It’s a big responsibility, but we’re here for it, and we won’t stop. I want to thank everyone here for all you do for the club. Wishing for the safe return of the hostages and the wellbeing of the IDF soldiers – Shana Tova”.
Head coach Elyaniv Barda said: “As we begin the new year, I wish for us to break records and achieve things that will make our fans proud. Thank you all for your contributions to the club, each in your own way. Let’s pray for the hostages’ return and the success of our soldiers. Wishing us all a successful year”.
Team captain Fernand Mayembo: “This is my first year at the club, but I already feel its power and the strength of the community around it. We’ll do everything to keep bringing joy to everyone, just like we did in the last match. Shana Tova – I wish only the best for everyone, and may all the hostages return home soon. Amen!”.
Women’s team Player Ana Cheminova: “All of us in the women’s division are excited to take part in this evening and, overall, to be part of the club. We’ll give our best this season to return to where Hapoel Tel Aviv’s women’s team belongs – the Premier League. We’re confident the club will continue to support us and women’s football as it does today. Shana Tova – may we be the head and not the tail”.
Noam Idan Ben Ezra, sister of late fan Tzachi Idan z”l – murdered in Hamas captivity and recently brought to burial in Israel – presented CEO Guy Primor with the red “Bring Them Home” emblem. She told those present: “My heart, and my family’s heart, is broken – and every day it breaks a little more. But what happened here on Monday gave me joy, and that is not easy these days. For that, I say thank you. This club has become even dearer to me since October 7. Despair is not an option – we’re on a long journey to bring the hostages home. There are still 47 hostages in Gaza who must be returned – without them, our hearts cannot move on. Shana Tova, thank you all very much”.
We thank our partners, Biscotti and Kansai, for the refreshments, and the staff of Bloomfield Stadium for their warm hospitality, as always.
Shana Tova Hapoel!
The club has been honored with the President’s Award in Sports: “Stood out through its deep emotional connection with the community during the war”
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv Football Club received the President of Israel’s Award for excellence in social and community work in the 2024/25 season.
At the ceremony held at the President’s Residence, in the presence of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac (Bougie) Herzog, his wife Michal, and Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar, the award was accepted by club CEO Guy Primor, Head of Community Relations Ortal Butbika, and first-team player Dor Benyamini.
The awarding committee noted: “The club stood out through its deep emotional connection with the community during the war, leading significant initiatives including ‘Equals in Sport’ for the inclusion of people with disabilities and support for survivors of the Nova festival. The club also engaged in commemorative activities alongside ongoing support for families and fans”.
Much more than football!
Photo: Values in Sports Association
Hapoel Tel Aviv Football Club and Hapoel Ramat Gan Football Club have reached an agreement on the transfer of midfielder Mor Buskila
We would like to thank the Mayor of Giv’atayim, Mr. Ran Kunik, for his assistance in helping the two clubs reach an understanding and resolve the differences.
Buskila will return to training with his teammates tomorrow (Sunday), will be available to coach Eliniv Barda starting from the upcoming match, and will wear the number 27 jersey in the team’s games.
Good luck, Mor!
Portuguese forward Xande Silva has joined Hapoel Tel Aviv from MLS side St. Louis City: “Visiting Bloomfield was an emotional moment for me – it’s a great honor to represent this club״
Silva, 28, arrived in Israel last night, successfully completed his medicals, and signed his contract. He will wear the number 10 shirt.
A versatile attacker who plays on both wings and as a second striker, Silva came through the youth academies of Sporting Lisbon and Vitória Guimarães, where he also made his senior debut. He has 50 appearances for Portugal’s youth national teams, scoring 15 goals.
In the summer of 2018/19, Silva was signed by West Ham United, featuring mainly for the club’s reserves. He later moved to Aris Thessaloniki, making 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Afterward, he joined French side Dijon, where he recorded six goals and three assists in 33 matches.
In 2023, Atlanta United purchased Silva from Dijon for €3.5 million. During his time in MLS, he played 47 matches, netting seven goals and adding four assists.
Following his signing, Silva said: “I’m very happy and excited to be here. Visiting Bloomfield today was a very emotional experience, and it’s a huge honor for me to represent this club. I hope we can start the season in the best possible way on Saturday. Yalla Hapoel!”
Welcome, Xande!
The Brazilian center-back has joined on loan from Recife, with an option to purchase at the end of the season: “The club’s history and its wonderful fans make joining Hapoel a great honor for״
Chico Alves has signed with the club for one season on loan from Brazilian side Recife, with an option to buy at the end of the term. The defender landed in Israel early this morning, completed his medical examinations, and took part in his first training session in red. Chico will wear shirt number 4.
The 26-year-old, standing 1.88 meters tall, has spent most of his career at Sport Recife in his native Brazil, apart from a loan spell at Grêmio Novorizontino.
Last season, he made 28 appearances in all competitions for Recife, who play in Brazil’s top division, 24 of them as a starter.
After signing, Chico said: “I’m excited to join Hapoel and grateful for the warm welcome. The club’s history, combined with its wonderful fans, makes this a true honor for me. With hard work and commitment, I believe we can achieve great things together. Yalla Hapoel!”
Good luck, Chico!
Today (Thursday), following the team’s training session, an emotional ceremony was held at the Hodorov training complex in memory of Hezi Yaakobi – a devoted fan who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest during a match last season.
Yaakobi family, generously donated and installed a defibrillator at the training facility to be used by the club in case of emergency.
In recent months, the family launched a fundraising campaign to honor Hezi’s memory in a meaningful way – and successfully reached their goal, thanks in large part to the warm embrace and support of Hapoel fans.
Sharon Yaakobi, Hezi’s widow, gave a short demonstration to the players and coaching staff on how to use the device – aiming to raise awareness and potentially save lives.
Club CEO Guy Primor, team manager Salim Tuama, and club captain Fernand Mayembo presented the family with a special gift on behalf of the club – as a token of appreciation for their moving and important gesture.
Forever remembering Hezi | Together, always ♾️❤️
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s main sponsor, IBI Investment House, is strengthening its partnership with the club: Open a self-managed trading account with IBI Smart and receive a season ticket for Hapoel Tel Aviv Football Club.
The investment house will purchase up to 500 new season tickets - in a record-breaking year for ticket sales.
IBI Investment House, the main sponsor of Hapoel Tel Aviv Football Club, is deepening its collaboration with the team and, for the first time, launching a unique offer for football and investment enthusiasts: Open a new trading account via the IBI Smart app and receive a season ticket for all of Hapoel Tel Aviv’s home matches in the 2025/26 season. As part of the initiative, IBI will purchase up to 500 new season tickets from the club for new customers - in a season that has already set an all-time record of 12,000 season ticket holders.
Dave Lubetzky, CEO of IBI Investment House, said: ״With this step, IBI is expanding its cooperation with the team beyond sponsorship, increasing its support for Hapoel in a way that benefits all parties and strengthens Israeli sports. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for the club’s season ticket sales״.
