Ido Shahar scored his fifth league goal of the 2025/26 campaign as the diminutive midfielder’s penalty put Maccabi on course to a 2-0 victory over bottom of the table Bnei Reineh.
A graduate of Maccabi’s Youth Academy and one of the most experienced players in Maccabi’s squad at the age of 24 – is enjoying the best season of his career. On his 89th appearance for the club, Shahar, scored his seventh goal in all competitions this season and is three goals short of double figures. “We are a young team, and it’s not something to be taken for granted that we’re performing like this” he said after the match.
“I am really very happy to help the team win, as it’s a very important victory for us. It is not an easy pitch, but we did the job in the best possible way,” Shahar added. “I am trying to do my best; I feel all the confidence and support from the coach, he lets me use my strengths, which are making runs into space and scoring goals. I’m hungry, we are all hungry for victories and hungry to succeed.”
The versatile midfielder who can play in various positions across the midfield said: “My natural position is as a number 8. That is what I played throughout my youth career and with the national youth teams. I have no problem playing as a right-back, a 6, or a 10, whatever the coach asks, I’ll be happy to do so. What’s happening with me this season is exactly what I’ve been waiting and hoping for: to play, to help the team win, and to be a key part of the squad. I am really happy about that.”
On the fact that he is one of the most experienced Maccabi players in the squad, Shahar said: “We are a young team, and even last season we had a young squad, so it’s not something to take for granted that we’re competing like this, both in the league and in Europe, and you can see it compared to other teams. This is my third consecutive season at Maccabi, and I’m happy. I came up through the kids’ and youth teams and through the entire structure at Maccabi. I feel part of it, and I’m the happiest person in the world.”
