There is a saying at Maccabi that says: “Maccabi is a family,” but for some of the greatest players to wear the Yellow-and-Blue shirt, that phrase is much more than a slogan – it’s a daily reality. To mark Family Day, we salute the dynasties that have shaped the club over decades.
The twins of the 1990s: Gadi and Alon Brumer
It’s hard to think of the vibrant 1990s without remembering the Brumer twins. Gadi and Alon rose through the youth ranks and became pillars of the Yellow-and-Blue defense. Together they won league titles and cups, with Gadi becoming one of the greatest center-backs in Israeli football history, while Alon added relentless fighting spirit on the flank and in midfield. Their almost telepathic understanding was their trademark, and to this day they are regarded as icons of excellence and humility.
The goalkeeping dynasty: Ofek, Yaron and Meir Melika
Here we are talking about a true dynasty. Ofek Melika, the club’s promising young goalkeeper, continues a rich family tradition. His father, Yaron Melika, stood between the posts for Maccabi in the 1990s, while his uncle, Meir Melika, was a striker who scored decisive goals. The Melika family roots at Maccabi go even deeper, back to great-grandfather Shmuel, making Ofek the fourth generation of footballers in the family.
The father and son who reached England: Avi Cohen RIP and Tamir Cohen
You can’t talk about family at Maccabi without mentioning the illustrious legacy of the late Avi Cohen and his son Tamir Cohen. Avi is considered one of the greatest defenders, and Maccabists, of all time, even making the move from Maccabi to the great Liverpool. His son Tamir also grew up at the club and became a dominant midfielder in the senior side before embarking on a career in England as well (Bolton), adding further honor to the Cohen family name in the club’s history.
Two yellow Icons: Avi and Meir Nimni
Everyone knows Avi Nimni, the legendary number 8. But younger fans may not know that the path was paved by his uncle, the late Meir Nimni. Meir was a tough and versatile player, a leader and a true team man who won league titles and cups with Maccabi in the 1970s, serving as a role model for his young nephew who broke into the senior side in the late 1980s.
Talent on the wing: Roy and David Revivo
As Roy Revivo burns down Maccabi’s left flank these days, he does so with technique reminiscent of his uncle, David Revivo, who grew up at Kiryat Shalom and was one of the most gifted passers to emerge from the club. Although David spent part of his career outside Maccabi, the family connection, and of course his father, Haim Revivo, one of the greatest of all time, always kept the Revivo name close to the yellow heart.
Decisive goals: Miki and Yonatan Cohen
Another dynasty is the Cohen family. The father, Miki Cohen, was an energetic midfielder and loyal homegrown player in the 1980s, part of major moments in the club’s history, including scoring a decisive goal in the 1988 State Cup final against Hapoel Tel Aviv. Years later, his son Yonatan Cohen became one of the key players of the club’s modern era. Yonatan played a significant role in league title triumphs with spectacular goals and assists, and like his father, he also scored in a derby State Cup final, in the 2020/21 season.
Yellow cult heroes: The Nahman twins
Another pair of twins who generated plenty of interest in the youth department and senior squad in the 1990s were Guy and Ron Nahman. The two, who grew up at the club, were part of extended squads during periods of yellow success and remain remembered as one of the more recognizable sibling duos in Maccabi culture.
