Maccabi continued its preparations for the 2026/27 campaign at the Training complex of the Serbian FA at Stara Pazova outside Belgrade. Kenny Miller’s charges played their first of three pre-season matches and beat Armenian side that finished fourth in their domestic table last season. Dor Peretz that finished last season with the league’s top goal scorer award, continued where he left off as the 31-year-old Maccabi captain scored the winner in the 71st after a Shahar Rosen assist.

Both clubs previously met during the 2021/22 Europa Conference League group stage, when Maccabi recorded a 4-1 victory before drawing the reverse fixture 1-1.

First Half

Saied Abu Farchi who started upfront could have opened the score four minutes from the start, but an Alashkert defender managed to clear Ilay Ben Simon’s cross.

In the 20th minute Abu Farchi was brought down by a defender just outside the box only for Ido Shahar’s free kick to be blocked by the Armenian’s wall. Three minutes later, the extremely hot weather conditions rather than a commercial ‘hydration break’ saw the referee send both sets of players for a water break. When play was resumed Maccabi continued to look dangerous going forward as a minute after the half hour mark Lotem Asres and Kristijan Belic exchanged passes, but the Serbian midfielder sent his shot wide of the target.

Alashkert’s best chance came in the 42nd minute but Ofek Melika charged out of his goal and pulled a spectacular save to keep his goal sealed.

A minute later a Maccabi counterattack down the right saw Sagiv Jehezkel whip in a cross for Abu Farchi whose header sailed wide.

Miller made nine changes after the interval sharing the minutes between the entire squad with only Asres and Ben Simon remaining on the pitch for the second period.

Two minutes after the restart, Osher Davida charged down the right and slipped the ball in for Peretz whose effort was saved by the keeper.

Ben Simon, this time in a more central role carved Alashkert’s defense open with a perfect through ball to Davida but once again the keeper produced a fine save. Orel Baye, who caused Alashkert’s defense all sorts of trouble down the left teed up Asres on 57 but his effort was blocked.

Maccabi continued to threaten as a Baye telling cross on 62 was headed by Peretz from the goalmouth against the post.

In the 71st minute the deadlock was finally broken and Peretz got his goal. Shahar Rosen was given the time and space down the left before squaring for Peretz who drilled in his shot and reward Maccabi for their efforts.

Peretz could have doubled his tally on 77 as he was played through by Davida but once again the keeper managed to save his attempt of a chip.

In the 86th minute Davida came close himself only for his curled left foot shot to narrowy clear the crossbar.

Maccabi Tel Aviv: Maccabi Tel Aviv: Ofek Melika (Roi Mishpati 46), Sagiv Jehezkel (Noam Ben Harosh 46), Ali Camara (Tyrese Asante 46), Raz Shlomo (Itay Ben Hamo 46), Noam Schwartz (Shahar Rosen 46), Kristijan Belic (Itamar Noy 46), Ido Shahar (Dor Peretz 46), Lotem Asres (Issouf Sissokho 67), Anis Porat Ayash (Osher Davida 46), Ilay Ben Simon (Porat Ayash 80), Said Abu Farchi (Orel Baye 46).

After beginning pre-season training last week, Maccabi have now moved into the next stage of their preparations. After a morning session on Sunday, the squad departed in the evening for pre-season training camp, in Stara Pazova, Serbia.

During the camp, which runs until July 7th, Maccabi will play a number of friendly matches before returning to Israel to prepare for their first official fixture of the season, the Super Cup away to Hapoel Be’ersheva on July 16th followed by the start of the Europa League qualifying campaign later in the month.

Before departure, Elad Madmon said: “Starting a new season with Maccabi Tel Aviv is always exciting. We’ve been working hard and we’ve come into this season with new goals.” The 22-year-old forward added: “You can already see from the opening training sessions that our squad is very united. We really enjoy being together, we’re enjoying ourselves on the pitch, and above all we’re working hard together and constantly lifting each other up. Right now, our goal is to make the most of this training camp so we can go into our matches as well-prepared and as ready as possible. From there, we’ll kick off the season.”

Speaking about working under Kenny Miller, who continues as Maccabi’s Head Coach, Madmon added: “Everyone likes him. He knows how to encourage his players and bring out the best in them. He already knows us from last season, and I believe he’ll be able to motivate everyone and help each of us become the best version of ourselves”

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC is delighted to announce that club captain Dor Peretz has signed a new 3-year-contract with an option to extend by two more seasons, extending his stay by 3 more seasons with the club he has called home for more than 15 years.

A product of Maccabi’s Youth Academy, Peretz joined the club in 2010 at the age of 15 and progressed through the ranks before making his senior debut in 2013. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most influential and successful players in the club’s history.

Over 11 seasons with the senior side, Peretz, who signed a contract at least until the end of the 2028/29 season, has made 438 appearances in all competitions, scoring 85 goals from midfield while consistently leading by example both on and off the pitch.

Peretz also holds a unique place in the club’s European history. His 87 appearances in UEFA competitions are the most by any Maccabi Tel Aviv player, while his 16 European goals rank him amongst the club’s most prolific performers on the continental stage.

Last season, Peretz enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career, winning the Israeli top-flight Top Goalscorer award after scoring 19 league goals and 22 goals in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.

Peretz’s contribution to the success of Maccabi has been reflected in an outstanding trophy haul of 17 major honours: 5 league championships (14/15, 18/19, 19/20, 23/24 and 24/25), 3 State Cups (14/15, 20/21 and 25/26), 6 Toto Cups (14/15, 17/18, 18/19, 20/21, 23/24 and 24/25) and 3 Super Cups (19/20, 20/21 and 24/25).

At international level, Peretz represented Israel with distinction, scoring 9 goals in 55 appearances for the senior national team, while also adding 4 goals in 38 appearances for Israel’s young national teams from U16 through to U21 level.

Everyone at Maccabi Tel Aviv wishes Dor continued success and looks forward to many more memorable moments together.

Created especially for this milestone year, the new collection is centred around a unique anniversary logo developed to commemorate the celebrations. The logo will accompany the Club throughout the season as part of a wide range of activities and events marking this historic milestone.

The 2026/27 season adds a new chapter to a journey that began in 1906. Over the past 120 years, Maccabi has become one of Israel’s most successful and iconic sports clubs, creating countless unforgettable moments, winning numerous titles and forging a deep connection with generations of players and supporters in Israel and around the world.

The new kits were developed through close collaboration between Maccabi and PUMA’s design teams, combining elements inspired by the Club’s heritage with the international brand’s advanced performance technologies. The result is a collection that connects Maccabi’s traditions, values and achievements with world-class standards of quality, comfort and innovation.

The partnership with PUMA continues to enable the Club to deliver unique collections and match kits that not only accompany the team on the pitch, but also tell the story of Maccabi through the designs, colours and symbols that have defined the Club throughout its history. The 120th Anniversary Collection includes the classic Maccabi Yellow home kit and an away kit in shades of Blue, preserving the Club’s Yellow-and-Blue identity in a special one-season-only design.

The new kits are now available for purchase through the Club’s official online store and at the flagship store at Bloomfield Stadium. Fans can also find the new 2026/27 training range available in stores.

The 120th anniversary season begins with a new logo, a new kit collection and many reasons for excitement. Behind us stand 120 years of history, tradition and achievement; ahead lies a future filled with new challenges, new ambitions and new opportunities to add to the Club’s remarkable legacy.

Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Jack Angelidis said: “The 120th anniversary season is a landmark moment in the history of Maccabi Tel Aviv and a proud occasion for everyone connected to our Club. The commemorative logo and the 120th Anniversary Collection celebrate 120 years of heritage, success and tradition, while reflecting the ambition, innovation and pursuit of excellence that continue to drive us forward. Together with PUMA, we have created a collection that honours our past, celebrates our present and looks confidently towards the future. It is a fitting tribute to the generations of players, staff and fans who have shaped our history, while strengthening the bond between the Club and Maccabi fans in Israel and around the world.”

Yossi Irani, co-owner of PUMA Israel, added: “Maccabi Tel Aviv is an integral part of Israeli sport and we are proud to be part of the Club’s 120th anniversary celebrations. Throughout the design process, it was important for us to create a collection with genuine meaning for fans  -one that connects Maccabi’s rich tradition with contemporary design, innovation and performance technology.”

 

Itay Zafrani will join Hapoel Haifa after an agreement was reached between the two clubs on a loan deal of the 19-year-old forward until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Zafrani, who joined Maccabi’s Youth Academy at the age of 16 featured prominently for Maccabi’s U19’s youth team scoring 45 goals in 62 appearances in all competitions. In the 2025/26 campaign, Zafrani scored 31 goals in 32 appearances playing an important role in the team winning the youth championship.

At international level, Zafrani represented Israel’s U17 and U16 national sides scoring 3 goals in 9 international appearances.

Good luck Itay.

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenny Miller as the Club’s Head Coach for the 2026/27 season, with an option to extend his contract by a further season.

Kenny Miller joined Maccabi in January 2026 as part of the Club’s coaching staff and was appointed Interim Head Coach during the Playoffs. Under the guidance of the 46-year-old Scot, Maccabi demonstrated character, determination, and resilience, culminating in victory in the State Cup Final and securing silverware for the Club.

Club owner Mitch Goldhar said: “Since joining Maccabi in January, Kenny has earned the respect of all of us with his professionalism, work ethic and understanding of the standards, values and ambitions expected at Maccabi Tel Aviv.” 

Sporting Director, Steven Vanharen said: “The appointment of Kenny aligns with the direction and goals set out for the coming seasons, including key elements such as a high-performance mindset, adaptability and playing style.”

Kenny Miller said: “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Head Coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv. From the moment I arrived at the Club, I felt the passion, ambition and expectations that make Maccabi such a special place. I am grateful for the trust shown in me by Mitch Goldhar, Jack Angelides, Steven Vanharen and everyone at the Club, and I am excited to continue working with the players and staff as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”

Miller will be joined by Goalkeeping Coach Dean Kiely, Assistant Coach Stuart Taylor and Avi Rikan as part of the coaching staff for the upcoming season.

While Dean Kiely and Avi Rikan will continue in their roles for another season, Stuart Taylor arrives at Maccabi with extensive coaching experience across Scotland, England and Ireland, alongside a solid background in professional football. The 51-year-old Scot enjoyed a playing career as a midfielder, making over 200 professional appearances for clubs including St Mirren, Airdrieonians, Partick Thistle, St Johnstone, Ross County and Hamilton Academical, as well as a spell in Ireland with Drogheda United. Following his retirement, Taylor moved into coaching, holding roles at Hamilton Academical, Aston Villa (U23 Head Coach), Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City, Ipswich Town and Dundee, alongside managerial spells with Limerick and Hamilton Academical.

The Club wishes Kenny, Dean, Stuart and Avi every success as they begin preparations for the 2026/27 season.

Ginat, joined Maccabi’s Youth Academy at the age of 13 and has progressed steadily through the ranks. Over the past two seasons, Ginat featured for Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shachar’ U19s, scoring 3 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.

Afte signing his contract, Ginat, who played an important role in the team winning the youth championship told the club’s official website: “From the day I joined Maccabi at the age of 13, I had a goal and a dream and I’m happy that I’ve moved closer to achieving this by signing my first professional contract. From here, a lot of hard work awaits me so that I can progress as far as possible and reach the highest level I can.”

At international level, Ginat represented Israel’s U18, U17 and U16 national sides making a total of 16 international appearances

Helio Varela became the first ever Maccabi Tel Aviv player to score at the World Cup as the 24-year-old winger came off the bench in the 58th minute at the Hard Rock Arena in Miami and scored within 3 minutes. Varela, who was was unused substitute for Cape Verde in their opening Group H match against Spain (0-0) scored his country’s second goal ever at this stage to earn a valuable point.

The draw leaves both Cape Verde and Uruguay on two points heading into the final round of matches with Varela facing Saudi Arabia on Saturday June 27th at Houston.

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC would like to thank Ben Lederman following the completion of his permanent transfer to Wieczysta Kraków.

Ben joined Maccabi ahead of the 2025/26 season and made 19 appearances in all competitions, playing his part in helping the team win the State Cup.

Ben represented Maccabi with professionalism, commitment and dedication throughout his time at the club. His contribution on and off the pitch was greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.

Maccabi Tel Aviv would like to thank Ben for his efforts and wish him the very best of success in the next chapter of his career.

Thank you, Ben, and good luck!