2010: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1:0 Olympiacos (Europa League Qualifiers)
Barak Itzhaki may not have scored or assisted on the goal in this match but everyone who was at Bloomfield that night will remember the magical moments that the player wearing the #9 shirt had. We’re not sure if the Olympiacos players knew who he was before the match but the central defenders definitely knew after the Europa League qualifier who he was as Itzhaki left them in circles. He was in his prime, sharp and focused. Time after time he easily made his way by the opposing players with his dribble and his attacks which were worthy of Europe’s top levels. The play below is just an example of what Itzhaki was able to do in one of the most memorable Maccabi matches in Europe.

2013: Maccabi Tel Aviv 4:2 Frankfurt (Europa League)
For the course of his career Itzhaki was considered to be a very special player as he always saved his best for those extra-special moments including this amazing European night. A Europa League Group Stage match against a top team from the German Bundesliga set the stage for a brace by the striker helping lead the Yellow & Blue to a huge victory. It began with a fantastic header, one that can only be taught in football textbooks. The cherry on top was his cold blooded chip against keeper Kevin Trapp who now plies his trade at Paris St. Germain. Take a look back:

2014: Maccabi Tel Aviv 3:1 Maccabi Haifa (Israel Premier League)
We really don’t have to write too much about this one. The clock at Bloomfield showed the 70th minute and Itzhaki scored with a brilliant bicycle kick earning its place as the nicest in his career. The truth? It was probably the most beautiful goal by a Maccabi player in the past decade. Do you want to watch it again?

2015: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1:2 Viktoria Plzen (Champions League Qualifiers)
We know, this wasn’t the best Maccabi match or the best we’ve seen from Itzhaki. But despite the defeat, the striker’s 79’ goal was critical for the Yellow & Blue as they advanced to the Champions League Group Stages. This match proved that not only did Itzhaki know how to produce great moments but also had the mental strength and know how as to what to do in those crucial minutes. With his chip, Itzhaki was able to cut the lead to 1:2 and give Maccabi a chance in the return leg in the Czech Republic. The comeback was completed in Plzen but began with Itzhaki’s late goal in Tel Aviv.

Barak Itzhaki announced his decision to end a 16-year-long playing career as he will join Maccabi Tel Aviv’s professional football department.

The 33-year-old forward, who joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2010 and suffered two serious knee injuries, scored 46 goals in all competitions. Itzhaki, who won two league Championships, a State Cup and 2 Toto Cups at the club could bow-out on his 200th appearances for Maccabi against his former club Beitar Jerusalem.

Maccabi’s CEO Ben Mansford told the Club’s official website: “After an extremely successful career as a player, Barak will be making his initial step into the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC management team by beginning work with the Club’s professional football department. I have got to know Barak reasonably well over the last few months and we are all convinced that Barak will prove a valuable addition to the Club’s management structure. Barak knows what it takes to play for Maccabi and he knows what is required for Maccabi to win titles. That type of knowledge is crucial as we prepare for next season.” 

Speaking to the Clubs’ official website, Itzhaki said: “It is a bit strange to sit here today and announce that I am ending my playing career. It is a tough and sad moment but I understand that every chapter in life comes to an end, and I think that this is the right moment. I am proud of my journey in football, having played for the two biggest clubs in Israel – Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem as well as proudly representing Israel’s national teams. My significant footballing steps were made at Beitar and Maccabi but I managed to fulfil the dreams of the little child who grew up at Hapoel Ashkelon. I have won 2 Championships and a State Cup at both Maccabi and Beitar, reached the UEFA Group stages on 5 different occasions (4 Europa League and 1 Champions League). At the same time, I suffered from quite a few injuries, two of which serious knee injuries which forced me to miss almost two seasons but toughened me up and taught me how to deal with the less pleasant side of football. This might be obvious to you but this is evidence to will power determination and a lot of support from the club and my family”.

“Announcing my retirement on the eve of our home match against Beitar Jerusalem is a symbolic moment. How symbolic that it comes close to Jordi’s departure, whose first step in Israel was to send me to play in Cyprus under Roni Levy for one season and for this I could only thank him. This is what helped win back my career as well as the faith in myself as a player and a person”.

“I would like to use the opportunity to thank my family, my parents, brothers, wife Sapir, all the coaches I played under, players I played alongside and fans who always supported me”. 

“I am going to be leaving the pitch and dressing room I enjoyed so much but I have no intention to distance myself too far – from football, from Kiryat Shalom or from Maccabi Tel Aviv”.

“As of this summer I will be joining Maccabi’s professional staff which manages the club behind the scenes – I would like to thank Mitch Goldhar, Jack Angelides and Ben Mansford for the opportunity and faith shown in me”.

“Tomorrow’s match in Netanya will be my 200^th career appearance for Maccabi Tel Aviv, and my final match as a player. On the one hand, I am ending a 16-year-long career of professional football and a the same time hope to begin a chapter which could hopefully match that”.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will host their final match of the 2017/18 season when they welcome Beitar Jerusalem to the Netanya Stadium on Matchday 35 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. Just ahead of the contest, Head Coach Jordi Cruyff addressed the media at the prematch press conference: