Rising Israeli soccer star puts homeland first, turns down multi-million-dollar UAE Pro League offer

In an offer that would have been unthinkable for any Israeli player before the Abraham Accords just a few years ago, a club in the Emirati Pro League presented rising soccer star Tay Abed with a multi-million-dollar deal and a fast track to stardom. The price, however, was one he was unwilling to pay: relinquishing his eligibility to play for Israel.

“I am Israeli first, so no amount of money – and in this case, it was crates of money – can ever buy me,” said Abed, who recently detailed the lavish offer from UAE Pro League club Al Jazira in an interview with Ynet News. It included a multi-million euro salary, plus €70,000 for every point, with the condition that he represent the Emirati national team. “I refused to give up on the Israeli national team. My country is my pride, and representing it is the greatest thing, especially at this time. No one will take away my dream – to lead my homeland to a major tournament.” 

At just 21 years old, Abed has advanced through prominent youth systems while representing Israel at the national level. He began at Maccabi Tel Aviv academy before moving to Hapoel Tel Aviv. At 17, he signed a three-year contract with PSV Eindhoven’s youth program, where his strong performances earned him a promotion to Jong PSV, the club’s reserve team that competes in the Netherlands’ second-tier professional division.

After turning down the offer from Al Jazira, Abed still had to decide between others he received from the Netherlands and Spain. He ultimately signed with Levante, joining Spain’s top league in one of the most high-profile transfers by an Israeli soccer player in recent years. “I am a believer in God,” he said, “everything comes from above. I’m very happy, at the age of 21, I fulfilled my dream of reaching the Spanish league. And I'll tell you, I'm not satisfied with that: I don't want to stop here.” 

Abed also credited his achievements to his father, Yaakov "Kobi" Abed, a prominent restaurateur in Israel and real estate figure in the UAE. Reflecting on his father’s influence, he said, “Just talking about my dad makes me tear up, he moves me. I’ve admired him since I was a child. For five years, he hasn’t slept because he wants the best for me. He’s a role model, and that’s exactly how I want to be for my own child. I want to say a huge thank you to him.”

Abed underscored that faith, family and Israeli pride continue to shape his ambitions as he begins a new chapter in Spain with Levante and seeks to make his mark with the Israeli national team.