Remembering Gadi Kinda – A Star Gone Too Soon
It’s with a heavy heart that I talk about the passing of Gadi Kinda, a name that has resonated through Israeli soccer fields and touched fans far beyond. Gadi Kinda, the talented midfielder of Maccabi Haifa and former Israel National Team player, has died at just 31 years old. The news, confirmed on Tuesday, has left the entire football community mourning the untimely loss of a man who gave so much to the game and to those around him.
Kinda had been battling a complex medical condition for several weeks. His club, Maccabi Haifa, had previously issued a statement asking fans and the wider public to support him during his health battle. There was hope, there was prayer—especially after a moving video emerged showing Kinda in his hospital bed, joined by Rabbi Snir Gueta, sharing a moment of faith and strength. That image stayed with many of us, a powerful reminder of his fighting spirit.
Sadly, that hope turned into sorrow when the news of his death was made public. Maccabi Haifa expressed their deep grief in a heartfelt message, embracing his family during this time of unimaginable pain. “The Maccabi Haifa family hugs the Kinda family and prays that they will not know any more sorrow,” the club wrote.
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Gadi’s football journey began in Israel with F.C. Ashdod, before moving to Beitar Jerusalem, where his career began to flourish. In 2020, he made the leap to Major League Soccer, joining Sporting Kansas City in the U.S., where he became a fan favorite for his creativity and work ethic. During his time there, he recorded 14 goals and 16 assists in 64 matches—despite missing an entire season due to injury.
In 2024, he returned home, signing with Maccabi Haifa and immediately making an impact with two goals and seven assists before his final match in March. But his legacy wasn’t just about numbers. Gadi represented hope, resilience, and pride, especially for young players from underrepresented backgrounds. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Israel, he was a shining symbol of integration, dedication, and quiet strength.
He also had a brief but memorable international career, earning 10 caps and scoring two goals for the Israel national team. Many still remember his debut against Montenegro, where he scored a late goal—his face lighting up in celebration, his teammates surrounding him. It was a moment of pure joy, and now, a memory we’ll hold even closer.
Kinda’s passing is more than the loss of a footballer. It’s the loss of a man who carried himself with humility, who gave his all on and off the field, and who left us far too soon. The world of soccer will remember his talent, but those who knew him—or simply admired him from the stands—will remember his heart.
Rest in peace, Gadi. Your light burned bright, even if only for a short while.
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