History in short

To try and sum up Yosef “Yosele” Merimovich’s life story in two paragraphs would be impossible, but we can attempt to take a look back at the beginning of his career. Yosele was born on July 24, 1924 in Cyprus and he can thank his brother Menachem, one of Maccabi’s first players for his introduction to football along with his connection to the Maccabi Association. Merimovich began his career as a Maccabi player at the age of 18 and played until 1958 with the Club. His best season with the Yellow & Blue was in 1949/50 when Merimovich won the league scoring title with 25 goals, including one in the Derby against Hapoel which helped Maccabi to the title in that campaign.

Merimovich had the privilege of playing his whole career with Maccabi Tel Aviv and he was also the one who recommended changing the Maccabi colors from Blue & White to Yellow & Blue in order to stand in unity with the Jews of Europe during the Holocaust. The change of colors is an everlasting memorial to those who perished and will always represent the unique relationship Maccabi will have with Jews worldwide.

Career Highlights and awards

Championships (7): 1941/42, 1946/47, 1949/50, 1951/52, 1953/54, 1955/56, 1957/58
State Cups (6): 1940/41, 1945/46, 1946/47, 1953/54, 1954/55, 1957/58
Goal Scoring Title: 1949/50

Top Moment

Just like everything else in his life, Merimovich’s debut was not a typical day at the office. After going through the Association as a youngster, Yosele began his way in the Maccabi Tel Aviv youth department and attended a first team match against Shatt Al-Arab. Egon Pollack the Head Coach at the time was missing several players and called on Merimovich who was sitting in the stands to join the team on the pitch and what would you know, he would score two goals. This fantastic beginning would pave the way for his colorful career at Maccabi.