History in Short
Eli Bitton (born January 25, 1982) went through the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department and was part of the Yellow & Blue’s success at the beginning of the Millennium celebrates 40 this week. After making his senior debut at the age of 17 in the 1998/99 season, Bitton, received the chance of a lifetime that saw him grab it with both hands and play primarily as an attacking midfielder on the right wing. His qualities on the pitch included his fast pace, quickness and ability to dribble the ball at the highest levels.
In his senior debut, Bitton scored his first goal Maccabi during the 5-0 victory over Hapoel Kfar Saba. In the same contest, Eli Drikes played his final match before retiring and also happened to be the one who assisted on young Bitton’s first goal with the First Team.
The midfielder would turn out to be one of the most important players in the Yellow & Blue line-up for years to come and won back-to-back State Cups in addition to winning the 2002/03 League Championship. In fact, he was also part of the squad that advanced to the Champions League group stages in 2004/05 playing seven years for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Over the course of that period, Bitton, was called up to the Israel National Team where he made five appearances with the Blue & White.
Before we get to one of Bitton’s greatest moments in Yellow & Blue, let’s take a look back at one of his most spectacular goals which was scored during the 2001/02 campaign against Maccabi Haifa when he put the ball right into the Green’s goal.
Honors & Awards
Championships: 2002/03
State Cups: 2000/01, 2001/02
Appearances: 203
Goals: 19
Top Moment
In 2003/04, Bitton played center stage in the Derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv that was decided by the 4th minute. The midfielder took advantage of a Hapoel Tel Aviv defensive error just 60 seconds into the contest, stole the ball and found the back of the goal. Three minutes later, Bruno Reis put the stamp on the Derby by scoring yet again for the Yellow & Blue and giving them a lead that they would never give up.
