Maccabi Tel Aviv FC are today deeply saddened by the death of Haim Levin one of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s and Israel’s history. Levin was Maccabi’s goalkeeper for nine seasons during the 60’s and was regarded as one of the best in Israel’s footballing history.
After short spells at Hapoel Petah Tikva, Hapoel Hadera, Hapoel Kfar Sava and Maccabi Haifa, Levin, joined Maccabi in the summer of 1960.
Levin faced a battle to fill the gloves of another former legend, Avraham Bendori, but in his third season at the club made the number jersey his own.
In the 1963/64 season, Levin won his first title at Maccabi winning the State Cup after a victory in the replayed final against Hapoel Haifa. The following season, Levin helped Maccabi win the State Cup once again with a fine display in the 2-1 victory over Bnei Yehuda. Levin added another Cup to his trophy cabinet in the 1966/67 season before playing his part in Maccabi’s 11th championship in the club’s history.
In 1969, Levin kept a clean sheet for 120 minutes against South Korean side Yangzee FC in the Final of the Asian Champion Club Tournament which was held in Bangkok, Thailand. Dror Bar Nur’s winning goal helped Maccabi and Levin win a first international trophy.
Internationally, Levin, won 22 caps for Israel and was the first-choice goalkeeper during the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico.
