Liel Abada Bio
Liel Abada is an Israeli professional footballer who plays as a winger or a forward for Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC and the Israel national team. Born on October 3, 2001, in Petah Tikva, Israel, he began his professional career with hometown club Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2019 before moving to Celtic in 2021, where he became one of the most productive young attackers in the Scottish Premiership. After three seasons in Scotland, Abada transferred to Charlotte FC in March 2024 and continues to represent Israel at senior international level.
Early Life and Background
Liel Abada was born in Petah Tikva, Israel, to a family of Mizrahi Jewish descent. He grew up in a footballing household, and his younger brother Orel Abada is also a footballer who plays for Hapoel Ra’anana. From a young age, Abada was identified as a promising talent by Maccabi Petah Tikva, where his first manager took him and his father Ronen to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah in Barcelona when he was 13 years old.
Abada is observant and does not play football on the Jewish high holiday of Yom Kippur, a practice he has maintained throughout his professional career. His upbringing in Petah Tikva, a city with a strong football tradition, gave him early exposure to competitive matches and helped shape his development as a forward.
Path to Soccer
Abada rose through the youth ranks at Maccabi Petah Tikva and signed his first professional contract with the club, making his senior debut in the Israel State Cup on August 22, 2019, against Hakoah Amidar Ramat Gan. He scored his first senior Liga Leumit goal on September 9, 2019, against Bnei Sakhnin, and his first Israeli Premier League goal came on August 30, 2020, in an away victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
His performances in Israel attracted attention from European clubs, and on July 14, 2021, Scottish Premiership side Celtic announced the signing of Abada on a five-year contract for a reported fee of £3.6 million. The move marked a significant step up in competition and provided Abada with a platform to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
Liel Abada Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Abada spent two seasons with Maccabi Petah Tikva, establishing himself as a dynamic young attacker in Israeli football. He contributed goals in both the State Cup and league competitions, helping the club during his developmental years. His progress at domestic level earned him recognition from the Israel under-21 setup, where he has played since 2020.
The winger’s form in Israel led to interest from abroad, and his move to Celtic in the summer of 2021 represented a major opportunity. Abada arrived at Celtic Park as a highly regarded prospect and quickly adapted to the demands of senior European football.
Celtic Breakthrough (2021–2024)
Abada made an immediate impact at Celtic, scoring on his debut in the first leg of a Champions League second qualifying round match against Danish side Midtjylland on July 20, 2021. In his third Scottish Premiership appearance, he netted Celtic’s first two league goals of the season in a 6–0 home victory over St. Mirren on August 21, 2021. He continued his strong form by scoring the winning goal against Hungarian side Ferencváros in a Europa League group stage match on November 4, 2021, and bagged a brace against St. Johnstone on December 26, 2021. His performances during the 2021–22 campaign earned him the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.
The 2022–23 season proved even more prolific for Abada. On August 28, 2022, he scored a hat-trick and added an assist in a 9–0 away win over Dundee United, and on September 3, 2022, he scored both the first and third goals in a 4–0 Old Firm derby victory over Rangers. He made his UEFA Champions League group stage debut on September 6, 2022, against Real Madrid, and later scored a brace in a League Cup quarter-final win over Motherwell. In January 2023, UEFA.com featured Abada in its official 40-man list of the best young players in European football.
Abada signed a new four-year contract with Celtic on September 1, 2023. His later time at the club was affected by the conflict in Gaza and related fan displays, leading him to meet with Celtic senior management. After returning from injury in December 2023, manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledged the challenges Abada faced and later confirmed he could leave the club. On March 8, 2024, Abada departed Celtic for a reported fee of £10 million.
Charlotte FC Era (2024–Present)
On March 8, 2024, Liel Abada moved to Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC, embarking on a new chapter in his career in the United States. The transfer provided him with a fresh start and an opportunity to compete in a different footballing environment. His arrival was viewed as a significant addition to Charlotte’s attacking options.
Abada is under contract with Charlotte FC through 2028, giving him long-term stability at the club. He continues to develop his game in MLS while maintaining his place in the Israel national team setup.
Driving Style and Strengths
Abada is known for his versatility, capable of playing as a winger or a forward, and for his strong finishing ability in front of goal. He has demonstrated composure in big matches, including derbies and European competition, and combines direct attacking play with intelligent movement off the ball.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Abada’s signature moments are his debut goal for Celtic in Champions League qualifying, his hat-trick against Dundee United, and his brace in a 4–0 Old Firm win over Rangers. His selection to UEFA.com’s 40-man list of top young talents in January 2023 highlighted his standing among Europe’s rising stars.
Liel Abada Career Wins
During his time at Celtic, Liel Abada was part of a dominant side that consistently competed for major honours in Scottish football. His individual accolades included the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award for the 2021–22 season, reflecting his impact as one of the league’s most promising young players.
Celtic Highlights
Abada’s Celtic career featured several standout performances, including hat-tricks, braces in Old Firm derbies, and crucial goals in European competition. His first Celtic goal came on debut in Champions League qualifying, and he continued to deliver important contributions throughout his three seasons at the club. He signed a new contract in September 2023 before eventually departing for Charlotte FC in March 2024.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining Celtic, Abada contributed goals and assists for Maccabi Petah Tikva in both the Israeli Premier League and cup competitions, helping establish his reputation as a rising talent in Israeli football. His performances earned him a place in the Israel under-21 side from 2020 and a senior international debut in 2021.
Liel Abada Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Liel Abada comes from a family of Mizrahi Jewish descent and was raised in Petah Tikva, Israel. His father, Ronen Abada, accompanied him to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah in Barcelona with his first manager at Maccabi Petah Tikva when he was 13 years old. His younger brother Orel Abada is also a professional footballer, currently playing for Hapoel Ra’anana.
Personal Life
Abada has been in a relationship with Israeli partner Bar Rashti since 2020, with the exception of a brief three-month separation in 2022. He is observant in his Jewish faith and does not play football on Yom Kippur.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Liel Abada is expected to continue his role with Charlotte FC as he adapts fully to Major League Soccer. His contract with the club runs through 2028, providing stability and an opportunity to establish himself as a key attacking figure in the league.
On the international stage, Abada remains a part of the Israel national team setup after scoring his first senior goal against Iceland in a UEFA Nations League match on June 2, 2022. He was also selected for Israel’s squad at the 2024 Summer Olympics men’s football tournament, underlining his continued importance to the national program.
With his blend of pace, finishing, and experience in European and domestic competition, Abada is well positioned to make a meaningful contribution for both Charlotte FC and Israel throughout 2025.