Deni Avdija tops list of Israel’s highest-paid athletes with over $15M
NBA contracts, European football deals and MLS transfers show Israel’s athletes going global—and getting paid.
Israel's athletes are not only competing at the highest levels but are also securing substantial contracts that reflect their prowess and marketability. Below is a list of the top 10 highest-paid Israeli athletes as of April 2025, according to Yedioth Ahronoth:
1. Deni Avdija – $15.625 million annually (2024/25 season)
At the forefront is Deni Avdija, the 24-year-old forward for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. In October 2023, Avdija inked a four-year, $55 million contract extension, averaging $13.75 million per year. His journey from Maccabi Tel Aviv to becoming a pivotal player in the NBA underscores his exceptional talent. Avdija is registering his best season to date, averaging 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.9 assist over 72 games so far this season. His play in March was especially impressive, averaging 23.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists over 13 games.
2. Manor Solomon – $3.1 million annually
Manor Solomon, a talented winger, currently plays for Leeds United of the English Championship after being loaned out by Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League. The 25-year-old midfielder has recorded seven goals and seven assists in 33 matches in the Championship in 2024/25, helping Leeds to third place in the standings at the time of writing.
3. Liel Abada – $2.3 million annually
Liel Abada, a dynamic winger, joined Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC in March 2024 as a Young Designated Player. His contract guarantees him $2.3 million annually, making him the club's highest-paid player at the time. Abada's move from Celtic FC, where he had a prolific spell, highlights the increasing appeal of MLS to international talents.
4. Munas Dabbur – $2.2 million annually
Munas Dabbur, formerly with Hoffenheim in Germany, now plies his trade in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is renowned for offering substantial contracts to attract international football talent, with the 32-year-old estimated to be earning $2.2 million annually at Emirati club Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE Pro League.
5. Eli Dasa – $1.6 million annually
Eli Dasa, captain of Israel's national football team, plays as a fullback for Dynamo Moscow. The 32-year-old signed a $4.5 million three-year deal in 2022.
6. Daniel Peretz – $1.6 million annually
Daniel Peretz, a goalkeeper, made headlines with his move to Bayern Munich. While he is yet to secure a starting position, being part of such an esteemed club indicates a promising career trajectory and a respectable salary.
7. Yam Madar – $1.2 million annually
Yam Madar, a guard for Hapoel Tel Aviv, is considered one of Israel's most promising basketball talents. His return to Israel after stints in Turkey and Germany netted him a big time offer from Hapoel Tel Aviv.
8. Neta Lavi – $1.2 million annually
Neta Lavi, a defensive midfielder, currently plays for Gamba Osaka in Japan. His move to the J1 League highlights the expanding horizons for Israeli footballers.
9. Oscar Gloukh – $1.1 million annually
Oscar Gloukh, a young and talented midfielder, represents Red Bull Salzburg. His creative playmaking has garnered attention from top European clubs, suggesting a bright future and potential for significant earnings.
10. Roman Sorkin – $850,000 annually
Roman Sorkin, a key figure for Maccabi Tel Aviv's basketball team, secured a lucrative contract extension after Hapoel Tel Aviv tried to pry him away from the yellow-and-blue.
