International footballer dies aged 31 as club issues heartbreaking statement

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER GADI KINDA HAS DIED AT THE AGE OF JUST 31 AFTER HIS CLUB REVEALED HOW HE HAD BEEN DEALING WITH A 'COMPLEX MEDICAL BATTLE' IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS 18:02, 20 May

2025Updated 18:10, 20 May 2025 Israel national team footballer Gadi Kinda has died at the age of just 31 after a 'complex medical battle'. Kinda was born in Ethiopia but

represented Israel in international footballer as well as turning out in Israeli club football and the MLS. His current club Maccabi Haifa, announced the death in a heartbreaking post

online. They wrote on social media: “Maccabi Haifa Football Club mourns the death of the team's player, Gadi Raphael Kinda, who passed away at the age of 31. "The Maccabi Haifa

family hugs the Kinda family and prays that they will not know any more sorrow.” Kinda's death comes just two weeks after reports emerged of a health battle he was facing. Maccabi Haifa

said he had been hospitalized to undergo “a series of comprehensive tests,” after “going through a complex medical battle in recent weeks.” At the time, they wrote: “The player is

hospitalized and undergoing a series of comprehensive tests. The club and the medical staff are accompanying the player and his family and providing them with full support. The Maccabi Haifa

family wishes Gadi a full recovery and will be by his side at all times.” An attacking midfielder, Kinda joined Maccabi Haifa in January of last year from Sporting Kansas City in the MLS.

Born in Ethiopia, Kinda's family moved to Israel when he was aged three and he went on to represent Israel at international level, making nine appearances and scoring twice. Article

continues below The Israeli FA wrote: "Israeli football lost not only a talented player today, but also a beloved and respected person. We share the grief of the Kinda family over

Gadi's untimely passing." The FA's chairman, Shino Zuaretz, added: "The mind refuses to understand, the heart aches and the eyes tear up with the news of the passing of

our dear Gadi Kinda. The term ‘premature’ takes on a chilling meaning, when it comes to someone so young, a great player and a wonderful person. "I managed to talk to him in recent days

and the only consolation is the fact that he was aware of all the prayers, the big hugs, the moving gestures and the immense love for him. We will commemorate his memory in the State Cup

final and honor his legacy of love for humanity, humility and brotherhood. May his memory be blessed.”