Leg amputees playing soccer: “Our scars won’t dictate where we go.”

Israel’s Amputee Soccer Team: Defying the Odds and Representing a Nation
Just over a month has passed since the conclusion of Euro 2024 in Germany, one of the premier events in European football, where the continent’s best teams faced off.

Once again, Israel’s national football team failed to qualify for a major tournament, left to watch the biggest stars only on television. However, an unexpected source of pride for Israeli football came from a less conventional arena—Israel’s Amputee Soccer Team, the country’s official representative team, which competes at the highest levels in Europe.

Turning Adversity into Strength
For those unfamiliar, the team consists of 19 leg amputees who have refused to let their injuries define them. They have embraced their love for football and proven that with determination and courage, anything is possible.

“We Don’t Let Injuries Stop Us”
The team’s founder, Tzach Shichrur, has a deeply personal connection to the sport. In 1995, at just eight years old, he suffered a severe accident, when his left foot was crushed by a bus. Over two decades, he struggled with a deteriorating physical condition, living with a reconstructed foot that limited his mobility. At the age of 30, he made the difficult but life-changing decision to undergo a voluntary amputation due to severe functional impairments that left him unable to walk.

“In hindsight, it was the best decision of my life,” Tzach recalls. “For many, amputation is a traumatic event, but for me, it opened the door to a completely new and positive chapter. With a prosthetic, I could suddenly do things I never imagined—snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding, running, footvolley. A whole new world opened up for me.”

His love for football, however, remained unwavering. While searching for a competitive sports framework, Tzach stumbled upon the global amputee football community.

“I discovered that amputee football has existed for nearly 50 years, with over 70 national teams worldwide, yet it didn’t exist in Israel. That’s when I decided to start something. In early 2020, I gathered a few friends, and some of those first players are still with us today, forming the foundation of our team.”

Since then, Tzach has established a public-benefit organization, The Association for the Advancement and Development of Amputee Football in Israel, supported by private sponsors. The team regularly competes internationally and has even won two tournaments, defeating respected European teams such as Germany and Ireland.

How Is Amputee Football Different?
While the rules are similar to traditional football, the game has unique adaptations for amputees:

Each half lasts 25 minutes
7 players per team
Players use crutches and cannot touch the ball with them (doing so is considered a handball)
Kicking is done solely with the remaining leg
“The physical demands are extreme. Players rely heavily on upper body strength—shoulders, arms, core muscles—and their single leg works at 400% capacity. The fitness level required is insane.”

A Team of Warriors
“What unites us is that every player has faced a serious injury—some have been amputees for years, while others are soldiers who were wounded in war and are adjusting to a new reality. One of our players was even injured at the Nova festival alongside his girlfriend. Soon, four more soldiers will join us as part of their rehabilitation process. But what’s important is that none of us let our injuries define us.

There’s a saying: ‘Scars remind us where we’ve been, but they don’t dictate where we’re going.’ That’s what this team is all about—moving forward, together. We feel privileged to be part of such a supportive and close-knit team that has become more than just teammates—we are family. To wear the national jersey, play for our flag, and sing the anthem—it’s an incredible honor.”

October 7: Playing While the Country Burns
The team is coached by Sharon Paz, who has been leading the project for the past five years. In an interview, he reflects on the surreal and harrowing experience of competing internationally on October 7, 2023.

*”Representing the national team is always an honor, but during such a dark moment for Israel, it took on a whole new meaning.

On October 6, we arrived in Belgium for the Nations League Tournament. The next morning, October 7, we woke up to the horrifying news of the Hamas attack. We had two scheduled matches that day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Despite the chaos and shock, we made a collective decision to play—to stand tall and represent Israel with pride.

It was nearly impossible to focus. Minutes after hearing the news, we had to step onto the pitch. Somehow, we managed to secure a win and three draws, but honestly, the results didn’t matter. In over 30 international matches, this was the first time none of us could concentrate—the horrifying images replayed in our minds again and again.”*

Facing Hate on the International Stage
A month before the Euro Championship, Israel participated in a parallel UEFA Amputee Football tournament in France. However, the atmosphere quickly turned hostile, as Turkey’s team and fans staged an anti-Israel protest.

*”They set up a highly aggressive environment. A large crowd of pro-Palestinian supporters came with flags, chants, and insults directed at us. My instruction to the players was simple—do not react.

I am proud to say that our players held their ground with dignity. We let our presence speak for itself—except during the anthem, where we sang our hearts out. We felt like we were representing the entire nation standing behind us. It was a moment of unforgettable pride and emotion.”*

Was There Antisemitism?
“The hostility was undeniable, but we refused to be intimidated. Our goal was to show the world that Israel does not surrender to terror. Despite the provocation, we remained professional and focused on the game.

Afterward, several teams expressed solidarity with us, condemning Turkey’s actions. In a way, this became a positive moment for Israel’s image, showcasing our strength and resilience.”

Looking Ahead: A Future for Amputee Football in Israel
The Israeli Amputee Football Team is supported by Maccabi Haifa President Yaakov Shachar and Altshuler Shaham, with ambitious plans to expand and institutionalize the sport in Israel.

The team is working toward launching a permanent competitive league, allowing more amputees and rehabilitated individuals to pursue their passion for football.

One thing is certain: these players are true warriors, proving every day that the human spirit triumphs over all challenges.