The first Israeli in Vietnam: Yuval Sade landed in Hanoi

Midfielder Yuval Sade is on his way to becoming the first Israeli footballer to play in the Vietnamese league. The 26-year-old Sade is currently in Hanoi with his agent Idan Ben Abu ahead of signing with the Hanoi FC club, coached by Australian Harry Kewell, who previously played for Liverpool and Leeds United, among others.

Sade landed in Hanoi the day before yesterday after being released from his contract with the Romanian club CFR Cluj. As recalled, Sade ended his tenure at Maccabi Netanya after seven years at the club and signed a three-year deal with Cluj, but the Romanian club encountered financial difficulties. The coach and the sporting director who brought him in left, and many players were told they were welcome to look for new teams.

Ben Abu, Sade's agent, found a surprising destination for him. After doing his homework regarding the Vietnamese team, the favorable contract terms that await him, and the city which has recently been receiving many tourists from Israel arriving on direct flights, he decided to examine the two-year offer. As mentioned, he landed in Hanoi the day before yesterday for introductory meetings ahead of a possible contract signing the day after tomorrow.

Sade, who can play as a defensive midfielder and as a center-back, grew up in the youth department of Hapoel Nir Ramat HaSharon and later moved to Maccabi Netanya, where he experienced good periods under many coaches who saw him as a very team-oriented player—one who puts the team's success before his own personal gain.

The departure to Romania this summer was supposed to be a springboard for him to continue his career with the aspiration to advance later to a club in Western Europe, but in football, you never know what the day will bring. He is now expected to become the first Israeli footballer to play in the Vietnamese league.