Maccabi Tel Aviv fans celebrated Mani Levi's birthday: "Moving every year"
As every year, representatives of the club and the fans arrived at the former player's home to mark his birthday. His mother Dalia: "We thank everyone for the support."
The special bond between Mani Levi, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the team's fans continues today. Representatives of the club's supporters and the team's management arrived at the former player's home to celebrate his 46th birthday together with his family. As every year, the meeting was a moving event for the Levi family. The fans sang songs for Mani, brought a birthday cake, and took pictures together with the State Cup, in an event that illustrates the bond built over the years between the former player and the "yellow" crowd.
On January 26, 2002, Levi collapsed during a league match against Beitar Jerusalem. Levi, then 21, stopped a ball with his chest and kicked towards Itzik Kornfein's goal. After that, he returned to defense and suddenly collapsed on the grass without being touched. The defender got up for a few seconds, and then collapsed again.
Mani's mother, Dalia Levi, thanked the fans and the club for the ongoing support:
"It moves us every year to celebrate our Mani's birthday with the fans. It is moving to see the bond built with the club and the crowd that does not stop singing to him and remembering him. We thank all the fans in the Israeli football world for the support."
Professor Avi Rivkind, who treated Mani Levi and saved his life during that match at Teddy Stadium, also joined the meeting. Rivkind wished the former player well on his birthday:
"Blessings and best wishes to dear Mani, an unforgettable man. Lots of health and happiness."
