The Double Champions add the Israeli National Team star to the roster: “I promise to give everything I have in every practice and every game”. Oded Kattash: “We envision a significant role for him”. Shimon Mizrahi: “You are welcomed with waves of love and joy”
“I am happy and excited to open a new chapter and join Maccabi Tel Aviv,” Yam Madar told the official website. “I am already looking forward to meeting the fans, my teammates, and the staff, and I promise to give everything I have in every practice and every game to help the club achieve its goals. I want to thank the coaching staff, the management, and the owners for their trust, and I look forward to giving back on the court. Yalla Maccabi!”.
“I am very happy that Yam is joining us,” said head coach Oded Kattash. “His qualities are obvious to everyone, especially after the recent playoffs, and we envision a significant role for him on the team. He arrives at Maccabi at the right age and with a massive upside. I want to thank the owners for their tremendous efforts in making this signing happen.”
Regarding the loyal fans who accompany the club, the coach added: “The secret of Maccabi’s magic stems from the connection between the fans, the team, and the players. I am certain that with Yam, this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a natural connection that will only grow deeper.”
Club Chairman Shimon Mizrahi delivered the following welcoming message: “Yam, you are welcomed with waves of love and joy as another Israeli player joining the anchor of our team, Maccabi Tel Aviv. We wish you great success”.
Career Overview
He starred for the youth national team, was called up by Oded Kattash to the senior national team in 2019, and that same year won the FIBA U20 European Championship with the Under-20 national team in a tournament held in Israel, where he was also selected to the All-Tournament Team. Over the years, he became a leading pillar for the senior national team, and in their recent game against Germany, he poured in a career-high 31 points in the Blue and White jersey.
In November 2020, he declared for the NBA Draft alongside his friend Deni Avdija and was selected 47th overall by the Boston Celtics. In the summer of 2021, he was signed by ?eljko Obradovi?’s Partizan Belgrade, and at the end of his second season there, he was voted the EuroLeague Rising Star (2022/23). In the summer of 2023, he signed with Fenerbah?e, winning the Turkish League championship. At the end of that season, he moved to Bayern Munich before returning to Israel in November 2024 to re-sign with Hapoel.
During the 2024/25 season, he was one of the driving forces leading the city rivals to a EuroCup title and securing the coveted ticket to the EuroLeague. In the final regular-season Derby, he caught fire, shooting 9-of-10 from three-point range to finish with 41 points. Madar also starred in the recent Winner League playoffs (shooting 45.8% from deep), and across the four games of the Finals series, he provided his team with an average of 19.2 points, 8 assists, and 1.5 steals per night—though he ultimately watched Maccabi capture the championship once again. Now, he officially crosses over to the Yellow side.
