Liel Abada Bio: Age, Stats, Family, Net Worth & Football Journey

Liel Abada is an Israeli professional footballer who plays for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. He mainly operates as a winger or forward.

Abada was born on October 3, 2001, in Petah Tikva, Israel. He developed through the youth system at Hapoel Petah Tikva.

He later joined Maccabi Petah Tikva, where his professional career began. His performances soon attracted attention from clubs outside Israel.

In 2021, Celtic signed Abada after his impressive rise in Israeli football. He quickly became an important attacking player in Scotland.

Abada later moved to Charlotte FC in March 2024. The transfer gave him a fresh opportunity in American soccer.

Liel Abada Quick Facts

Current player databases list Abada as a Charlotte FC forward. They also list him as a right-footed attacker.

Liel Abada Early Life and Childhood

Liel Abada grew up in Petah Tikva, Israel, where football became an important part of his childhood.

He joined Hapoel Petah Tikva’s youth academy at a young age. Later, he moved to Maccabi Petah Tikva’s academy.

The move helped Abada develop his attacking instincts and technical ability. He also gained valuable experience against stronger youth opposition.

His progress eventually earned him opportunities within Maccabi Petah Tikva’s senior setup.

Abada showed his potential early through his pace, movement, and finishing ability. Consequently, bigger clubs started monitoring his development.

Liel Abada Professional Career

Abada made his professional debut with Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2019.

He initially featured in the Israeli State Cup. Soon afterward, he scored his first senior league goal against Bnei Sakhnin.

He continued improving during the following season. His performances eventually helped Maccabi Petah Tikva return to Israel’s top division.

Abada scored his first Israeli Premier League goal against Maccabi Tel Aviv. That moment highlighted his growing importance to the club.

According to historical career records, he made 67 appearances and scored 20 goals for Maccabi Petah Tikva.

Liel Abada at Celtic

In July 2021, Celtic signed Liel Abada from Maccabi Petah Tikva.

The move represented a major step in the young winger’s career. He quickly adapted to Scottish football and Celtic’s attacking system.

Abada scored on his Celtic debut against Midtjylland in Champions League qualifying. He then opened his Scottish Premiership scoring account against St Mirren.

His first season proved particularly successful. Abada scored important goals throughout Celtic’s title-winning campaign.

He also won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award for 2021–22.

The award recognized his impressive impact during his first Scottish season.

Celtic Success and Major Performances

Abada continued producing goals during the 2022–23 campaign.

One of his biggest performances came against Dundee United. He scored a hat-trick and supplied an assist in Celtic’s 9–0 victory.

He also scored twice against Rangers during Celtic’s 4–0 Old Firm victory. Those performances strengthened his reputation among Celtic supporters.

Furthermore, Abada played in the Champions League group stage. He faced some of Europe’s strongest teams during his Celtic career.

He helped Celtic win several major domestic trophies. These included the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

Historical records credit Abada with 79 Celtic appearances and 21 goals. Other sources count additional competitions and record 112 total appearances.

Why Did Liel Abada Leave Celtic?

Abada’s Celtic career eventually became complicated by tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Some Celtic supporters displayed pro-Palestinian messages. The situation created significant pressure around Abada’s position at the club.

Abada also faced criticism from some people in Israel over the political atmosphere surrounding Celtic.

In March 2024, Charlotte FC completed his transfer from Celtic. The move ended his successful Scottish chapter.

Reports placed the transfer fee at around £8 million, although published figures vary depending on the fee structure.

Abada later thanked Celtic supporters who had supported him. He described his departure as an unplanned but necessary career change.

Liel Abada at Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC announced Abada’s signing on March 7, 2024.

The MLS club viewed him as an attacking player who could add pace and creativity. Abada subsequently began a new chapter in American soccer.

He wears number 11 for Charlotte FC. The club lists him as a forward on its official player profile.

Abada has produced goals and assists during his MLS career. His performances have also shown his ability to operate from different attacking positions.

Liel Abada 2026 Stats

Abada remains with Charlotte FC during the 2026 MLS season.

Current statistics show two goals and four assists in MLS competition. He has also recorded nine starts and 14 appearances in one current statistical database.

ESPN’s current 2026 figures list two goals and three assists. Statistical providers can differ because they update competition data differently.

Transfermarkt lists his Charlotte FC contract through December 31, 2026, with a club option for another year.

Liel Abada Playing Style

Liel Abada combines speed, movement, direct attacking, and intelligent positioning.

He prefers his right foot and can play on either side of the attack. His versatility gives coaches additional tactical options.

Abada often attacks spaces behind defenders. He also makes quick runs into the penalty area.

His movement allows him to create opportunities without always needing possession. Moreover, he can exploit defensive gaps with his acceleration.

Abada also possesses a useful finishing ability. His Celtic record demonstrated his capacity to score during important matches.

His attacking qualities make him especially effective when teams transition quickly from defense into attack.

Liel Abada International Career

Abada progressed through several Israeli youth teams before reaching the senior national side.

He represented Israel at U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 levels. Those appearances helped prepare him for senior international football.

Israel first called him into the senior squad in March 2021. He then made his senior debut against Montenegro in June 2021.

Abada scored his first senior international goal against Iceland in the UEFA Nations League. The match ended in a 2–2 draw.

He also represented Israel at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Current player records list him with 18 senior Israel appearances and one goal.

Liel Abada at the 2024 Olympics

Abada earned selection for Israel’s men’s football squad at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The selection represented another important milestone in his international career.

Playing at the Olympics gave him valuable experience on a major international stage. It also added another chapter to his growing football biography.

Liel Abada Family

Abada comes from a football-loving family in Israel.

His younger brother, Orel Abada, also pursued a professional football career. He has played for Israeli clubs during his career.

Abada’s family supported his development from his early football days. Their support helped him progress through Israeli academy football.

His rise from Petah Tikva to Celtic and Charlotte FC shows his family’s important role in his journey.

Liel Abada Age and Height

Liel Abada is 24 years old as of August 2026. He stands at approximately 1.72 meters tall.

He relies more on acceleration, movement, and technique than physical strength. His relatively compact build helps him change direction quickly.

His athletic qualities suit modern attacking football. They also allow him to operate effectively as a wide forward.

Liel Abada Career Achievements

Abada has already collected several important achievements despite his young age.

His notable honors include:

• Israeli Liga Leumit: 2019–20 with Maccabi Petah Tikva
• Scottish Premiership: 2021–22 and 2022–23 with Celtic
• Scottish Cup: 2022–23 with Celtic
• PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year: 2021–22
• 2024 Olympic selection: Israel men’s football team

These achievements highlight the rapid development of his professional career.

What Is Liel Abada’s Net Worth?

Liel Abada’s exact net worth remains difficult to verify from reliable public sources.

Football websites sometimes publish estimated figures. However, those estimates rarely provide verified financial documentation.

His professional earnings come mainly from football contracts, bonuses, sponsorships, and commercial opportunities.

Therefore, readers should treat online net worth estimates with caution.

What Is Liel Abada Doing Now?

As of August 2026, Liel Abada plays for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.

He remains under contract with the club through the end of 2026. Charlotte FC also holds an option for an additional season.

His current season includes goals and assists for the MLS club. Meanwhile, transfer speculation has linked him with possible moves back to Britain.

Recent reports have mentioned interest from English clubs. However, those reports should not be treated as confirmed transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liel Abada

How old is Liel Abada?

Liel Abada is 24 years old in 2026. He was born on October 3, 2001.

Where was Liel Abada born?

Liel Abada was born in Petah Tikva, Israel.

Which club does Liel Abada play for?

Liel Abada currently plays for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.

What position does Liel Abada play?

Abada mainly plays as a winger or forward. He can operate on either side of the attack.

Is Liel Abada Israeli?

Yes, Liel Abada represents Israel internationally.

Did Liel Abada play for Celtic?

Yes. Abada joined Celtic in 2021 and enjoyed considerable success in Scotland.

How many goals did Liel Abada score for Celtic?

Career records credit him with 21 goals in 79 appearances. Some databases use broader competition totals.

When did Liel Abada join Charlotte FC?

Charlotte FC signed Abada in March 2024 after his Celtic career ended.

Final Thoughts

Liel Abada’s career reflects a rapid rise from Israeli youth football to European and MLS competition.

He developed at Maccabi Petah Tikva before earning a major move to Celtic.

At Celtic, he won domestic trophies and earned individual recognition. He later moved to Charlotte FC and continued his career in MLS.

His pace, movement, finishing, and versatility remain central to his playing style. Therefore, Abada remains an interesting player to watch as his career develops.

For now, Charlotte FC represents the latest chapter in Liel Abada’s football journey. His performances in MLS could shape the next major move of his career.