Name: Max Mzhen
Age: 24
Team: Inter Aliyah A
Originally from: Columbia, Maryland, USA
Favourite Team: Chelsea
Position: Central Midfield
Football Idols: Sergio Busquets
Interesting Fact: Max has never lost a match whilst playing for Inter Aliyah!! Joining the Liga Gimmel team last season, the American saw us draw on his debut before winning every other match he played in as we went on a winning streak to win the league title. Let's hope it continues...
''Since as long as I can remember, I've been playing football. Maybe I was even 3-years-old when my Dad first started taking me to play to the park near our house and we would pass a ball to each other. He eventually became my first coach and helped lead my youth teams to victory.
''Football has always been my favorite sport, but I didn't fully fall in love with it until
I was around 17 and started playing a lot more in unorganized settings. Something about the freedom and joking around that came with playing with friends pushed me to get better.
Max (front row, third from right) prior to our title-winning match last season
''I made Aliyah in late 2022, coming to Israel after I finished university in the States in order to spend time with my family here and get an understanding of Israel
in general. I've also always loved to travel and together with a sense of Zionism, it led me to end up here.
''I've only lived here for 8 months and I'm still in intensive Ulpan and working some odd jobs to learn Hebrew. Soon, I want to work as an engineer, which is what I studied in University.
Max scoring to give us the lead against Shikun Vatikim, a 3-1 victory that would eventually secure the league title
''I honestly heard about Inter Aliyah from Instagram. When I moved here I was looking to play competitive football and happened to stumble upon it. I contacted the Instagram page and the rest is history as I joined the pro football team.
''I think playing for Inter Aliyah creates a special feeling in each player and the team as a whole. We're all a long way from home and appreciate being a part of the Inter community.
Max enjoying the title celebrations!!
''There's something about this unique energy that pushed us over the edge winning the league last season. Whether it was Ori's 93rd minute winner against Shikma or Gianni's save against Tzafririm Holon, they wouldn't have happened without our togetherness.
''It took me a while to break into the team, and I was really happy to have my best performance of the season in the game that sealed the title against Shikun Vatikim. It was a tight game until I scored the opening goal and at that moment I had a feeling the title was finally ours.
''Max.''