Highlights
- Israeli midfielder Gadi Kinda passed away at 31 after a brief illness, leaving behind his wife Liran and two young daughters.
- Born in Ethiopia before immigrating to Israel, Kinda built a successful career with Maccabi Haifa and Sporting Kansas City while maintaining his Jewish faith.
- Remembered for both his soccer skills and joyful character, Kinda was described by colleagues as “a role model” who was “always smiling.”
Thousands of mourners filled the Ashdod cemetery to say goodbye to Gadi Kinda, the beloved Maccabi Haifa and former Sporting Kansas City midfielder, who passed away at just 31 years old after battling a serious illness.
The soccer world is reeling from the loss of a man known for his skill on the pitch and his deep faith, kindness, and the joy he brought to those around him.
He is survived by his wife Liran and their two daughters, and remembered by thousands who admired him.
Wife Liran Addresses Her Husband’s Sudden Demise At His Funeral
Among those grieving was his wife, Liran Kinda, who delivered a deeply emotional eulogy at his funeral:
“How can one eulogize someone so full of life and joy? Someone who would do somersaults with our daughters at home. How are you lying there while I’m left alone with our two daughters? I did everything to make your life good in this world. Watch over me and the girls from above, give me strength.”
The couple married in early 2022 and built a warm, family-centered life revolving around their two daughters, their faith, and Gadi’s lifelong love, football.
Gadi Kinda’s Story Began In Ethiopia
Though known as a proud Israeli national team player, Gadi Kinda’s story began not in Israel, but in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Born into a Jewish family, Kinda spent his earliest years in Ethiopia before his parents made the life-altering decision to immigrate to Israel in 1999, when he was just three years old.
Their journey wasn’t easy. At the time, Ethiopian-Jewish immigration was still considered risky and often secretive.
Kinda once recalled,
“It was forbidden. It was an underground situation to move.”
Tragically, Gadi lost his father just a few years after their arrival.
Though he was too young to grasp the loss fully, it left a void in the family, which was filled by his eldest brother, Beny, who became a second father figure and introduced Gadi to organized football.
Gadi Kinda’s Lifestyle Was Deeply Religious
By age six, Gadi had already joined Ashdod FC’s youth system. From that moment, he lived and breathed the game.
Even when a serious injury sidelined him as a teenager, Gadi turned inward to his Judaism.
A devoted observer of Shabbat, he often spoke about how faith had shaped his life and decisions.
“At that point, when you get more into religion, it’s more like a lifestyle.”
He Tasted Success In Israel And The United States
Gadi Kinda’s early professional years were spent with Ashdod FC and then Beitar Jerusalem, where his talent earned him a transfer to Sporting Kansas City in 2020.
Though he hadn’t initially considered playing in Major League Soccer, two things changed his mind: a conversation with coach Peter Vermes and his wife, Liran’s interest in living in the US.
During his four seasons in the MLS, Kinda became a fan favorite for his vision, passion, and character.
He scored 14 goals in 64 matches, contributed to his team’s playoff runs, and remained grounded in his religious beliefs, even in a new country.
A Sporting KC club official,
“Gadi was a role model. He never caused a problem, never complained… He was always smiling.”
In January 2024, Kinda signed with Maccabi Haifa, returning to Israel with a three-and-a-half-year contract.
He quickly impacted the field, registering assists and goals in both league and derby matches.
But by March 29, he played what would tragically be his final game.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Sporting KC midfielder Gadi Kinda.
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) May 20, 2025
Our hearts are with Gadi’s family, his friends, teammates and all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/LYJaPXE1Ox
Just weeks later, the club confirmed he had been hospitalized due to a “complex medical issue.”
The soccer community responded with an outpouring of prayers, videos of hospital visits, and hopeful messages.
Then came the heartbreaking news on May 12, 2025: Gadi Kinda had passed away.
