Hapoel Akoo Football Club
One Team, One city.
Hapoel Akko is one of Israel’s oldest and most respected football clubs. Founded in 1949, it has been an inseparable part of the city of Akko and its community for nearly eight decades. The club stands for sportsmanship, local pride, coexistence, and a deep historical legacy, symbolizing the spirit of Akko as a city where tradition and togetherness meet passion for the game.
The Beginning - Napoleon Hill
Hapoel Akko’s first home matches were played at Napoleon Hill Stadium, a local landmark that quickly became a gathering point for football lovers from Acre and across the region. On this field, generations of players and fans forged stories of determination, unity, and sporting excellence that continue to inspire today.
The 1970’s:
The 1970’s marked a golden chapter in Hapoel Akko’s history:
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1975/76 - First ever promotion to Israel’s top division.
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1976/77 - Historic qualification for the State Cup semifinals.
Hapoel Akko Football Club Logo
The team, nicknamed “The Red Devils,” was led by iconic players such as Shalom Asayag, Zion Asayag, Nabil Mansour, Albert and Charlie Edri, Yechiel Hameiri, and others. In goal stood Dudu Goresh, who would go on to become Israel’s national team.
Under the guidance of coach Avraham Menchel, the home crowd at Napoleon Hill created an atmosphere that turned every match into an unforgettable experience and made the stadium one of the toughest grounds in Israeli football.
Years of Challenge and Resilience
Following relegation from the top division, Hapoel Akko spent over three decades moving between First Legue and third Legue. Despite the challenges, the club never lost its identity or connection to the people of Akko, continuing to nurture local talent and serve as a source of community pride.
Return to the Premier League - The 2000’s
In the 2009/10 season, after 31 years of perseverance, Hapoel Akko made a triumphant return to the Israeli Premier League.
Over the next seven seasons, the club established itself as a competitive and respected force, recording impressive victories against leading Israeli teams.
During this period, the Akko Stadium was inaugurated, a modern and welcoming home that replaced the legendary Napoleon Hill and symbolized a new era for Akko football.
Recent Years
Since the 2017/18 season, Hapoel Akko has competed in the First League, maintaining stability and ambition. The club continues to invest in youth development, community engagement, and long-term success, with a clear goal: to return to the Premier League and bring pride back to Akko.
Key Achievements
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1975/76 - First promotion to the National League (top division).
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1976/77 - First Legue semi finalist.
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2005/06 - Winner of the First League Toto Cup.
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2009/10 - Returned to the Premier League after 31 years.
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2009-2018 - Nine consecutive seasons in the top division, including notable victories over Israel’s leading clubs.
Video of the launch of Hapoel Akko's new logo.
The New Logo, A Symbol of a New Path
Ahead of the 2025 season, Hapoel Akko unveiled a new club logo, a symbol of the fresh, positive direction the club is taking. Following a consultation process with the fans, a public vote on social media was held, and the winning design was chosen by a large majority to become the renewed emblem of the club’s identity.
Elements of the New Logo:
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Circular shape: In line with the modern international trend of circular football logos.
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Blue and white colors: Reflecting the colors of the Israeli national flag.
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Anchor: Symbolizing stability and a safe harbor. As Akko is a coastal port city, the anchor was a natural element to include.
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Historic sickle: The traditional “Hapoel” emblem, restored to its place of honor.
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Year of establishment: 1949.
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Sea waves: Representing the natural landscape and spirit of Akko.
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Bilingual inscription: Hebrew and English.
The logo was designed by 8ight.studio.
Legendary Players
Throughout its decades of activity, Hapoel Akko has been home to hundreds of players, many of whom became true legends.
The local golden generation of the 1970s included Shalom Asayag and Zion Asayag, who became symbols of pride for the city and its supporters.
Among Israel’s greatest goalkeepers stands Dudu Goresh, who grew up at the club and became a role model for an entire generation.
Alongside him played key figures who helped bring Acre to new heights in its modern Premier League era:
Shahar Simentov, Emmanuel Emangoa, Omer Abdul Aziz, Geva Barkai, Itzik Cohen, Oshri Gita, Eitan Azaria, and Ismail Abdul Razak.
Former Israeli national team player Amiya Taga also proudly wore Hapoel Akko’s blue jersey.
Other icons include Albert Edri and the late Charlie Edri, Nabil Mansour, the legendary blonde winger, and Yechiel Hameiri, the club’s historic goalkeeper.
Over the years, Akko fans also fondly remember standout foreign players such as Hamdi Salihi, Stefan Sheshtovich, Davidov, the Marinković brothers, Mirko Ormush, and Kapetović.
Another beloved figure forever etched in the club’s history is Moshiko Mashalov, a former player and now CEO of the Israeli Players Union.
Many more notable veterans contributed immensely to Hapoel Akko’s legacy and achievements, including Yitzhak Mintz, Gina Ben Shoshan, Nissim Edri (“the man with the golden head”), the Abutbul brothers, Shimon and Shalom Vaknin, and Yona Moskowitz.
Community, Values, and Belonging
Beyond football, Hapoel Akko represents human connection, partnership, and genuine coexistence.
The club embodies the unique social mosaic of Akko, with players and fans from all communities, religions, and backgrounds.
The blue passion is passed from generation to generation, from father to son, from neighborhood to neighborhood. In the words of club president Tsahi Nakash: “One Team, One City.”
Photos from the team's history
