At 56: Basketball legend Papi Turgeman returns to Hapoel Jerusalem in a new role

Former basketball player Papi Turgeman returns to the Hapoel Jerusalem basketball club, where he played for most of his career and to this day remains one of the figures most identified with the team and its double State Cup victory.

Until 2007, he was an active player, and after that, he retired to the business sector as a franchisee of the Aroma coffee chain, and later also in the carpentry and gallery industry. Now, in 2026, the 56-year-old basketball legend returns to the courts in a new role.

According to the Hapoel Jerusalem announcement:

"We are happy to announce that Papi Turgeman, one of Hapoel's greatest players, has been appointed as the club's ambassador. As part of his role, Papi will be responsible for strengthening ties with fans, the community, and sponsors."

Hapoel Jerusalem Instagram

Oren Arieli, the club's CEO: "Papi is much more than a former Hapoel player - he is part of our history and our DNA. Especially at this time, as we write the next chapter in the club's story together, it is important for us to tighten the connection to the heritage upon which it is based. I have no doubt that Papi, thanks to his personality, the special connection to the fans, and his deep familiarity with the club, will contribute greatly to strengthening the connection with the community, our fans, and our business partners."

Papi Turgeman: "I am very excited and happy to return home, to the club that was such a significant part of my life. I had the privilege of experiencing the power of the fans as a player, and I know firsthand how important they are to the team's success. This is a perfect full circle for me, I am already waiting to start working and do everything possible so that Hapoel continues to grow and succeed - on the court and off it."