A Maccabi Haifa legend and relationship coach: The new life of Gustavo Boccoli
More than 11 years have passed since he retired from football. Today, the Brazilian, who settled in Israel, works together with his wife Josie at the "School of Love" they founded. Omri Kanda noted on the "Kicktok" podcast: "He brings love back to couples who have lost it."
More than 11 years have passed since Gustavo Boccoli, one of the greatest symbols of Maccabi Haifa in the 21st century, retired from football. Today, the Brazilian, who settled in Israel and remained even after his retirement, leads a completely different life.
Boccoli, a devout Christian, founded the "School of Love" together with his wife Josie, where he helps couples who have lost the spark in their relationship to bring love back.
From football star to relationship coach
Boccoli arrived in Israel in 2001, first at Hapoel Ramat Gan, then at Hakoah Ramat Gan and Maccabi Ahi Nazareth, until he joined Maccabi Haifa in 2004. In its ranks, he shone, establishing his status as a symbol of the green club from the Carmel. He played 11 seasons for the team, winning four championships and two Toto Cups, including winning the Footballer of the Season title in 2005/06, in which he scored 12 goals and provided ten assists.
On the "Kicktok" podcast, the hosts compiled a ranking of the most profitable acquisitions in the history of Israeli football and recalled Boccoli's move from Ahi Nazareth to Maccabi Haifa on a free transfer, when the conversation very quickly took an unexpected turn.
"Brings love back to couples"
Roi Zrihan referred to Boccoli's move: "Gustavo Boccoli arrived from Ahi Nazareth on a free transfer to Maccabi Haifa and to this day is considered one of the greatest symbols for Maccabi Haifa fans, am I wrong?"
Omri Kanda said:
"Do you know what he does today? He brings love back, those who lost love, he brings love back to couples."
Gili Vermouth asked: "Wait, could it be that you were in the process of divorce and came back, and it's thanks to him?"
"He has 18 people - 16 divorced"
Kanda joked and recalled his acquaintance with Boccoli: "No, but I can tell you something else about Gustavo. That we had a game and the referee always whistled against Maccabi Haifa, so he would turn to the referee and say to him, 'Referee, why are you whistling against us?'. 200 years in the country and doesn't know Hebrew."
Gili Vermouth mocked the new profession: "Of course I knew, he is a relationship coach like Kanda takes people out of the gambling circle, on the same scale. The same level of credibility."
Kanda continued to joke: "He has 18 people, 16 divorced at Boccoli's. 16 divorced and two say 'I am a widower'."
