Michael Chilaka (; born February 5, 2000) is an Israeli footballer who currently plays for New York Cosmos.
Professional career
Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa Chilaka started his professional career with Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa of Liga Alef, Israel's third division. He made 20 appearances with their first team, as well as 27 appearances for their under-19 team.
Maccabi Tel Aviv In June 2018, Chilaka was sold by Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa to Maccabi Tel Aviv. He was subsequently signed to a three-year contract with a two-year club option.
In May 2021, Chilaka's contract option was exercised for Maccabi Tel Aviv's 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.
Chilaka did not make an appearance for Maccabi's first team but made thirty appearances for their under-19 team.
Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam From 2019 through summer 2022, Maccabi Tel Aviv sent Chilaka on loan to Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam of Liga Leumit. On May 19, 2021, he scored his first professional goal in the Israel State Cup Semifinals against top-flight powerhouse Hapoel Tel Aviv helping his side to a 1-1 draw.
Chilaka, along with many other Maccabi Tel Aviv players, was recalled to the parent team after Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam was relegated after their 2021–22 season. Chilaka was not sent on loan for the summer 2022 transfer window, as he had sustained a serious injury while on vacation in Greece.
Hapoel Umm al-Fahm Chilaka was sent on loan by Maccabi Tel Aviv to Hapoel Umm al-Fahm for the second half of their 2022–23 season.
San Diego Loyal After his contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv expired, Chilaka signed with San Diego Loyal of USL Championship in the United States.
Forward Madison Chilaka signed with Forward Madison of USL League One on January 10, 2024, in advance of their 2024 season. On October 4, 2024, Chilaka scored his first goal for the club, scoring on a header in a 4–2 victory over Charlotte Independence. In two seasons at the club Chilaka made 54 appearances scoring one goal.
Maccabi Jaffa After the 2025 USL League One season Chilaka returned to Israel and signed with Maccabi Jaffa in Liga Leumit. He remained with the club for a few months before returning to the United States.
New York Cosmos On July 23, 2026, Chilaka returned to the United States signing with New York Cosmos.
International career Chilaka played for Israel's U-17 team, appearing in international friendlies against Ukraine and Belarus in January 2017.
Personal Chilaka has both Israeli and Nigerian citizenship, having an Israeli mother and Nigerian father.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsMaccabi Kabilio Jaffa2017-2018Liga Alef200100000210Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam 2019-2020Liga Leumit2001000002102020-2021Liga Leumit3304100003712021-2022Liga Leumit290200000310Total820710000891Hapoel Umm al-Fahm (loan)2022-2023Liga Leumit9000000090San Diego Loyal 2023USL Championship100000000100Forward Madison 2024USL League One1712070202812025USL League One220004000260Total3912011020541Maccabi Jaffa2025-2026Liga Leumit2000000020New York Cosmos 2026USL League One5000000050Career total1671101110201902
References
External links
globalsportsarchive.com