Franck Rivollier: France-Cameroon striker returns to Hapoel Petah Tikva on free transfer from Maccabi Petah Tikva

France-Cameroon centre-forward Franck Rivollier has rejoined Hapoel Petah Tikva from city rivals Maccabi Petah Tikva on a free transfer. The 25-year-old has signed a deal running until 30 June 2027 with the Ligat ha’Al club.

Rivollier switches back to Hapoel just a year after leaving for Maccabi, in another move without a transfer fee. The forward, who stands at 1.92m and plays primarily through the middle, will wear the number 45 shirt on his return.

It marks a second spell at Hapoel Petah Tikva for Rivollier, who first arrived in January 2025 from Bulgarian side Spartak Varna, also as a free agent. During his previous stint at the club he played a key role in Israel’s second tier, contributing to a campaign that ended with an Israeli second-division title.

Born in Saint-Etienne and eligible for both France and Cameroon, Rivollier came through the youth systems at Troyes and Lyon before moving to Rennes. He later gained senior experience in France, Belgium and Bulgaria before establishing himself in Israeli football with Hapoel Afula and then Hapoel Petah Tikva.

Across his club career he has appeared regularly in league and cup competitions, including more than 80 games and 21 goals in Israel’s second tier, as well as outings in the UEFA Youth League earlier in his development. A right-footed striker, he adds height and experience to Hapoel’s attacking options.

Rivollier’s move finalises an intra-city switch in Petah Tikva, confirming his permanent return to Hapoel until the end of the 2026-27 season.