Abdoulaye Seck fought back tears as he said goodbye to Maccabi Haifa supporters following his final appearance at Sammy Ofer Stadium, bringing an emotional end to four memorable seasons with the Israeli club.

The Senegal international received a standing ovation before and after Maccabi Haifa’s 4-1 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, in what became one of the most emotional moments of the club’s season.

Seck, visibly moved throughout the evening, struggled to contain his emotions as supporters paid tribute to a player who became one of the most respected figures at the club during his time in Haifa.

The 33-year-old defender was applauded by the crowd before kick-off and again when he was substituted late in the match.

Fans rose to their feet inside Sammy Ofer Stadium to honour a player whose commitment and leadership had made him a fan favourite.

The farewell ceremony reflected the strong connection Seck built with the club and its supporters over four years filled with domestic success, European nights and difficult moments that strengthened the bond between player and fans.

Before the game, Seck delivered a heartfelt message that captured the emotion surrounding his departure.

“For me, stepping onto the pitch at Stade Sammy-Ofer for the last time is not just any moment,” Abdoulaye Seck declared before the start of the match. “I am saying goodbye after four unforgettable years, years that will forever be etched in my memory. We have experienced everything together: great victories, difficult times, highs and lows, championships and trips to Europe. Throughout this adventure, I have always felt at home here. I want to thank you for every moment, every embrace, every challenge we have overcome together.”

The Senegalese defender’s words resonated deeply with supporters, many of whom have watched him become one of the key figures in Maccabi Haifa’s recent successes.

Seck also made it clear that, despite his departure, he still considers himself part of the club’s family.

The experienced centre-back promised that he would “always be part of the green family (Maccabi’s colors). My bond with Maccabi will remain forever. I will return soon to celebrate another title with you. In football, as in life, there are also difficult moments. The important thing is to know how to overcome them together and emerge stronger.”

His farewell message also included special thanks to coaches who played important roles during his time at the club.

“Thank you to Barak Bakhar and Messay Dego, who gave me everything a player could hope for from a coach. Barak, we have come a long way together and I will never forget you. I arrived here as a player pursuing a dream. Today, I leave proud, knowing that I have touched the hearts of many of you and fulfilled many dreams.”

Those comments highlighted the emotional attachment Seck developed during his stay in Israel, where he became more than just a defender on the pitch.

The emotions continued after the final whistle.

Speaking again after the victory against Hapoel Tel Aviv, Seck admitted that leaving the club had not been his preferred outcome.

“If I had had the choice, I would have wanted to stay. But that’s football. Maccabi Haifa gave me everything. I received respect and love, and that’s the most important thing in my life.”

His words reflected both gratitude and disappointment, showing how difficult the farewell was for a player who clearly felt deeply connected to the club.

The defender also spoke about the support he received from supporters throughout difficult periods of his career.

“I felt it from the very first moment at the club, from the fans and from all of Israel. Everyone respects me, even the fans of other teams. At Maccabi Haifa, it’s different, truly. They supported me through the difficult times; I haven’t received such support anywhere else in my career.”

Seck’s departure closes an important chapter for Maccabi Haifa. Over four seasons, he became one of the leaders of the dressing room and a reliable figure in defence, admired for both his commitment and personality.

The Senegal international also briefly looked ahead to the future, with the 2026 World Cup now becoming his immediate focus.

“The future? We’ll see what God has in store for me. Now there’s the World Cup; I hope to succeed with my national team, and we’ll see. I’m a loyal person; I don’t think I could play for any other (Israeli) club than Maccabi Haifa.”

His final words to supporters summed up the emotion of the evening.

“I can say to the fans: thank you, thank you, thank you, and goodbye.”

For Maccabi Haifa supporters, Tuesday night was not only about a victory. It was also the farewell of a player whose impact extended far beyond the football pitch.