Hanukkah Night 4 – Tai Baribo Transfer | OneFootball

Big news dropped earlier this morning when it was announced that D.C. United of the MLS acquired Israeli international striker Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union. Initial deal terms are $4M in guaranteed GAM (General Allocation Money), with an additional $600K in incentives. Baribo will occupy one of D.C. United’s Designated Player spots.

The 27 year-old from Eilat had a monster 2025 season for Philadelphia, leading the team with 19 goals across all competitions. He also scored in the MLS All-Star game, despite only playing 28 minutes. He had the fourth highest goal conversion percentage at 32%, showing how clinical he is with finishing. In 2024, he earned the Golden Boot in the Leagues Cup after scoring 7 goals in 6 games.

After spending his youth development at Hapoel Rishon LeZion and Maccabi Petah Tikva, Baribo went pro in 2017. After four seasons with Tikva, he moved to the Austrian Bundesliga with Wolfsberger AC. There, he scored 27 goals in 61 games, attracting attention from other clubs. In August 2023, Philadelphia Union announced they were signing him (terms were not disclosed).

Internationally, Baribo has earned 23 senior caps and 16 as a youth. His scoring output is not quite as prolific for Israel; he only has 7 goals.

About This Article Series

Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is celebrated over eight days and nights by followers of Judaism across the world. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the success of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.

The holiday’s close proximity to Christmas has made it a mainstay within the United States and other western regions, even though its religious importance is somewhat minor. In observance of Hanukkah, Hooligan Soccer will present eight shining soccer players associated with the Jewish faith.

Night 1: Benny FeilhaberNight 2: Eran ZahaviNight 3: David “Dudu” Aouate