David Karako

David Karako was born in 1945 in Jaffa

David Karako was born in Jaffa on 11 February 1945. He grew up in the Gadna Yehuda youth team, where he played as a striker.

In August 1963 he joined Maccabi Tel Aviv as one of the young players coach Jerry Beit haLevi brought into the senior team. He was soon moved to central defense. Over 12 years at the club he won 2 Asian Champion Club titles, a double, 2 more league titles and 3 State Cups.

He played for Israel from 1968, debuting against Belgium, and was named to the squad for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. He left the national team in 1972 with 12 caps. He then played one season at Beitar Jerusalem, winning the State Cup, and from 1976 played for Hapoel Yehud until an Achilles injury ended his career in 1982.

After retiring he managed and coached Hapoel Yehud. He also coached clubs including Lazarus Holon, Hapoel Tayibe and Maccabi Herzliya, and he left Hapoel Ramat Gan and retired from coaching in 1997. He died on 4 May 2025.