Former Israeli national soccer captain Bibars Natcho has announced his retirement at age 38, ending a professional career that spanned two decades in Israel and across Europe. The Partizan Belgrade midfielder shared the news in an emotional social media video, reflecting on more than 500 matches, hundreds of goals and assists, and describing his Serbian club as his home.

Natcho began his senior career with Hapoel Tel Aviv at 18, quickly emerging as a central playmaker and helping the club win the State Cup and reach European competition. In 2018, he made history as Israel’s first non Jewish national team captain, earning 88 international appearances. His decision not to sing the national anthem due to its reference to the 'Jewish soul' placed him at the center of public debate and highlighted broader cultural tensions within Israeli soccer.

He built a successful career abroad with clubs in Russia, Greece and Serbia, winning a league title in Russia and earning recognition as one of the top assist providers in European competition during the 2013 to 2014 season. Honored in 2023 with a presidential decoration from Israel, Natcho will play his final professional match in a Serbian league fixture, closing the chapter on a career marked by leadership and historic milestones.