From Israel To KC
Blorian arrived in Kansas City in June. He’d been to the United States only twice before signing with Kansas City: once at age 14 and again at 21. This is his first foray into Midwestern life.
Blorian credits Molly Hess, Director of Jewish Experiences, with making the transition easier.
“I keep kosher, and she’s helped me with finding kosher meat in supermarkets. She told me where I can find a Chabad. When I need to ask a question, I reach out to Molly.”
Building Bridges
His Sporting KC teammates sometimes ask questions when they hear about Israel on the news.
“They ask me about me and my culture,” he said. “I respect them, and they respect me.” Blorian believes soccer can cross cultural boundaries. “A lot of people around the world love soccer, and we have a lot of influence as soccer players. Soccer brings you to meet new people.”
It’s been nice for him to have Jewish and Israeli fans approach him at games and to see them proudly waving their Israeli flags in the stands.
A Messi Moment
Like many other soccer players, Blorian grew up a fan of soccer superstar Lionel Messi. When Team Argentina trained at the Sporting KC facility last summer, Blorian couldn’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with his childhood soccer hero. The moment lasted for all of 20 seconds, but it’s one he will never forget.
“I was excited the whole day, and I couldn’t sleep that night,” he said.
All In
By the time Blorian could walk, he was playing soccer. At age 8, he was already part of the training academy for the local pro team, Maccabi Petah Tikva. He stayed with the club until he was 19. It was fun, but required sacrifices.
“You need to change your life for the team,” he said. “Instead of going on a trip with the family, we wake up early and they take me to the game. Friday nights, I couldn’t go out. I just went to sleep early and ate well because Saturday morning, I’d have a game.”
An IDF Veteran
Or served as a gardener in the Israel Defense Forces during his two years and eight months of service.
“I lived near the practice facility of my team, Maccabi Petah Tikva,” he said. “I’d go from trainings with my team and then right to the military base. I did my job and then headed home five days per week.
Helping to Heal
Or was playing for Hapoel Be’er Sheva on October 7, 2023 and had a game scheduled for that evening. After the attack by Hamas, games were cancelled for two months. Eventually, soccer players played an important role in helping to heal their neighbors and fans.
“We visited families who lost someone,” Blorian said. “We visited injured people and saw their smiles. There are a lot of players still doing that.”
Off the Market
Or married his wife, Roni, in a civil ceremony in late August. They began dating during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and they spent time hanging out at the beach. By the third date, Roni was meeting his family.
“From the first moment, it went really fast, and I knew she was the one,” Blorian said.
The couple plan to have a wedding next summer in Israel.
