Ronen Hanzis was named the MVP of the Masters Tournament, becoming one of the standout figures of the Israeli Unity team as it continued its dominance in the World League by capturing the second most prestigious title on the international circuit. For a team that already appeared to have reached its peak after winning the 2025 Grand Prix, the Masters in Budapest proved there was still another level to achieve.

At just 24 years old, Hanzis was once considered one of Israel's brightest football prospects, having played for two of the country's biggest clubs, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem. However, what seemed destined to become a long professional career came to an abrupt end after complications from inguinal hernia surgery caused permanent nerve damage in his lower abdomen and groin.

Despite the setback, his passion for football has never faded.

"I still deal with pain on a daily basis," Hanzis says. "I tried to return to professional football for a year and a half, but unfortunately I couldn't because of the pain. Football is the love of my life, and whenever I have the opportunity to play—especially when it means representing my country—I am fully committed."

In Budapest, Hanzis delivered one of the finest performances of his career. He became the driving force behind Israel's success and only the second Israeli player ever to receive the MVP award at a Grand Tour event, following his teammate Shahack Ben Shabbat.

Israel scored 12 goals in just two matches against some of the strongest teams in the competition, producing dynamic, attacking football throughout the tournament.

"I believe we were the most dominant team in the tournament," Hanzis explains. "We're an extremely united group, and we invested countless hours in training to build the understanding and chemistry we showed on the pitch. It was a true team effort."

Hanzis also spoke warmly about his relationship with his head coach Oved Kraus, who was named Outstanding Coach of a Grand Tour tournament for the second consecutive time:

"We have a special connection," he says. "Beyond being one of the best coaches I've ever had, he's first and foremost an exceptional human being. To me, that's even more important than being the great coach he is."

For someone who has already experienced professional football at the highest level in Israel, winning the Masters was every bit as meaningful.

"It was an amazing and powerful tournament, equal to any great moment I've experienced in my career," Hanzis claims. "Winning the Masters is incredibly emotional. We represented Israel with great pride, and not many Israeli football teams have had the privilege of experiencing this kind of international recognition. I truly enjoy being part of the World League and I'm looking forward to continuing this journey with my amazing teammates."

Away from the pitch, Hanzis is a successful entrepreneur in the fitness and nutrition industry. He runs a coaching business that helps people lose weight, improve their fitness, and build healthier lifestyles.

"I help people lose weight, get in shape, and build the body they've always wanted," he says. "There is no greater satisfaction than seeing people change their lives. That's my mission, just as football has always been."