The goal of this project was to create a modern mascot for Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa that reflects the club’s deep historical connection to the Bulgarian Jewish community that founded the original Maccabi Jaffa.
The process began with research into Bulgarian heraldry, where the lion has been a national symbol for centuries. I studied the proportions, posture, and stylistic details typical of Bulgarian royal emblems, and explored how they could be translated into a contemporary sports identity while preserving their cultural weight.
From there, I developed a cleaner, more athletic interpretation, focusing on clarity, balance, and a confident stance that would work across digital use and merchandise. The goal was to create a mascot that feels both rooted in history and relevant to a modern, fan-owned football club.
This direction felt right not only visually but personally, as my late grandfather supported Maccabi Jaffa long before the club was re-established. Bringing that heritage into a fresh, updated identity turned the project into a bridge between tradition, design, and family history.