He has been playing ever since, working his way up to ultimately score goals for the Regionalliga side of Lichtenberg 47.

For him, it has always been a way to find balance, especially since he was a very active child in pre-school. 

“Despite the diverse backgrounds on the team and in Berlin, the heart remains the same. You get along with everyone on the street, particularly on the football pitch.”

But, although football has the power to bring people together, it still reflects society’s conflicts. “Football is a way to unite people of diverse genders and cultural backgrounds,” he says.

But unfortunately, there are moments where it also highlights divisions. In his first Oberliga away game in Brandenburg back in 2015, Efräim was subject to racial abuse from the stands. Fans referred to him as a monkey and used the N-word. But somehow Efi managed to stay composed.

“I am stronger than these people. I will respond on the pitch and punish them through my game and goals.“

His teammates were impressed by his strength and showed their admiration after the game.

Despite the negative experiences, there have also been instances where even opponents protected him from their own fans and showed their support.

Efi’s message is clear. He wants everyone to express themselves freely and be accepted for who they are.

“Everyone should be able to be who they really are.”

Efi emphasizes the importance of listening to victims of racial abuse and asking questions. Simply having a conversation and speaking about how certain words and actions can affect people is a way to prevent racism and discrimination at its core. He believes there needs be a day organized by football clubs with activities and workshops solely dedicated to raising awareness of discrimination and racism and demonstrating ways to fight them.