Israeli football legend who played for Liverpool and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and later managed several teams, including Israel's national team.
Avi Cohen, born on November 14, 1956, was a pioneering Israeli footballer who made history by becoming the first Israeli to play in England. His remarkable career spanned over a decade, earning him a reputation as a skilled defender and a trailblazer for Jewish footballers around the world.
Cohen was born in Cairo, Egypt, to a Jewish family, before moving to Israel as a young boy. He began his footballing journey with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he honed his skills and eventually caught the attention of European scouts.
In July 1979, Cohen made the bold move to Liverpool, becoming the first Israeli to play in England. Although he struggled to establish himself as a regular at Anfield, his determination and perseverance earned him a place in the hearts of Liverpool fans.
On September 20, 1980, Cohen sparked controversy by deciding to play in Liverpool's away fixture against Southampton, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. The decision drew criticism from the Israeli media, but Cohen's commitment to his craft and his team remained unwavering.
In 1987, Cohen returned to the UK, joining Rangers under the guidance of his former Liverpool teammate, Graeme Souness. Although his spell with Rangers was brief, he continued to make waves in the footballing world, eventually ending his playing career with Maccabi Netanya.
Cohen's impressive form on the domestic front earned him a call-up to the Israel national team, where he made his debut in 1976 during the Summer Olympics. Over the course of his international career, he was capped 51 times, scoring three goals, including his first against Greece in a 2-2 friendly draw in 1984.
Cohen was married to Dorit Cohen and had three children, including Tamir Cohen, who followed in his father's footsteps to become a professional footballer. Avi Cohen's brother-in-law, Vicky Peretz, was also a renowned footballer, further solidifying the family's connection to the beautiful game.
Tragically, Cohen's life was cut short in a motorcycle accident on December 29, 2010. In honor of his memory, Maccabi Tel Aviv retired the number 5 jersey, which he had worn during his playing days. Cohen's legacy continues to inspire generations of footballers, and his trailblazing spirit remains an integral part of Israeli football history.
Avi Cohen's pioneering spirit and dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark on the world of football. His bravery in the face of adversity and his commitment to his craft have inspired countless young footballers, particularly those from the Jewish community.
Cohen's legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
Avi Cohen's remarkable story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of sport to bring people together and transcend borders.
54 Years Old
A skilled and creative attacking midfielder, known for his exceptional vision, passing range, and set-piece expertise, playing for clubs like Manchester City and Celtic.
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A talented attacking midfielder who played for several European clubs and led Israel's national team to several international tournaments, earning him the nickname "The King of Israeli Football".
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A defender who played for several European clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City, and earned 96 caps for the Israeli national team.
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Israeli attacking midfielder who played for Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, known for his pace, skill, and versatility on the pitch.
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A skilled Israeli midfielder who played for top-tier clubs like Everton and Bolton Wanderers, known for his pace and goal-scoring ability.
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A former Israeli footballer and manager, known for his impressive skills on the field and later coaching the national team. He's a celebrated figure in Israeli sports history.
47 Years Old
Israeli professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Haifa and the Israel national team, known for his skills and goalscoring ability.
48 Years Old
Israeli goalkeeper who played for several clubs, including Chelsea FC, and was known for his impressive reflexes and shot-stopping abilities.
