The next destination of our alphabetical world tour is Israel. Geographically part of Asia, Israel is considered European in a footballing context. According to the Premier League website, 16 players have represented Israel in the Premier League.
First Player – Ronny Rosenthal (Liverpool, Spurs; 1992-97)
One of a handful of non-British or Irish players to feature in the Premier League’s very first weekend, Ronny Rosenthal is something of a cult figure among 90s Premier League fans.
Not only was he the first Israeli to appear in the Premier League, but his name is forever associated with one of the worst misses of all time. After rounding Aston Villa keeper Nigel Spink in a match in September 1992, Rosenthal infamously cannoned the ball off the crossbar of the unguarded net, condemning him to a life in the comedy reels.
Despite winning the title in his first few months with the club in 1990, Rosenthal’s time at Anfield coincided with Liverpool relinquishing their dominance over English football. He departed for Spurs in 1994, following two consecutive finishes outside the top five, which Liverpool had previously finished in in every year since the mid-1960s.
He remained at Spurs until 1997, earning an unwanted reputation as a striker who simply didn’t score, finishing with four goals in 88 league games.
Records
- Most appearances – Yossi Benayoun (194)
- First appearance – Ronny Rosenthal (Nottingham Forest 1-0 LIVERPOOL, August 16th 1992)
- Most goals – Yossi Benayoun (31)
- First goal – Ronny Rosenthal (Aston Villa 4-2 LIVERPOOL, September 19th 1992)
Current/Most Recent Players
Brighton midfielder Beram Kayal was the only Israeli in the Premier League last season yet did not make an appearance. Kayal was set to spend 2019/20 on loan at Charlton, but his spell was cut short by injury in January. He is now a free agent.
Trivia
- Despite being located entirely in Asia, Israel have been a member of UEFA since 1992. Israel were expelled from AFC in 1974 following a vote initiated by Kuwait.
- Tal Ben Haim has played for seven different clubs in the Premier League, only Marcus Bent (8) has played for more.
- Yossi Benayoun is the only player to have scored a hat-trick in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
