A document about how Spain became the #1 exporter of footballers to the Israeli Premier League

2. In the past few years, Spain has become the main source
of talent for Israeli teams.
What started as a small wave in 2006 with the signings of
David Aganso and Javi Gonzales, has become an
outstanding trend, with 8 Spanish footballers making Spain
the #1 exporter of players to Israel.
So, what changes have made Israel such an attractive
destination for futbolistas?

4. TelMaccabito serve as Director of Football forCruyffJordiThe arrival of
was a giant leap of professionalism for Israeli football.2012inAviv
The son of former football legend Johan Cruyff built a Spanish-only
(Which has since beenGarciaOscarManagerbyledprofessional staff,
straight2Tel Aviv toMaccabi). His team ledPaolo Sousareplaced with
championships, while opening the gates to many connections between
Spanish and Israeli colleagues.
Cruyff’s arrival also served as a huge “stamp of approval” for many Spanish
players considering a move.
A top Israeli agent wasthe market for Spanish players”,openedCruyff“
is very strong in Spain,Cruyff“The namequoted saying in a recent article.
and if two years ago no Spanish player would have even considered coming
to Israel, nowadays a lot of them would seriously consider an interesting
offer, even players who play regularly in medium and small teams”.

5. is also considered to have a part in making Israelprofessional staffCruyff’s
a desirable location. “They are in constant contact with many people in
the Spanish soccer industry”, a source from Maccabi Tel Aviv was quoted
saying in that same article. “They say only good things about the life in
Israel - especially that it’s a calm & safe place to live in.”
A lot of sources attribute the successful acclamation of Spanish players to
the similarity between life in Spain and in Israel.
beach cities by10One of the world's topTel Aviv, which was voted
cities by Lonelythreeof the world's topOneandNational Geographic
, is most often compared to Barcelona, while Israelis are consideredPlanet
highly similar in character to people in Spain.

6. “When I arrived here, all I knew was what I saw on the news. There is no
doubt things here are completely different from what I imagined – I’ve
already gotten to see most of the country and it is truly amazing”. –
An–The difference between Israel and SpainChristian Hidalgo from “
Spaniards”Sakhnin’sinterview with
“Life here are very European. Weather's always good, you can go to the
beach and have fun with your family. There are also a ton of restaurants
and places to hang out with friends. My wife and daughter are very happy
Juan Pablo Colinas: Life here is justJuan Pablo Colinas from “–”.
wonderful”
“My initial impression of Israel is excellent, and I think Tel Aviv is very
“Carlos Garcia: ‘I want to experience aCarlos Garcia from–beautiful.”
fight for a championship and a cup“
“30 grados en pleno febrero no está mal el invierno aquí en haifa!!! ”
TwitteronRayosRuben

7. The Spanish football’s “Golden Era” has caused the Spanish player’s
reputation to rise substantially.
This has created an increased interest in Spanish players all over the world.
Israeli teams also became increasingly interested in Spanish players – Even
those without international experience or from the Seguenda division.
Agents like Ronen Katzav, who until then were focused on transferring
Israeli players to Spain, saw the opportunity and started using their
connections to bring Spanish players to Israel.

8. The average Spanish player could enjoy a significant upgrade in financial
terms if choosing to come to Israel.
Based on official publications and various estimations, the average Spanish
player in Israel earns ~€250,000/year, with Ruben Rayos (Top Spanish
./year on his new contract000,600€raking upEarner)
,2013/2012Vigo inCeltaregular first team player forAlthough being a
Tunez was set to leave the club at the end of the season.
The Venezuela international started looking for a club that would meet his
current contract which was set at £320,000/year, but the highest offers he
received were around £120,000/year.
would helpJerusalem, he was able to structure a deal thatBeitarBy joining
/year.000,150paying £Beitar/year contract, with000,320him maintain his £

11. • Spain is now the #1 exporter of foreign talent to Israel,
with 8 players currently playing in the Israeli Premier
League.
• The main reasons for the rise of the Spanish player are
Jordi Cruyff’s arrival, Israel’s similarity to Spain, the rise
in the Spanish player’s reputation and the highly
competitive wages.
• Israel could be a great upgrade financially: The average
Spanish player earns ~ €250,000/year, with Ruben
Rayos (Spanish top earner) bringing in €600,000/year.

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