July 2, 2010
Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun signs a three-year contract to leave one of the English Premier League’s Big Six teams, Liverpool Football Club, for another, Chelsea Football Club, owned by Israeli-Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Born in the southern city of Dimona in 1980, Benayoun became one of Israel’s top soccer players ever. His world-class talents were recognized by Israeli scouts when he was 9 years old. He began his professional career with Ha’poel Be’er Sheva at the age of 16. Quickly rising through the ranks of Israel’s professional football leagues, Benayoun at 21 led Maccabi Haifa to its first national championship in seven years.
In 2002, Benayoun was recruited to play for Racing de Santander Football Club in Spain’s La Liga. He scored 21 goals in his three seasons with Santander, making him a top player in one of the top leagues in the world. Wanting to play in England, Benayoun signed with English Premier League team West Ham United in London and left Spain in 2005. He shined in what is considered the top league in the world and within two years was recruited to play for Liverpool.
Benayoun made numerous game-winning plays with Liverpool and was a regular starter during his second season with the club before making the move to Chelsea.
