Avi Soffer

Avi Soffer is an Israeli central defender, born on 29 March 1986 in Pardesiya, Israel.

Avi developed his natural skills at youth football academies of two different Israeli clubs FC Beitar Nes Tubruk and FC Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The player moved to the professional level at the age of 17, signing a senior contract with FC Hapoel Tel Aviv, one of the most illustrious Israeli clubs.

In 2005 the player was sent on loan to FC Hapoel Ra’anana with the aim of gaining more playing practice, as there was no place for the young talent in the Hapoel Tel Aviv first-team squad. Playing for the Ra’anana side, Avi managed to make 50 appearances, before returning from loan in 2007.

The same year he had another loan spell at FC Hapoel Ramat Gan, where he once again managed to impress the head coach and became a valuable team member. He returned from loan in 2009, adding 45 appearances and 1 goal to his career stats.

The player’s contract with the Hapoel side expired right after the return from the loan and Avi decided to re-unite with FC Hapoel Ra’anana this time on a permanent basis. It had been just a year-long deal, so the player had no obstacles to change club in 2010, when he clinched a deal with FC Ironi Nir from Ramat HaSharon.

There he quickly proved his worth with a solid defensive display, helping the club to get the promotion into the Israeli Premier League (aka. Liga Haal) in 2011.

At the international level, Soffer was actively involved in the Israel U19 fixtures during the period from 2003 to 2005, making 8 appearances for the side.