Idan Tal - Biography

Idan Tal (born September 13, 1975 in Jerusalem) is an Israeli footballer who plays for Hapoel Jerusalem, as a midfielder.

Club career

Tal started his career at Maccabi Petah Tikva FC during the 1996–97 season, and played 71 games until his move to Hapoel Tel Aviv FC in the midst of the 1998–99, winning the state cup, the first title in 11 years for the club. He played 14 games until the end of the season before moving on again, this time to CP Mérida in the Spanish second division.

Even though Mérida finished in sixth position, the Extremadura club would be relegated due to irregularities, and Tal returned to Maccabi Petah Tikva, played a handful of games before changing teams – and countries – again, as he signed with Everton in October 2000, appearing sparingly over the course of two 1/2 seasons.

In January 2003, Tal was released and returned to Spain, joining La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, and suffering another relegation, this time on the pitch. In the summer, he signed for Maccabi Haifa FC.

On November 9, 2005, Tal received French citizenship, a process that took him five years to complete: his eligibility came through his wife Doreen, of French descent. The fact that he had acquired a European passport, along with his contract with Maccabi was due to expire at the end of the season, allowed him to renegotiate a return to Europe on a free transfer, where he would not count as a foreign player. In July 2006, he left the Israeli champions to return to England, signing with Bolton Wanderers, where he rejoined compatriot Tal Ben Haim.

During his sole season, as Bolton qualified for the UEFA Cup, as seventh, Tal appeared almost exclusively from the bench (12 out 16 Premier League appearances); he scored once, against Doncaster Rovers for the season's FA Cup. In July 2007, at nearly 32, he was sold to Beitar Jerusalem FC, signing a three-year contract worth £246,000.

He returned to Hapoel Jerusalem in July 2011 as he signed a 3-year contract with the club. On October 26, 2011 he revealed that although he signed a long contract he will retire in the end of the 2011-12 season if he won't be able to win promotion with Hapoel.

International career

Tal earned 69 caps for the Israeli national team during nine years, scoring five goals.

Honours

Team

• Israeli League: 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08
• Israeli Cup: 1998–99, 2007–08, 2008–09
• Toto Cup: 2005–06, 2009–10

Individual

• Israeli Player of the Year: 2004–05

See also

• List of select Jewish football (association; soccer) players

External links

• BDFutbol profile