Moti Ivanir was one of Maccabi Tel Aviv's prominent players of the 1980's who dominated the club's midfield and was responsible for many of the team's goals and assists. A technically minded midfielder capable of powerful shots on goal began to play at the club at the age of eight and made his senior team debut aged only 16 years and three months in a 3-1 Maccabi victory over Antwerp FC in the 1980/81 season Intertoto Cup. He may not have scored many goals in his first three seasons, but his talents were apparent and he secured a regular spot in the starting eleven.
The 1983/84 season was the big breakthrough season for Ivanir and was reflected in the statistics: 12 goals in 32 league appearances and triumph in the coveted State Cup. He continued to improve and reached his peak in the 1985/86 season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and establishing his reputation as a player with European credentials. The following season and a half Ivanir spent with the Dutch side Roda JC, scoring three goals, but returned to Maccabi in the 1987/88 season to win once again what would be his only title in a Maccabi jersey, the State Cup.
Ivanir made 18 appearances for the Israeli national team, including the memorable friendly against the Argentinian national side of Diego Maradona in 1986 which saw the Argentinians emerge 2-7 winners. His only goal in a national jersey was scored in a 2-0 victory against New Zealand in the qualifying rounds for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. After retiring from active play, Ivanir sought his fortune in the coaching field, and became head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv midway through the 2010/10 season, holding the position for almost a year.
pictures courtesy of the Israel Football Association archives
