Avi Cohen facts for kids
Cohen in 1990
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Avraham Cohen | ||
| Date of birth | 14 November 1956 | ||
| Place of birth | Cairo, Egypt | ||
| Date of death | 29 December 2010 (aged 54) | ||
| Place of death | Tel Aviv, Israel | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1966–1974 | Maccabi Tel Aviv | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1974–1979 | Maccabi Tel Aviv | 134 | (10) |
| 1979–1981 | Liverpool | 18 | (1) |
| 1981–1987 | Maccabi Tel Aviv | 158 | (4) |
| 1987–1988 | Rangers | 7 | (0) |
| 1988–1990 | Maccabi Tel Aviv | 40 | (1) |
| 1991 | Maccabi Netanya | 3 | (0) |
| Total | 360 | (16) | |
| National team | |||
| 1976–1988 | Israel | 51 | (3) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 1990–1992 | Maccabi Netanya | ||
| 1992–1993 | Beitar Tel Aviv | ||
| 1993–1994 | Maccabi Yavne | ||
| 1994–1995 | Ironi Ashdod | ||
| 1995–1998 | Hapoel Kfar Saba | ||
| 1998–1999 | Hapoel Ashkelon | ||
| 1999–2000 | Hapoel Kfar Saba | ||
| 2001 | Maccabi Herzliya | ||
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Avraham "Avi" Cohen (born November 14, 1956 – died December 29, 2010) was a famous Israeli footballer and manager. He played as a defender. Avi Cohen is best known for playing with two big British clubs: Liverpool in England and Rangers in Scotland.
After he stopped playing and managing, he became the chairman of the Israel Professional Footballers Association. Sadly, he passed away in a motorcycle accident. After his death, his old club, Maccabi Tel Aviv, retired the number 5 jersey he used to wear to honor him.
Contents
Avi Cohen's Football Journey
Avi Cohen was born in Cairo, Egypt, and was Jewish. He moved to Israel when he was young. He started his football career with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Playing for Liverpool
In July 1979, Avi joined Liverpool for about £200,000. He was the first Israeli player to play football in England! It was a bit tough for him to become a regular player at Liverpool's home stadium, Anfield. He left Liverpool in November 1981 and went back to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
On September 20, 1980, Avi played in a game for Liverpool against Southampton. This day was Yom Kippur, a very important Jewish holiday. Some people in Israel were upset that he played on this day.
Playing for Rangers and Maccabi Netanya
In 1987, Avi returned to the United Kingdom. He played a short time for Rangers in Scotland. His former Liverpool teammate, Graeme Souness, was the manager there. Avi finished his playing career with Maccabi Netanya.
Playing for His Country
Avi also played for the Israeli national team. His first game was on July 19, 1976, during the 1976 Summer Olympics. They drew 0–0 against Guatemala. He scored his first goal for Israel on October 9, 1984, in a friendly game against Greece. The game ended in a 2–2 draw. He played 51 games for Israel and scored 3 goals.
His son, Tamir Cohen, is also a professional footballer. Tamir has played for Maccabi Haifa and the Israeli national team.
Avi Cohen's Family Life
Avi Cohen was married to Dorit Cohen. They had three children, including the football player Tamir Cohen. Avi was also the brother-in-law of another former football player, Vicky Peretz. Vicky's sons, Adi and Omer Peretz, are Avi's nephews.
In 2008, Avi took part in the Israeli TV show Dancing with the Stars. He was the fifth person to be eliminated from the show.
Remembering Avi Cohen
On December 20, 2010, Avi Cohen was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident. He was taken to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for surgery. On December 28, 2010, the hospital announced that Avi was brain dead. His son Tamir confirmed this sad news later that day.
Many people shared their memories of Avi. Kenny Dalglish, a famous Liverpool player and manager, said Avi was a "lovely man" who was well-liked by everyone. He remembered how Avi helped Liverpool win the league. Ally McCoist, a Rangers legend, said it was "so sad" to hear of his passing.
Liverpool honored Avi Cohen before their game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 29, 2010, with a moment of applause. The club also played a friendly game against the local Jewish community in his honor, competing for the Avi Cohen Cup. The Liverpool Legends team won 1–0.
On April 24, 2011, Avi's son Tamir, who played for Bolton Wanderers, scored a winning goal against Arsenal. He celebrated by showing a T-shirt with his father's face on it, as a tribute to him.
Avi Cohen's Achievements
Avi Cohen won many awards and trophies during his career.
Player Honours
- Club
- Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Israeli League (2): 1976–77, 1978–79
- State Cup (2): 1976–77, 1986–87
- Super Cup (1): 1988
- English First Division (1): 1979–80
- Charity Shield (2): 1979, 1980
- European Cup (1): 1980–81
- League Cup (1): 1987–88
Individual Awards
- Israel Player of the Year (1): 1978–79
- Member of the Israeli Football Hall of Fame
See also
In Spanish: Avi Cohen para niños
- List of select Jewish football (association; soccer) players
Images for kids
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Avi Cohen in 1990
