Avi Cohen — Israeli footballer, Liverpool player and national team figure

Early career and Maccabi Tel Aviv

Cohen began his senior career with Maccabi Tel Aviv after progressing through youth ranks. Emerging in the mid-1970s, he quickly attracted attention for his consistency and work-rate. His performances at club level led to selection for the Israel national team, marking the start of a long international involvement that helped raise the visibility of Israeli players abroad.

Move to Britain and Liverpool

In 1979 Cohen moved to England to sign for Liverpool F.C., then among Europe’s leading sides. While he did not become a regular first-team fixture, he made more than twenty first-team appearances for the club and was notable as one of the earliest Israeli professionals to play in the English league. His transfer was widely reported at the time as a pioneering move for players from his country.

Return to Israel and spell with Rangers

After returning to Israel for a period to play domestically, Cohen later returned to Britain for a short spell with Glasgow Rangers in Scotland, where he added further top-level experience. Accounts of his career list these clubs alongside his long association with Maccabi Tel Aviv and his contributions to the national team.

International career and playing style

At international level Cohen was capped by Israel and formed part of a generation that helped increase the profile of Israeli football outside the country. On the field he was known for solid tackling, positional discipline and the capacity to overlap on the flank, providing occasional attacking contributions while maintaining defensive responsibilities.

Later roles: coaching and administration

After retiring from playing around 1990, Cohen remained active in football as a coach, manager and administrator. He served as chairman of the Israel Professional Footballers Association, representing players’ interests and working to improve professional standards. He also worked in club roles and supported the development of younger players, sharing experience gathered in domestic and British football environments.

Death and safety reminder

Cohen died on 29 December 2010 after suffering head injuries in a motorcycle collision in Tel Aviv. Reports noted he was not wearing a properly fastened helmet, a detail that prompted public discussion about road safety and protective equipment in the wake of his death; see references on helmet safety and local campaigns. His passing brought tributes from former clubs, teammates and the broader football community.

Legacy and family

Cohen is remembered as a trailblazer who helped open pathways for Israeli players to move to European leagues. His commitment to the game continued after retirement through coaching and player representation work. The footballing tradition in his family continued: his son Tamir Cohen went on to play professionally in England, including spells with Bolton Wanderers, and represented Israel at international level.

Quick facts

• Full name: Avaraham "Avi" Cohen
• Born: 14 November 1956, Cairo
• Primary position: Right back
• Notable clubs: Maccabi Tel Aviv; Liverpool; Rangers
• National team: Israel
• Later work: Coach, manager and chairman of the Israel Professional Footballers Association

For broader context on Cohen’s era and the movement of players from Israel to overseas leagues, consult general resources on football history and regional sports overviews. Contemporary reports, club archives and memorial pieces published after his death provide further perspectives on his career and the impact he had on colleagues and supporters.