Israeli Midfielder Omri Gandelman Soars With Lecce in Serie A

Italian football is one of the most demanding arenas in the world. Tactical discipline, relentless pressure, and passionate fans make Serie A a proving ground for elite players. Yet in the sun-soaked region of Salento, a new name has quickly captured the imagination of supporters.

Israeli midfielder Omri Gandelman has taken Serie A by storm with Italian club Lecce. Just weeks after arriving from Belgian side KAA Gent in January 2026 for a reported three million euros, the 25-year-old has become one of the most talked-about players in the league.

Italian media, famously critical and difficult to impress, has already embraced the Israeli star. Two consecutive match-winning performances turned Gandelman into a fan favorite among Lecce’s Giallorossi supporters and placed him firmly in the spotlight.

His first breakthrough moment came against Udinese. With sharp awareness inside the penalty area, Gandelman capitalized on a defensive mistake and scored his debut goal for the club, securing a crucial 2–1 victory.

The win carried extra importance. Lecce had endured an eight-game winless streak, and Gandelman’s goal provided the spark that reignited the team’s campaign.

Speaking after the match to Italian media, Gandelman showed the team-first mentality that has defined his rise.

“I am happy with my first goal for the team, but first of all I am satisfied with the win,” he said. “My goal is to help the club achieve its objective of staying in the league.”

But it was his next performance that truly electrified the Italian football world.

In a 2–0 away victory against Cagliari, Gandelman soared above the defense to score a powerful header from a set piece. The goal showcased his physical strength and impeccable timing, earning him the prestigious Panini Player of the Match award.

Soon after, social media erupted with a new nickname: “Omri Airlines,” a tribute to his gravity-defying headers.

Even Italy’s legendary sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport praised the midfielder, describing him as a dynamic attacking player with an imposing physical presence and a rare ability to burst into the penalty box at exactly the right moment.

Lecce manager Eusebio Di Francesco has been equally enthusiastic about the Israeli international.

“He is excellent at exploiting gaps in the defense,” the coach said. “He has incredible timing and knows exactly when to run into space. He has become the second striker we were missing.”

Behind Gandelman’s rapid rise lies a deep sporting heritage and relentless discipline.

Born on May 16, 2000, in Hod HaSharon, he grew up in a family deeply connected to athletics. His father, Shmuel “Shmulik” Gandelman, was a professional basketball player in Israel’s top division, while his grandfather Rami was a respected basketball coach and physical education teacher in Jerusalem.

Although basketball dominated the family tradition, Omri gravitated toward football. Inspired by Brazilian legends Kaká and Ronaldo, he developed a style that combines physical strength with attacking flair.

His father once described the driving force behind his success as “positive paranoia.”

“Omri takes nothing for granted,” he explained. “He understands that success requires constant work. He removes the mental barriers that stop others from progressing.”

Gandelman’s journey began in the youth systems of Hapoel Hod HaSharon, Maccabi Petah Tikva, and Hapoel Ra’anana. At 17, he took a bold step by moving to Germany to join the youth academy of SV Wehen Wiesbaden.

Despite receiving a professional contract offer in Germany, he made the difficult decision to return to Israel. He wanted to complete his education and fulfill his mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces before fully committing to a professional career.

That decision proved pivotal.

In 2018 he signed with Maccabi Netanya, where he quickly developed into one of the most versatile players in Israeli football. He captained the youth team to a State Cup final and soon became a key player in the senior squad.

Between 2019 and 2023, Gandelman played nearly every role on the pitch, from center-back to defensive midfielder to attacking playmaker. Coaches praised his leadership, discipline, and relentless work ethic.

During this period he helped Netanya capture the Toto Cup in the 2022–2023 season, cementing his reputation as one of Israel’s rising talents.

In 2023 he moved to Belgium’s KAA Gent, where his game reached a new level. Over two seasons he scored 33 goals and delivered 14 assists in 107 appearances.

One unforgettable moment came in March 2024 against Charleroi. Entering as a substitute, Gandelman scored four goals in less than 30 minutes, an astonishing feat that led Spanish newspaper Marca to call him “the best substitute in the world.”

His remarkable scoring record also placed him among Europe’s most productive midfielders. By the end of 2024, he ranked second among midfielders in the top fifteen European leagues in goals scored.

Gandelman has also played a crucial role for Israel’s national teams.

He helped lead Israel’s Under-21 squad to the semifinals of the 2023 European Championship, securing a historic place in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As an overage player in the Olympic tournament, he even captained the side and scored an important goal against Paraguay.

Today he is a regular member of Israel’s senior national team under coach Ran Ben Shimon. His first international goal, a powerful header against France in the Nations League, demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.

Now in Italy, Gandelman represents a new generation of Israeli footballers: physically prepared, tactically intelligent, and determined to succeed in Europe’s toughest leagues.

His rise comes during a difficult period for Israel, making his success even more meaningful to many supporters back home. For Gandelman, every match abroad is an opportunity to represent his country with pride.

With a contract at Lecce running until 2029 and a Portuguese passport simplifying his status in European football, his journey in Serie A is only beginning.

For Lecce, he has quickly become the player who can change a season. For Israel, Omri Gandelman is a powerful ambassador on one of football’s biggest stages.

Israel continues to produce athletes who compete with determination and pride across the global sports arena. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter to follow more inspiring achievements from Israel and its people.