Omri Gandelman
Omri Gandelman is an Israeli professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Lecce and the [Israel national association football|football team|Israel national team].
Early life
Gandelman was born and raised in Hod HaSharon, Israel, to an Israeli family of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and of Sephardi Jewish descent. His father is Israeli former basketball player Shmuel "Shmulik" Gandelman, and grandson of Rami Gandelman who was a basketball manager and a sports personality in Jerusalem.He also holds a Portuguese passport, on account of his Sephardi Jewish ancestors, which eases the move to certain European football leagues.
Club career
Gandelman is a youth product of the academies of the Israeli clubs Hapoel Hod HaSharon, Maccabi Petah Tikva and Hapoel Ra'anana. In 2018, he was scouted by the German academy of Wehen Wiesbaden and had a stint there, before returning to his native Israel for its mandatory military service.Maccabi Netanya
Gandelman made his professional senior debut with Maccabi Netanya in a 3–1 Israeli Premier League victory over Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona on 2 June 2020.Gent
In October 2023, Gandelman signed a four-year contract with Belgian Pro League club Gent for a reported fee of €2.35 million. He spent two-and-a-half seasons at the club, scoring 33 goals in 108 appearances.Lecce
On 9 January 2026, Gandelman moved to Italy, joining Serie A club Lecce on a contract until June 2029, with an option for a further year.International career
Gandelman played for the Israel U21 side from 2021 to 2023.Coming on as a substitute within the first half, Gandelman debuted with the seniors' Israel national team in a 4–2 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification away loss against Austria on 12 November 2021. Gandelman scored his first international goal for Israel in their UEFA Nations League match against France on 10 October 2024.
2024 Summer Olympics
Gandelman has been selected for the Israel U23's squad, ahead of the men's football tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.He has played for the Israel U23 the whole three Olympic matches, as they were knocked out after the group-stage ended. Gandelman scored a goal against Paraguay U23 to make it a 1–1 tie, which was eventually lost.
Personal life
As of late 2023, Gandelman resides in Gent, Belgium, along with his Israeli girlfriend Meital.Career statistics
International
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1 | 10 October 2024 | Bozsik Aréna, Budapest, Hungary | 1–1 | 1-4 | 2024–25 UEFA Nations League A |