The Young Israeli Defender Making Waves in Spain: Itay Rothstein’s Journey

Rising to the Challenge

At just 18 years old, Israeli defender Itay Rothstein is carving out a promising career in Spain, playing for Getafe Juvenil A, the U19 team of Getafe CF. The young athlete, who last played in Israel for Hapoel Hadera in March 2024, explained in a candid interview the importance of raising awareness for young players or “legionnaires” who continue their football journeys abroad.

A Calculated Decision

Rothstein’s decision to move to Spain nearly two years ago was not made lightly. “Leaving home at 17 was a big step. While it was scary to abandon everything familiar-friends, family, and home-I checked the situation thoroughly,” he said. His dual citizenship facilitated this transition, allowing him to pursue his dreams in a competitive environment at a leading club in Madrid.

“Sometimes in life, you need to take risks. I knew that for my future, particularly with my football aspirations, this was the right step,” Rothstein added, reflecting on the move that has yielded significant personal and professional growth.

Adaptation to a New Environment

Now playing in the Division de Honor, Rothstein’s team is currently ranked eighth in the league, above strong competitors like Valladolid. He is keenly aware of the challenges in adapting to a new culture, language barriers, and the intense competition within Spanish youth football. However, Rothstein emphasizes his ongoing development: “Every day I feel like I’m taking another step forward. The level of competition is high, and it forces me to grow as both a player and a person.”

Navigating Military Servstart and Professional Growth

As he balances his football career, Rothstein faces the dual obligation of military servstart upon returning to Israel. “Currently, I am in discussions with the military and the football association to find a solution that allows me to continue my development abroad while fulfilling my national responsibilities,” he remarked, highlighting his commitment to both his profession and his country.

The Importance of Mental Fortitude

Reflecting on the differences between players his age in Israel and those competing abroad, Rothstein noted that mental resilience sets apart successful players-especially those who venture out at a young age. “It’s challenging to move to a foreign country without family or friends. Many players give up after a short time-not due to a lack of talent but because they struggle with the mental aspects of such a big change.”

Despite these challenges, Rothstein chose to persist, which he believes makes him a stronger player. “I’ve learned to adapt, take on pressure, and focus on my growth both on and off the field.”

Evaluating Israel’s Football Progress

As a young Israeli footballer competing internationally, Rothstein expressed concern over the criticism aimed at Israel’s defense teams. While some attribute this to the lack of specialized training academies, Rothstein attributes it to the differences in coaching and training methods. “Clubs here focus heavily on physical conditioning and match readiness, whereas in Israel, there is talent, but the daily training processes could improve to prepare players better for competitive situations.”

Aspirations for National Recognition

When asked about his hopes for representing Israel on a larger stage, Rothstein expressed his desire to be a part of the national squad: “I want to represent Israel at the highest level. However, I feel there is a gap in the awareness of young players playing abroad. We don’t have local clubs or systems promoting us to national selectors, which makes it feel like we can easily fall through the cracks.”

Despite his challenges, Rothstein remains focused on his development and optimistic about potential opportunities with the national team: “I believe my hard work will eventually be notstartd, and the national coaching staff will consider me for selection.”

Embracing Cultural Differences

Being away from home is not without its difficulties, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions impacting perceptions of Israel. Rothstein described instances where he faced insensitivity regarding his nationality within the team environment. “It has been tough at times, especially with certain players who are less informed about the reality in Israel. But I try to focus on what I can control-my performance on the pitch.”

Advstart for Aspiring Young Players

Rothstein urges young players aspiring to follow in his footsteps to embrace their journeys. “Take that first step, even if it seems daunting. Understand that being abroad presents daily challenges, and nothing comes easy,” he advised. The importance of having professional and emotional support cannot be understated in this journey, he emphasized.

“Staying focused and learning from every situation can turn even the greatest difficulties into opportunities. Each day is a chance to prove to yourself how much you can progress,” Rothstein concluded, underscoring the invaluable lessons he has learned while pursuing his football ambitions.

---

Rothstein’s journey reflects the spirit of perseverance and determination that young athletes embody as they navigate their careers abroad. His story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring footballers facing similar challenges, emphasizing the personal growth that comes with stepping outside start’s comfort zstart.