Yannick Lijndal Joins Hapoel Tel Aviv After Career Revival in the Netherlands

Yannick Lijndal, a left-back born in Amsterdam in April 2002, has signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv, marking a new chapter in his professional football career. Lijndal's journey has been unconventional, shaped by health challenges in early childhood that led him to grow up in Paramaribo, Suriname, before returning to Europe and settling in Belgium. His career began in youth teams in Belgium and the Netherlands, including a significant six-year development period at Genk, where he transitioned from forward to left-back.

Despite early promise, Lijndal faced setbacks, including a contract non-renewal at Genk following a conflict with coaching staff and a difficult half-season at Venlo, where he struggled with coach relations. A loan to TOP Oss helped him regain confidence, leading to a breakthrough at Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie. However, his time at Utrecht ended abruptly in 2024 due to disciplinary and communication issues, with coach Ron Jans publicly criticizing his attitude and closing the door on his first-team future.

In summer 2024, Lijndal signed with second-division club Volendam, where he found stability and a supportive coach in Rick Kraus. His performances helped Volendam gain promotion, and he earned a contract extension through 2028. Despite a disciplinary suspension in April 2025, Lijndal was recognized as one of the Eredivisie's top left-backs and was named to ESPN's team of the week after a notable victory over PSV Eindhoven.

Internationally, Lijndal represented Belgium and the Netherlands at youth levels but recently committed to the Suriname national team, embracing his heritage. His playing style suits Hapoel Tel Aviv's tactical system, which utilizes attacking full-backs, and he arrives with a renewed sense of belonging and maturity. The club and fans await to see how quickly he will adapt and feel at home in Israeli football under coach Aliniv Breda.