Hapoel Be'er Sheva Striker Igor Zlatanović Nears All-Time Foreign Goalscoring Record

Hapoel Be'er Sheva striker Igor Zlatanović is on the verge of setting a historic record for goals scored by a foreign player in the Israeli Premier League. In his sixth season in Israel and second with Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Zlatanović has already scored eight goals across all competitions this season. He is currently fifth on the all-time list of foreign goalscorers with 64 goals, trailing leader Nikita Rukavytsya by 25 goals.

Based on his current scoring pace, Zlatanović is projected to surpass István Sallói and Pedro Galván this season, with Rukavytsya and Galván potentially being overtaken during the 2027/28 season. The 28-year-old striker's contract extends through the end of next season, and he has spent most of his professional career in Israel. Despite past links to Partizan Belgrade, Hapoel Be'er Sheva may offer a more financially attractive contract to retain him.

Zlatanović is also on track to become the first foreign player to reach 100 league goals in the Israeli Premier League, needing approximately 100-120 more games, which translates to three to four more seasons. A significant factor in his recent goal-scoring surge is his increased use of penalties; he has scored three penalties this season, more than in any of his previous three seasons in Israel.

His consistent performance and contribution to team success have led to discussions about his standing among the league's foreign players. While some foreign players are remembered for exceptional talent like Gōkū Wakama, others, like Zlatanović and Rukavytsya, are recognized for their longevity and consistent scoring. Zlatanović's playing style is described as "effective" rather than "flashy," lacking the exceptional dribbling skills often lauded in Israel, but his physical presence is noted. A league championship this year could elevate his status from a reliable veteran to one of the league's all-time greats, potentially achieving a dual historical milestone.

If Hapoel Be'er Sheva wins the league championship this season, it could solidify Zlatanović's place in history, moving him closer to both the all-time scoring record and the esteemed list of the league's greatest foreign players. His contributions are considered highly valuable, though sometimes undervalued due to his pragmatic style of play.