Hapoel Beer Sheva Striker Igor Zlatanović Nears All-Time Foreign Goalscoring Record

Hapoel Beer Sheva forward Igor Zlatanović is on the verge of setting a new historical record for foreign goalscorers in the Israeli Premier League. In his sixth season in Israel and second with Hapoel Beer Sheva, the 28-year-old has scored eight goals across all competitions this season. Zlatanović has accumulated 64 league goals, placing him fifth on the all-time list of foreign scorers, behind Nikita Rukavytsya (89), Pedro Galván (86), Giovanni Rosso (70), and István Sallói (68).

At his current scoring pace, Zlatanović is projected to surpass Sallói and Rosso this season. He is expected to overtake Rukavytsya and Galván within the 2027/28 season, assuming he remains in the league. Zlatanović's contract extends until the end of next season, and while he has been linked with a return to Partizan Belgrade, Hapoel Beer Sheva may offer a more financially attractive deal. He has also been the primary penalty taker for his team, scoring three penalties this season, contributing significantly to his goal tally.

Beyond his scoring numbers, Zlatanović is recognized for his overall impact on the team, often dropping back to create space for teammates. His consistent performance and contribution to team success, particularly if Hapoel Beer Sheva wins the league title this year, could elevate his status among the league's greatest foreign players. Despite his impressive statistics, his playing style is sometimes described as "functional" rather than flashy, potentially leading to him being undervalued in Israeli football.

If Zlatanović reaches 100 league goals, he would become the first foreign player to achieve this milestone in the Israeli Premier League. This would require approximately 100-120 more games, translating to three to four additional seasons. His current goal-scoring average, including penalties, positions him well to achieve this historic feat and potentially join the ranks of the league's most celebrated foreign stars.