After Retirement, Ofir Mizrahi Takes Over Youth Development at Ironi Nesher

At 32, former Maccabi Haifa midfielder Ofir Mizrahi has stepped into a new role after announcing his retirement from playing about a month ago. Ironi Nesher said on Sunday that Mizrahi has been appointed sporting director of the club’s youth department.

The club described him as “a true homegrown son,” noting that he came through Ironi Nesher’s youth system, took his first steps on the pitches in Nesher, and later ended his playing career where it began. The statement added that over the past three years Mizrahi worked as a coach in the club’s youth department, leading a significant professional process focused on developing young players and helping several move on to leading clubs in Israel.

Ironi Nesher said Mizrahi holds an UEFA A coaching license and brings extensive professional experience, deep familiarity with the club, a strong love for the game and a real desire to push the youth academy forward. Mizrahi said he was “excited and proud” to receive responsibility for the department, calling it an “emotional full circle” and “the beginning of a new chapter.”

He said his goal is to build a professional, values-based, advanced department, develop players and coaches, and create a real pathway for children from the city and the surrounding area. He thanked the club’s management for its trust and said he is already looking forward to starting work.