Haifa’s squad includes the likes of Haitian forward Frantzdy Pierrot, who was previously drafted for US team Colorado Rapids and has previously appeared for Reading. Other talent comprises Israeli captain Neta Lavi and striker Ben Sahar, along with Nigerian midfielder Ali Mohamed and American goalkeeper Joshua Cohen.
It will be a difficult road ahead for Haifa, who are set to face off against some of Europe’s best teams.
The Israeli Premier League team will face stellar squads such as Paris Saint-German, whose roster includes award-winning Argentine forward Lionel Messi along with — as well as Brazilian winger Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Meanwhile, the Turin-based Juventus boast players such as Rabiot and Juan Cuadrado.
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However, the Haifa team and its fans are unsurprisingly excited for the competition. Omer Atzili has already acquiesced to a fan request to exchange shirts with Messi and Neymar.
“T-shirts for us, please. Messi and Neymar,” the Haifa attacker posted to his Instagram story, Sports Brief reported.