A total of 303 La Liga appearances marks the career trajectory of David Aouate in Spanish football. The Israeli goalkeeper moved to Racing de Santander in 2003, subsequently establishing himself as a mainstay in the top tier of Spanish competition during a professional tenure that spanned over a decade before his eventual retirement from the pitch.
Early Career in Israel
Born in Nof HaGalil in 1977, Aouate began his progression within the youth ranks of Maccabi Haifa. Initial opportunities were limited, prompting a loan spell at Hapoel Nazareth Illit. His breakthrough occurred during the 1998–99 season at Hapoel Haifa. Following an injury to the first-choice goalkeeper, Aouate secured the starting position, contributing to a league championship title. He later returned to Maccabi Haifa for the 2001–02 campaign, winning another Premier League title and participating in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
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Aouate transferred to Racing de Santander in July 2003, utilizing a French passport to bypass foreign player restrictions. In 2006, he joined Deportivo de La Coruña in a multi-player swap deal. His tenure was marked by a high volume of matches, including all 38 league games during his debut season with the club. In late 2008, he signed with RCD Mallorca, remaining there until his retirement in 2014. Following his playing career, he transitioned into an administrative role at Mallorca, becoming a major shareholder and general manager.
International Participation
Aouate earned 78 caps for the Israeli national team over a 14-year period. His international debut occurred on 10 October 1999 during a qualifying match against Spain. One notable performance included a clean sheet in a 2007 draw against England during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, where he successfully defended the goal against multiple attempts.
Professional Incidents and Controversy
Throughout his career, Aouate faced several public challenges. In 2006, he faced domestic criticism for comments regarding his availability to play on Yom Kippur. During his time in Spain, he was also subjected to antisemitic abuse from supporters, which led to formal inquiries by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Additionally, a physical altercation with teammate Gustavo Munúa in 2008 resulted in internal disciplinary suspensions for both players.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 October 1977, Nof HaGalil
- Citizenship: France and Israel
- La Liga appearances: 303
- National team caps: 78
- Retirement date: 8 August 2014
- Primary position: Goalkeeper
Questions readers ask
How long did Dudu Aouate play for the Israeli national team?
He represented the national team for 14 years, earning a total of 78 caps.
Which Spanish clubs did Aouate represent?
He played for Racing de Santander, Deportivo de La Coruña, and RCD Mallorca.
