Arik Yanko (born 21 December 1991) is an Israeli professional footballer who plays for Hapoel Rishon LeZion.

Biography

Playing career

Arik Yanko starting playing youth football with Hapoel Tel Aviv. As a youth team player, Yanko cracked four teeth during a derby match against Maccabi but played out the entire match. This endeared him to the youth team staff who saw the young goalkeeper as having a strong character. Yanko made his league debut in a Premier League match against Maccabi Petah Tikva on 4 April 2009 when he replaced Ben Luz in the 80th minute after back up goalkeeper Yaniv Mizrahi was red-carded. In October 2009, Yanko said that that moment was by far the most exciting moment of his career.

International career

Yanko represented Israel at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, winning a bronze medal. In 2013, Yanko was a part of Israel U21 squad.

Footnotes