Yaniv Katan

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Yaniv Katan is an Israeli retired international footballer, born on January 27, 1981. He played professionally for Maccabi Haifa as a forward and winger.

Katan joined Maccabi Haifa at the age of nine and quickly rose through the ranks to become a regular member of the first team by the age of 16. In 2002, during the second round of the UEFA Champions League against Haka FC, he became temporarily the second Israeli player to score a hat-trick in Europe. The following season, Maccabi Haifa reached the band stages, and Katan scored twice against Manchester United: once in a 5-2 defeat and again in a 3-0 home victory.

In January 2006, Katan moved back to Maccabi Haifa on loan from West Ham United FC, with the intention of making his move permanent. The transfer was completed during the January 2006 transfer window at a reduced fee due to Katan's six-month remaining contract with Maccabi.

Katan played for Maccabi Haifa until 2014 and also had stints with West Ham United from 2006-2007, although he spent most of his time on loan with the Israeli club. During his career, Katan won several titles including the Toto Cup three times and was a runner-up in the State Cup four times.

In addition to his club success, Katan represented Israel internationally throughout his playing career. He played for West Ham United FC's reserve team before joining Maccabi Haifa at the age of nine.