Orian Goren Receives First Call-Up to Israel National Football Team
Barcelona’s young midfielder Orian Goren has received his first call-up to the Israel senior national team, signifying a notable achievement in his swift ascent at La Masia. The 17-year-old player has been selected for coach Ran Ben Shimon’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Kosovo and Austria.
Israel will play against Kosovo away on November 14, followed by a home fixture against Austria three days later. Currently, the national team sits at the bottom of Nations League Group B3, accumulating just two points, and aims to improve its standing in the remaining matches.
Goren’s inclusion follows his increasing engagement with Hansi Flick’s first team at Barcelona. The midfielder has participated regularly in senior training sessions and has been listed in matchday squads for significant games, including a match against Real Madrid and the Champions League clash with Aston Villa.
Although Goren has yet to make his senior debut for Barcelona, his progress has garnered attention across the football community.
Promoted After Advancing Through Israel’s Youth Teams
The young player’s selection for the national squad marks an important step following his success with various Israeli youth teams. Goren has previously played for the U17, U18, U19, and U21 squads, accumulating 17 appearances since debuting for the U17 team on September 10, 2024. His advancement to the senior team illustrates the significant strides he has made over the past two years.
At Barcelona, Goren joined Barça Atlètic for the 2026/27 season after participating in pre-season training under Flick with the first team.
High Expectations Surrounding Goren at Barcelona
Goren’s recent international opportunity highlights the growing recognition of his talents within the Barcelona organization. His technical skills, creative play, and intelligence with the ball have established him as a vital component of the club’s development framework. Moreover, he is known for his positive character, fostering strong relationships with team members in locker rooms.
Next Steps: Aiming for First-Team Opportunities
As Goren continues his journey at Barcelona, he is poised for another crucial phase of development. Flick has already provided him with chances to train alongside experienced first-team players and included him in critical game squads. However, the stiff competition for midfield spots may necessitate further time with Barça Atlètic before he secures meaningful on-field opportunities in the senior team.
