Former Premier League footballer Yossi Benayoun and his family survived a grenade attack on their home in Ramat Hasharon, Israel, late Sunday night. A motorcyclist reportedly threw a grenade at the property, igniting a fire at the front door. Emergency services quickly responded and extinguished the blaze. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, although the home sustained damage. Israeli police are treating the incident as a criminal act rather than terrorism, and Benayoun believes it was a case of mistaken identity.
Benayoun, now 44, is best known for his impressive football career, particularly his time at Liverpool between 2007 and 2010. Signed by Rafa Benítez from West Ham United, Benayoun quickly became a fan favourite for his creativity, dribbling skills, and knack for scoring crucial goals. He etched his name into the club’s history books by becoming the first Liverpool player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
During his Anfield spell, Benayoun shared the pitch with some of Liverpool’s modern greats. He played alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, and Xabi Alonso. Their chemistry helped Liverpool reach the Champions League quarter-finals in 2008–09 and mount a strong Premier League title challenge that same season, ultimately finishing second.
Benayoun’s iconic moments included a last-minute winner against Fulham and a stunning goal at the Santiago Bernabéu, giving Liverpool a famous 1-0 win over Real Madrid. His intelligence and technical skill made him a vital squad member during one of the club’s most competitive eras.
Retiring in 2019, Benayoun remains one of Israel’s most decorated footballers. As investigations continue into the attack on his home, fans worldwide are sending support to a player remembered not only for his talent but his humility and grace. Let’s hope this is a one off incident.