Israel (footballer)

Israel David Bascón Gigato (born 16 March 1987 in Utrera, Seville), known simply as Israel, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a right midfielder.

Betis

A product of Real Betis's youth system, Israel made his debut for the first team against Real Sociedad, on 16 March 2005 (nine minutes, 0–1 away loss). During the 2004–05 season he made a further seven La Liga appearances, adding three in the Copa del Rey, where he scored his first goal for the Andalusians, against CD Mirandés.

In the following campaign, Israel played again in just eight matches, all but one as a substitute, while also appearing in both European competitions when he came from the bench against Liverpool and R.S.C. Anderlecht in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

During the 2006 off-season, in August, vastly underplayed at Betis due to the presence of Joaquín in his position, Israel spent time at Chelsea on trial after a move to Real Madrid Castilla failed to materialise. Nothing came of it, however, and the player then left for Mérida UD on a loan deal.

Shortly after, Israel was involved a serious car accident where he broke a collar bone and suffered several contusions. After that he returned to Betis, still being registered mainly for the club's B-team, which competed in the third division.

Israel scored his first competitive goal for Betis on 19 September 2010, heading from a Miguel Lopes cross past Real Valladolid's Jacobo in a 2–1 home win. He contributed with 21 games – only four starts however, 644 minutes of action – during the season as the Verdiblancos returned to the top level after two years out.

Xerez

In the following seasons, Israel continued to compete in division two, with Xerez CD. On 11 February 2013, however, he joined Greek side Veria FC, on loan until June.