Considered the best Israeli soccer player in history, midfielder Mordechai Spiegler's crowning achievement was helping Israel qualify for the 1970 World Cup.

As captain he scored the nation's only World Cup goal in a 1-1 draw with Sweden in 1970. Until 2021, he held the national team scoring record of 32 goals in 83 appearances. He also captained Israel's Olympic team when it reached the quarterfinals in 1968.

Spiegler helped Israel win the 1964 AFC Asian Cup. His professional debut came in 1961 with Maccabi Netanya, where he made 385 appearances. Spiegler played abroad for Paris Saint-Germain from 1972 to 1974, and for the New York Cosmos alongside soccer legend Pele from 1973 to 1977.

Upon his return to Israel, Spiegler played for Betar Tel Aviv for one season, then began coaching Maccabi Netanya with outstanding results. Spiegler is a member of Israel's Football Hall of Fame.