Stav Lemkin is an Israeli professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie and represents the Israel national team. He is one of the promising young defenders from Israeli football and has already played in Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands, and European competitions at a young age.
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Stav Lemkin started his football journey in the Maccabi Tel Aviv youth academy before moving to Hapoel Tel Aviv. He made his senior breakthrough at Hapoel Tel Aviv, earned a transfer to Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, returned to Israel on loan with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and then completed a move to FC Twente in June 2025. FC Twente confirmed that Lemkin signed a contract until mid-2028, with an option for one more year.
Lemkin is mainly known as a centre-back. He is tall, right-footed, physically strong, and comfortable defending in central areas. He can also cover wider defensive positions when needed. His height, timing, and calm defensive style make him a valuable player for both club and country.
He is also important for Israel’s national team future. Lemkin represented Israel at youth levels and was part of the successful Israel youth generation that impressed in international tournaments. He was named in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2022, when Israel reached the final.
For FIFA World Cup 2026, Stav Lemkin’s relevance comes through Israel’s qualification campaign. Israel played in UEFA Group I against Norway, Italy, Estonia, and Moldova. Israel did not qualify for the final tournament, but Lemkin gained senior international experience during this period and remains an important defensive option for future campaigns.
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stav Lemkin |
| Popular Name | Stav Lemkin |
| Date of Birth | 2 April 2003 |
| Age | 23 years old |
| Birthplace | Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Nationality | Israeli |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current Club | FC Twente |
| National Team | Israel |
| Jersey Number | 23 at FC Twente |
| Height | 1.90 m / 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | Not publicly confirmed in reliable major sources |
| Strong Foot | Right foot |
Transfermarkt lists Stav Lemkin as a right-footed centre-back for FC Twente, with Israeli and Spanish citizenship, a contract until 30 June 2028, and a club option for one more year. (Transfermarkt)
Early Life and Family Background
Stav Lemkin was born on 2 April 2003 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Tel Aviv is one of the biggest football cities in Israel, and Lemkin grew up in a strong football environment. His early development was shaped by two major Tel Aviv clubs: Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv.
He began playing football in the Maccabi Tel Aviv academy. Maccabi Tel Aviv is one of Israel’s most successful clubs and has a strong youth structure. For a young defender, training in that environment helped Lemkin learn discipline, tactical basics, and the technical demands of modern football.
In 2018, Lemkin moved to Hapoel Tel Aviv’s youth system. That move became very important because Hapoel Tel Aviv gave him the path to senior football. He continued developing as a centre-back and eventually made his first-team breakthrough with the club.
Lemkin’s early career was not only about size and strength. He also showed maturity. Centre-backs often need time because the position requires reading the game, communication, awareness, and calm decision-making. Lemkin developed these qualities early, which helped him represent Israel at youth level and attract attention from bigger clubs.
Public information also says he holds a Spanish passport because of Sephardi Jewish ancestry. This can help a footballer move within European leagues because it makes registration easier in some competitions.
Parents Details
Father Name
Stav Lemkin’s father is Shachar Lemkin. Public information describes him as an Israeli lawyer who has also managed Stav Lemkin’s football career.
Mother Name
Stav Lemkin’s mother is Yana Lemkin. Public information describes her as a designer and social volunteer in Israel. She has family roots connected to Soviet Ukraine.
Family support has clearly been important in Lemkin’s football journey. Young footballers need guidance, stability, and good decision-making around their careers. Lemkin moved between big clubs at a young age, played in youth national teams, and later moved abroad to Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Twente. A strong family environment likely helped him handle those major steps.
Siblings
Stav Lemkin has a brother named Amit Lemkin. Transfermarkt lists Amit Lemkin as Stav Lemkin’s brother and connects him with Hapoel Tel Aviv.
There is no widely confirmed public information about other brothers or sisters. Stav Lemkin’s family life is mostly private, and most public details focus on his football career.
Wife / Spouse Details
Wife Name
There is no publicly confirmed information that Stav Lemkin is married.
Marriage Date
No marriage date is publicly available.
Relationship Story
Stav Lemkin has not publicly shared a confirmed marriage story in reliable football sources. He is still young and appears to keep his personal life private. Because there is no verified information about a wife or spouse, it would be inaccurate to mention any name.
Girlfriend / Relationship Status
Girlfriend Name
Stav Lemkin’s girlfriend’s name has not been publicly confirmed.
Dating History
There is no reliable public information about Stav Lemkin’s dating history.
Current Relationship Status
Stav Lemkin’s current relationship status is private. He has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, wife, or partner in the major reliable sources checked for this profile.
Many young professional footballers prefer to keep their private relationships away from the media. Lemkin’s public image is mostly connected to football, club transfers, Israel national team matches, and his development as a defender.
Children
Son
There is no publicly confirmed information that Stav Lemkin has a son.
Daughter
There is no publicly confirmed information that Stav Lemkin has a daughter.
Family Life
Stav Lemkin has not publicly shared confirmed details about children or family life. His public identity is mainly built around his football career, his family football background, and his rise from Israeli youth football to European club football.
Personal Life
Stav Lemkin appears to live a professional and football-focused lifestyle. He is not known as a celebrity-style footballer who shares every part of his personal life publicly. Most of the information about him comes from club announcements, football databases, national team records, and match reports.
His career already shows ambition. Moving from Hapoel Tel Aviv to Shakhtar Donetsk was a major step for a young Israeli defender. It meant leaving his home league and joining one of Eastern Europe’s most successful clubs. Later, moving to FC Twente gave him another chance to grow in a competitive European league.
There is no widely confirmed public information about his hobbies, charity work, or personal interests. It is better not to invent details. What is clear from his career path is that Lemkin is serious about football and willing to take difficult steps to improve.
As a player and person, he appears calm, disciplined, and focused. Those qualities are very important for a centre-back. Defenders must handle pressure, recover from mistakes, and make quick decisions in dangerous areas. Lemkin’s steady rise suggests that he has the mentality needed for top-level football.
Youth Career
Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth
Stav Lemkin started his youth career at Maccabi Tel Aviv. He played in the club’s academy from 2011 to 2018. (Wikipedia)
This stage gave him his first serious football education. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth system helped him develop basic technique, fitness, tactical awareness, and confidence. For a young defender, playing in a strong academy can make a big difference.
Hapoel Tel Aviv Youth
In 2018, Lemkin moved to Hapoel Tel Aviv’s youth setup. He stayed there until he became part of the senior team.
This was the most important youth step of his career because Hapoel Tel Aviv gave him a real route to professional football. He grew physically, improved as a defender, and became one of Israel’s most interesting young centre-backs.
Professional Club Career
Hapoel Tel Aviv
Years
2021–2023
Appearances
Stav Lemkin made 31 league appearances for Hapoel Tel Aviv. His listed all-competitions total for the club is 36 appearances.
Goals
He did not score a senior goal for Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Major Achievements
Hapoel Tel Aviv gave Stav Lemkin his first senior professional platform. His biggest achievement at the club was breaking into the first team as a young defender and becoming good enough to attract interest from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Key Milestones
Lemkin made his professional breakthrough at Hapoel Tel Aviv and became known as one of the best young defensive prospects in Israel. His performances at club level, along with his strong youth national team record, helped him earn a move abroad in 2023.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Years
2023–2025
Appearances
Stav Lemkin joined Shakhtar Donetsk from Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2023. Reports from the transfer announcement said his contract with Shakhtar ran until 30 June 2028.
He made 4 Ukrainian Premier League appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk and also played in the UEFA Champions League.
Goals
He did not score for Shakhtar Donetsk.
Major Achievements
Shakhtar Donetsk won the Ukrainian Premier League during Lemkin’s time at the club. Transfermarkt’s achievement listing also connects him with title success in Ukraine.
Key Milestones
Joining Shakhtar Donetsk was one of the biggest steps of Lemkin’s career. Shakhtar are a club with regular European football experience, strong talent development, and high expectations. Even though Lemkin did not become a long-term regular there, the move gave him valuable exposure to a different football culture and higher-level training.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Loan
Years
2024–2025
Appearances
In September 2024, Maccabi Tel Aviv confirmed that Stav Lemkin joined the club on a season-long loan from Shakhtar Donetsk, with an option to make the move permanent. The club described him as a 190 cm central defender who had been part of Maccabi’s youth academy between 2011 and 2018.
He made 21 league appearances for Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2024–25 season and also played in European competition.
Goals
He did not score for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Major Achievements
The loan gave Lemkin regular football again after a difficult period at Shakhtar. It also allowed him to play for one of Israel’s biggest clubs and gain European experience in the UEFA Europa League.
Key Milestones
This loan was important because it helped Lemkin rebuild rhythm and confidence. Young defenders need minutes, and Maccabi Tel Aviv offered him a strong platform. Playing in Israel again also kept him close to the national team picture.
FC Twente
Years
2025–Present
Appearances
Stav Lemkin joined FC Twente in June 2025. FC Twente announced that the transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk was completed and that Lemkin signed a contract until mid-2028, with an option for one more season
Public records around 2026 list him with more than 20 Eredivisie appearances for Twente.
Goals
He has not scored a league goal for FC Twente in the public records checked for this profile.
Major Achievements
His biggest achievement at FC Twente so far is securing a move to a strong Eredivisie club at a young age. The Dutch league is known for developing technical players and giving young footballers room to grow.
Key Milestones
Lemkin’s move to Twente is a major career opportunity. The Eredivisie can be a strong league for a young centre-back because it demands good passing, smart positioning, and quick reactions against technical attackers.
FC Twente’s technical staff also highlighted his physical qualities and speed in local reporting around the move. That makes him an interesting defensive profile for the Dutch league.
International Career
Youth National Teams
Stav Lemkin has represented Israel at several youth levels, including U16, U17, U19, U20, and U21. Public records list him with youth appearances across these age groups, including 15 matches and 1 goal for Israel U19, 6 matches for Israel U20, and 16 matches and 1 goal for Israel U21.
His youth international career is one of the most important parts of his profile. He was part of a talented Israeli generation that reached major youth tournament stages and gained global attention.
Senior National Team Debut
Stav Lemkin made his senior debut for the Israel national team in 2023.
Major Tournaments
At youth level, Lemkin played in major international competitions. He was named in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2022, when Israel impressed strongly.
He was also part of Israel’s U20 generation that performed strongly at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Reports around his Shakhtar transfer noted that he won bronze medals with Israel U20 at the 2023 FIFA World Youth Championship.
Important Goals
Stav Lemkin has scored at youth international level, but he has not scored for Israel’s senior national team.
Leadership Role
Lemkin is not publicly listed as Israel’s senior national team captain. However, he is part of the next generation of Israeli defenders who can become important for future campaigns. His experience in Israel, Ukraine, and the Netherlands gives him a strong base for a bigger role later.
Continue To Read :
FIFA World Cup 2026
Current World Cup Status
Stav Lemkin is not playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals because Israel did not qualify.
Israel competed in UEFA Group I during World Cup 2026 qualification. The group included Norway, Italy, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova
Group Details
Israel’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group was UEFA Group I. Norway finished as the strongest team in the group, while Italy also finished ahead of Israel. Israel ended the campaign outside the qualification places.
This means Israel will not be at the 2026 World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Role In Squad
Lemkin’s role for Israel is as a centre-back option. He gives the national team height, youth, defensive strength, and experience from European club football.
Because he is still only 23, he may become more important in future qualification cycles. Centre-backs usually improve with age, so Israel may see him as part of a long-term defensive plan.
Expected Impact
Since Israel did not qualify, Stav Lemkin will not have an impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals.
However, the World Cup 2026 qualification cycle remains important for his development. It gave him exposure to senior international football and helped him gain experience against strong opponents.
Performance Updates
UEFA lists Stav Lemkin in European Qualifiers records for Israel, showing his involvement in the qualification environment.
His performance updates should be viewed as part of a bigger development story. He is still young for a centre-back, and every international match gives him more experience.
Playing Style
Stav Lemkin is a modern centre-back with strong physical tools. He is tall, right-footed, and comfortable playing in central defence. His game is based on defensive awareness, aerial ability, physical duels, and calm distribution.
Strengths
Lemkin’s biggest strength is his size. At around 1.90 m, he has the height needed to compete in aerial duels and defend crosses. This makes him useful in both open play and set-piece situations.
Another strength is his experience at a young age. He has played in Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands, and European competitions. That variety helps a young defender mature faster.
He is also comfortable enough on the ball to play in a league like the Eredivisie, where defenders must be able to pass under pressure.
Weaknesses
Like many young centre-backs, Lemkin is still developing consistency. He has already moved between different clubs and leagues, so adapting quickly is important.
Fast attackers can test any tall defender in open space. Lemkin must continue improving his positioning, timing, and recovery runs to become a top-level centre-back.
Positioning
Lemkin usually plays as a central defender. His positioning is based on protecting the defensive line, marking forwards, winning aerial balls, and staying alert inside the penalty area.
Technical Ability
Lemkin is right-footed. He can pass from the back and keep possession moving. He is not a flashy playmaker, but he has the technical base needed for modern football.
Tactical Role
His tactical role is to give defensive stability. He can play in a back four and may also fit into a three-centre-back system. Transfermarkt also lists right-back and left-back as secondary positions, showing that he can provide defensive cover when needed.
Career Statistics
Club Career Stats
Stav Lemkin’s public career records list him with senior club appearances for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Shakhtar Donetsk, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and FC Twente.
His listed league numbers include 31 league appearances for Hapoel Tel Aviv, 4 for Shakhtar Donetsk, 21 for Maccabi Tel Aviv on loan, and more than 20 for FC Twente by the 2025–26 season.
International Career Stats
Public records list Stav Lemkin with senior caps for Israel and no senior international goals. Some databases update at different times, but the general record shows that he has already entered the senior national team setup.
Goals
Stav Lemkin is mainly a defender and has not scored many senior club goals. His senior club records in the main public databases list 0 league goals for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Shakhtar Donetsk, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and FC Twente.
Assists
Assist numbers for defenders are not always complete across public football databases. Lemkin is not mainly judged by assists. His value is more connected to clean defending, duels, positioning, aerial strength, and passing from the back.
Appearances
Stav Lemkin has already made close to 100 senior club appearances in all competitions according to public records. That is a strong number for a defender born in 2003.
Major Achievements and Honors
Club Titles
Stav Lemkin was part of Shakhtar Donetsk during a period of domestic success. Public achievement records connect him with Ukrainian title success.
He also played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s biggest clubs, and gained European experience during his loan spell.
International Titles
Stav Lemkin has not won a major senior international title with Israel.
At youth level, he was part of a highly successful Israeli generation. Israel reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022, and Lemkin was selected in the Team of the Tournament.
He was also part of Israel’s U20 team that achieved a bronze-medal finish at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Individual Awards
Stav Lemkin’s major individual recognition is his selection in the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament.
This award is important because it showed that UEFA observers rated him among the best defenders in that youth tournament.
Salary
Stav Lemkin’s exact salary at FC Twente has not been publicly confirmed by the club.
His earnings likely come from his club salary, performance bonuses, possible sponsorships, and national team-related payments. Since he plays in the Dutch Eredivisie and has experience with Shakhtar Donetsk, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Israel, he is likely earning a strong professional salary for his age.
However, no exact salary should be presented as fact unless it is confirmed by FC Twente, the player, or a reliable official financial source.
Net Worth
Stav Lemkin’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed.
A careful estimated net worth range would be around $500,000 to $2 million. This estimate is based on his professional contracts, European club experience, international career, and market value growth. It is not an official figure.
Transfermarkt’s Dutch listing shows his market value at €6 million, but market value is not the same as personal net worth. Market value estimates what a player may be worth in the transfer market, while net worth depends on salary, savings, endorsements, taxes, investments, and personal assets.
Current Affairs and Latest Updates
Stav Lemkin currently plays for FC Twente in the Netherlands. His transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk to FC Twente was completed in June 2025, and he signed until mid-2028 with an option for one additional season.
His move to Twente is one of the biggest current developments in his career. The Eredivisie gives him a new platform to grow, improve technically, and show his qualities in a respected European league.
There are no major confirmed current injury reports for Stav Lemkin in the reliable sources checked for this profile. His focus is on establishing himself at FC Twente and continuing to grow as an Israel national team defender.
In transfer news, his most important recent move is the permanent transfer to FC Twente. Before that, he had spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Maccabi Tel Aviv from Shakhtar Donetsk.
For FIFA World Cup 2026, the latest situation is clear: Israel did not qualify for the final tournament. Lemkin’s World Cup relevance is connected to the qualification cycle and his future with the Israel national team.
Instagram Profile
Official Instagram Handle
Stav Lemkin’s official Instagram handle is not clearly confirmed in the reliable sources checked for this profile.
Official Instagram URL
No verified official Instagram URL was confirmed from reliable club or football database sources during this check.
Social Media Presence
Stav Lemkin does not appear to be a player whose public image depends heavily on social media. His football profile is built mostly through match performances, club transfers, national team appearances, and his youth tournament success with Israel.
Fans usually follow updates about him through FC Twente, Israel national team news, football databases, and match reports.
Why This Player Is Special
Stav Lemkin is special because he represents the next generation of Israeli defenders. He became known through youth international football, impressed at the UEFA Under-19 Championship, played at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and moved to European clubs while still young.
His career path shows ambition. He left Israel for Shakhtar Donetsk, returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv for regular football, and then moved to FC Twente in the Netherlands. These are not small steps. They show a player willing to challenge himself in different leagues and football cultures.
Fans admire Lemkin because he has the tools to become a strong modern centre-back. He is tall, right-footed, disciplined, and already experienced for his age. If he continues to improve, he can become a long-term player for Israel and a strong defender in European club football.
Interesting Facts
- Stav Lemkin was born in Tel Aviv, Israel.
- He started his youth career at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- He later joined Hapoel Tel Aviv and made his senior breakthrough there.
- He is a centre-back and is right-footed.
- He joined Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023.
- He played on loan for Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2024–25 season.
- He signed for FC Twente in June 2025.
- He was named in the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament.
- He was part of Israel’s successful U20 generation at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
- His brother is Amit Lemkin, who is also connected with football.
FAQs
How old is Stav Lemkin?
Stav Lemkin is 23 years old. He was born on 2 April 2003 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
What is Stav Lemkin’s height?
Stav Lemkin is listed at 1.90 m, which is around 6 ft 3 in.
Who is Stav Lemkin’s wife?
There is no publicly confirmed information that Stav Lemkin is married. His wife’s name is not available in reliable public sources.
Does Stav Lemkin have a girlfriend?
Stav Lemkin has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend. His relationship status is private.
Which club does Stav Lemkin play for?
Stav Lemkin plays for FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie. He joined the club from Shakhtar Donetsk in June 2025.
What position does Stav Lemkin play?
Stav Lemkin plays mainly as a centre-back. He can also cover other defensive positions when needed.
What is Stav Lemkin’s net worth?
Stav Lemkin’s exact net worth is not officially confirmed. A careful estimate is around $500,000 to $2 million, based on his club career, contracts, and market value. This is only an estimate.
Is Stav Lemkin playing in FIFA World Cup 2026?
No. Stav Lemkin is not playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals because Israel did not qualify. Israel competed in UEFA Group I against Norway, Italy, Estonia, and Moldova.
What is Stav Lemkin’s strong foot?
Stav Lemkin’s strong foot is his right foot.
Has Stav Lemkin won any individual award?
Yes. Stav Lemkin was selected in the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament.
Conclusion
Stav Lemkin is one of the most interesting young defenders from Israeli football. His journey from Tel Aviv youth football to Hapoel Tel Aviv, Shakhtar Donetsk, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and FC Twente shows ambition, talent, and steady growth.
He is still young, but he already has valuable experience. He has played in Israel, Ukraine, the Netherlands, European club competitions, and several Israel national team levels. His youth international success also makes him stand out. Being named in the UEFA Under-19 Team of the Tournament in 2022 was a major sign of his quality.
At club level, FC Twente is a very important step for him. The Eredivisie can help him improve his passing, positioning, and decision-making. If he becomes a regular performer in the Netherlands, his reputation can grow quickly.
For Israel, Lemkin is part of the next defensive generation. Israel did not qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026, but players like Lemkin can be important for future qualification campaigns. Centre-backs often reach their best years later than attacking players, so his strongest years may still be ahead.
Stav Lemkin’s future looks promising. With his height, defensive ability, youth international background, and growing European experience, he has the tools to become a key player for FC Twente and an important defender for the Israel national team.