Daniel Peretz: Who is Bayern Munich's Israeli goalkeeper?
Daniel Peretz has had to bide his time since joining Bayern Munich from Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, but Israel's new main man is one to keep an eye on in 2024/25.
Data correct as of 21 November 2024
Age: 24 (born: 10 July 2000)
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Israel (four caps)
Key stats
Peretz introduced himself to German football fans with a Player of the Match performance at the 2023 U21 Euros, denying both Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessic Ngankam from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw. Already a full Israel international by then having featured in senior squads since October 2021 and making his debut against Cyprus on 20 November 2022, Peretz went to the Championships as one of Israel's over-age players. His presence paid off in fine fashion as Peretz also saved a crucial penalty in the quarter-final shootout victory over Georgia.
The 6'2" goalkeeper had gone to the U21 Euros with a growing reputation, after quickly emerging as boyhood club Maccabi Tel Aviv's number one. Maccabi clearly had great faith in Peretz from the get-go, handing him his first-team debut in the final of the 2020/21 Toto Cup Al as a 2-0 shutout earned the team victory in what is essentially Israel's league cup competition. Since then, Peretz - who also spent a season on loan with Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam in 2019/20 and not only saved a couple of penalties but in fact scored two himself - chalked up 101 appearances for Maccabi and kept 44 clean sheets at a whopping average of 43 percent. He has also featured in 24 UEFA club competition fixtures - including qualifying rounds - and helped Maccabi reach the knockout stages of the 2021/22 Europa Conference League.
Peretz made his Bayern debut in the first round of the 2023/24 DFB Cup against Preußen Münster and kept a clean sheet in a 4-0 win while making three saves. He later made his Bundesliga bow on Matchday 33 of the same campaign as a substitute for Manuel Neuer, boosting his club record to 106 minutes and zero goals conceded.
Things have been just as impressive for his country. Since his debut Peretz has played the full 90 minutes in three more matches without conceding a goal. That included a shock 0-0 draw with France and then victory over Belgium - Israel’s first in the 2023/24 Nations League - with Peretz making 13 saves to stop two giants of international, likely securing his spot as his country’s new no.1.
Plays a bit like: Iker Casillas
Peretz is a masterful shot-stopper, as highlighted by his pentalty expertise and his YouTube highlight reels that show the young 'keeper flying from corner to corner repelling shots. He is also a highly modern 'keeper in that he is excellent with the ball at his feet and pinpoint with his distribution. Look out for the short-sleeved shirts, too, which immediately bring to mind great goalies of the '90s and, as a package, Peretz makes for exciting viewing.
Did you know?
Peretz could have represented Germany as he holds a German passport. He has one by virtue of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestral roots, which will have been even more appealing for Bayern when it comes to both domestic and continental squad registration.
Nevertheless, he's the first Israeli to sign for the Bavarians - a historic moment for the club, who have strong Jewish roots and count among their 17 founders Benno Elkan, a Dortmund native who designed the bronze menorah that stands outside the Israeli parliament. Peretz will be the 11th Israeli to appear in the Bundesliga.
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What they're saying
“With Daniel Peretz, we’re very well equipped in our goalkeeping team in terms of prospects – both for this season and the future. Daniel is a goalkeeper with great potential. In his young years he’s already proven his ability not just at domestic level but also in international competitions.” - Bayern CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen
"The progress Daniel made over the years through the path he took led him to the place he is today. We are certain that the combination of hard work and perseverance together with Daniel's talent would lead us all to success." - Maccabi Tel Aviv's head of football, Baratz Itzhaki
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