Daniel Peretz seizes moment with Bayern

Daniel Peretz, the 24-year-old Israeli goalkeeper, seizes his chance at soccer powerhouse Bayern Munich, impressing in both Bundesliga and Champions League starts.

Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is making waves in Germany as Bayern Munich’s rising star. The 24-year-old Tel Aviv native has seized a golden opportunity to start for the soccer powerhouse, earning starts in both the Bundesliga and Champions League this past week.

Joining the six-time European champion from Maccabi Tel Aviv in August 2023, Peretz waited patiently for his chance behind world-class goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. That opportunity came when Neuer broke a rib, sidelining him until the new year.

Peretz made his debut for Bayern Munich on December 4, stepping in as a substitute after Neuer was shown a red card during a DFB-Pokal German Cup match against Bayer Leverkusen. Although Bayern lost 1-0, the Israeli shot-stopper demonstrated poise under pressure. Days later, Peretz earned his first Bundesliga start, leading Bayern to a 4-2 victory over Heidenheim. Neither of the goals conceded was attributed to his errors, showcasing his competence on the pitch.

The following week, Peretz took to the grandest stage in European club soccer: the Champions League. Starting against Shakhtar Donetsk, he overcame a shaky start – conceding a goal in the fifth minute – to help Bayern rally for a dominant 5-1 comeback victory on the road.

While Peretz is not the first Israeli goalkeeper to play in the Champions League, he may be the first to represent one of the world’s most prestigious clubs in the competition.