Israeli goalkeeper peretz balances war's shadow with fa cup ambition
Daniel Peretz, Southampton’s on-loan goalkeeper, is navigating a life split between Premier League aspirations and the grim reality of ongoing conflict in Israel. While Arsenal looms in the FA Cup quarter-finals, his focus remains acutely tuned to the safety of his family, most of whom reside in Tel Aviv amidst relentless air raid sirens – a stark backdrop to his professional pursuits.
A family's resilience, a player's resolve
The 25-year-old, loaned from Bayern Munich, speaks candidly about the separation, admitting, “It’s not always easy to do this separation in life, and you are worried a lot about what’s happening.” Regular communication provides a fragile reassurance, as his family diligently follows safety protocols, seeking shelter when the sirens wail. Peretz emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus, stating, “I know the best thing to do is just focus on doing my best – it will influence many more people than I think.”
The prospect of representing Israel feels tinged with a certain melancholy, though Peretz swiftly redirects the conversation. “No, I don’t think so… the only thing that is a bit bitter is that we didn’t qualify for the World Cup. And that we are not playing at home.” He hasn't played in Israel since November 2022, with home matches subsequently relocated to Hungary, a situation he hopes will soon change, longing to “play with our fans and make them happy and also feel their support.”
From munich mentor to southampton savior
Peretz’s journey to Southampton is a testament to his ambition, having joined Bayern Munich three years ago from Maccabi Tel Aviv – a club he’s called home since the age of five. He radiates a palpable energy, recounting his first encounter with idol Manuel Neuer, now a mentor. “It went from admiring the players, to them becoming my friends and my teammates,” he explains, recalling the sheer nervousness of meeting the legendary German goalkeeper.
The comparison to Israel’s equivalent of Posh and Becks, stemming from his relationship with singer-songwriter Noa Kirel, elicits a laugh. Kirel, who placed third in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, sparked their romance, with Peretz famously declaring, “I said: ‘Wow, I want her to be my wife. She’s the most beautiful woman in the world.’” Her 1.8 million Instagram followers dwarf Southampton’s, a testament to her widespread fame.
Since joining Saints in January, Peretz has proven instrumental in their impressive 14-game unbeaten run. His family, he says, watches “every single minute” of Southampton’s games, a testament to the pride he inspires. While open to extending his stay, Peretz acknowledges promotion will be a key factor in his decision, adding, “Let’s finish the season in the best way and then we will be smarter to make decisions.”
Arsenal presents a formidable challenge. “We have a lot of respect, but we are not afraid,” he asserts, delivering a clear message to any doubters: “If someone is not believing 100%, then he should not come to the game.” His training sessions with Harry Kane, often ending with Kane scoring on penalties, have yielded a surprisingly positive result: “Given the player, I have a good ratio. If you save one in 10, I think with him, it’s a good stat.”
Ultimately, Peretz finds solace and focus in the game. “Football for me is a really good therapy. It’s where my mind can focus.” And, with a steely gaze, he concludes, “Now it’s the money time.”