Israel's Soccer Team Prepares for Historic Comeback at Paris Olympics

For the first time since 1976, the Israel Olympic Soccer Team is set to compete at the Paris Olympic Games, marking a historic return. This year’s squad features a dynamic mix of young talent and experienced players, composed primarily of an Under-23 team enhanced by three over-age players, including some of Israel’s top football stars.

The over-age contingent includes Maccabi Haifa's central defender Sean Goldberg and Omri Gandelman from Gent in Belgium, both integral to the youth national teams’ recent successes. Although Bayern Munich’s Daniel Peretz was initially included, a thigh injury ruled him out, leaving the over-age slots at two.

Top-level talent enriches the squad, with Oscar Gloukh from Red Bull Salzburg and Liel Abada from Charlotte in MLS set to make significant contributions. Five Maccabi Tel Aviv players, including striker Dor Turgeman, will also join the team, despite missing their club's UEFA Champions League early round qualifiers.

Head Coach Guy Luzon’s team qualified as one of four European squads following a strong performance at last summer’s Under-21 UEFA European Championships. They will compete in a group with Japan, Paraguay, and Mali, facing their first opponent on July 24.

“We will come into this tournament very humble,” Luzon stated. “We aren’t the best team in the world, but we will be the most organized, the team with the most desire and drive. We will do everything to reduce the gaps with the other teams.”

Sean Goldberg, one of the over-age players, expressed his excitement and sense of honor in participating. “Being part of the Olympic Games is something unusual, not everyone gets to have such an opportunity,” he said. He emphasized the quality of his teammates, noting the blend of domestic and international experience within the squad.

Goldberg underscored the significance of this rare opportunity. “This is unequivocally at the top of the events that I have experienced. This is only the third time ever that Israel has reached the Games, so it is a very rare thing and not everyone ever receives such an opportunity. We are very excited, and this is an extraordinary experience.”

Security remains a major concern for the Israeli delegation, with the team spending time at The Wingate Institute to discuss safety measures. Despite these challenges, Goldberg expressed immense pride in representing Israel. “We are aware of this and feel proud to walk with the flag on our chest and represent our country. With God’s help, we also aim to bring a lot of respect.”

Preparation for the competition is well underway, with the team studying their rivals and leveraging past encounters. “We know that the other teams have excellent abilities and deserve to be here. We will prepare as best as possible, study them, learn their tendencies, and also learn about ourselves,” Goldberg said.

Amid the difficult period Israel is going through, including ongoing conflicts, Goldberg hopes the team can bring a sense of joy and pride to the nation. “We can provide a little bit of happiness and put a smile on the face of our nation. We will do everything for them to feel pride and happiness, even just for a moment.”

As for expectations, Goldberg remains optimistic. “We want to go as far as possible and we really believe it is possible. Winning a gold medal would be a dream come true, and hopefully, it will be from our mouths to God’s ears.”

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