Israeli sports are experiencing a moment of unprecedented visibility on the international stage, thanks in large part to the achievements of three standout athletes, all in their 20s: basketball forward Deni Avdija, soccer goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, and midfielder Oscar Gloukh. Each competes at the highest levels in their respective sports and, through their success, has become a symbol of Israeli talent, Jewish pride, and the ability to compete globally while representing their country.
Avdija, 24, now a key player for the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, has emerged as one of Israel’s most visible athletic figures. Since being drafted into the league in 2020, Avdija has developed into a versatile forward, capable of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating plays at a high level. His skill set and basketball IQ allow him to influence the game on both ends of the court, earning him respect in one of the world’s most competitive professional leagues.
Beyond his individual achievements, Avdija has consistently prioritized representing Israel on the international stage, including leading the blue-and-white to the Round of 16 at the recent EuroBasket tournament in Poland and Latvia. Speaking about his national team commitments, he said this summer: “I want to put the NBA aside as the Israel National Team is first and foremost at the moment.”
His performances at EuroBasket, including standout games against top European teams, have further cemented his reputation as a player who inspires the next generation of Israeli basketball talent. For young athletes in Israel, Avdija’s career is proof that it is possible to reach the NBA while remaining connected to one’s national identity.
In European soccer, goalkeeper Daniel Peretz has steadily carved out a reputation as one of Israel’s most promising talents. After joining top German club Bayern Munich in 2023, Peretz gained experience with the club’s reserve team before making his Bundesliga debut in December 2024. He also featured in the UEFA Champions League, a rare achievement for Israeli goalkeepers, before being loaned to Hamburger SV for the 2025/26 season to secure regular first-team opportunities.
Known for his composure, sharp reflexes, and leadership from the back, the 25-year-old Peretz has become a model for professionalism and dedication. His pride in representing Israel is clear. “I stand with my country. I stand with Israel,” he posted on his Instagram page.
Peretz’s rise in European soccer demonstrates that Israeli athletes can compete at the very highest levels in a sport where the country has historically been underrepresented.
Gloukh, a 21-year-old midfielder who recently signed a five-year contract with Amsterdam club AFC Ajax in August 2025, is another Israeli athlete making waves internationally. Having impressed at Red Bull Salzburg with his technical ability, creativity, and tactical intelligence, Gloukh has stepped into one of Europe’s most prestigious soccer clubs, a platform that allows him to showcase Israeli talent on an elite stage.
Gloukh has described the personal significance of this opportunity, saying, “It’s an honor to represent Israel wherever I go. Ajax is one of Europe’s historic clubs, and I want to bring my style, my identity, and the pride of my country to their midfield.”
In addition to his club career, Gloukh has already begun to make an impact with the Israel National Team, illustrating that his skill extends beyond domestic leagues and can compete at the highest international levels.
Israeli and Jewish athletes can still excel internationally
What unites Avdija, Peretz, and Gloukh is not just their extraordinary talent but also their ability to represent Israel and the Jewish community on global stages. They are ambassadors in every sense: whether through the NBA, top European soccer leagues, or international competitions, they bring visibility to Israeli sports while showing resilience, professionalism, and dedication. Their influence extends beyond their respective fields, inspiring young Israelis and Jewish athletes worldwide to dream big and compete without compromise.
These athletes’ successes also carry a symbolic weight. In an era where representation and identity matter globally, Avdija, Peretz, and Gloukh are living examples that Israeli and Jewish athletes can excel internationally while maintaining a strong connection to their heritage. They highlight the growing infrastructure, talent development, and opportunities emerging in Israeli sports, offering a roadmap for future generations. As they continue to compete and succeed, they prove that Israel can produce world-class athletes capable of standing toe-to-toe with the best in the world, all while carrying the pride of their nation and community with them.
Through basketball, soccer, and their international competitions, Avdija, Peretz, and Gloukh are reshaping perceptions of Israeli sports. Their careers embody the intersection of youth, talent, identity, and global influence, demonstrating that athletic success can transcend borders and serve as a powerful form of representation. For Israel, they are more than athletes – they are symbols of possibility, pride, and the enduring impact of representing one’s country at the highest levels of sport.