Israeli national team goalkeeper Daniel Peretz made his Bundesliga debut for German giants Bayern Munich on Sunday evening, coinciding with the eve of Israel's Memorial Day, and paid tribute to Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.
The 23-year-old was subbed on for Manuel Neuer in the 74th minute and helped the Bavarian giants to a 2-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena.
Peretz made sure to mark the occasion. He took to the pitch wearing gloves inscribed with "Remember" and "May Their Memory Be Blessed," and later shared a heartfelt post to Instagram. "An emotional moment I'll never forget, especially on such a significant evening for our country. I dedicate it to all the heroes and heroines who sacrificed everything to protect and fight for us. May their memory be blessed," he wrote in Hebrew.
Peretz also expressed gratitude to the Bayern Munich supporters. "Such a wonderful feeling to make my Bundesliga debut in front of our audience! Thank you for the amazing support throughout the season at the Allianz Arena." His post drew many supportive comments, including from German users. "He touched everyone," one user commented.
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The gloves Daniel Peretz wore during his Bundesliga debut
(Photo: Screenshot from social media)
The Israeli shot-stopper also paid tribute to 38-year-old Neuer, sharing a photo of them together with the caption: "The greatest goalkeeper of all time and an even greater personality! Big honor to make my first Bundesliga game and share it with my idol."
Peretz transferred from Maccabi Tel Aviv to the prestigious German club last summer for 5 million euros on the back of heroic performances at the U-21 Euro. He mainly served as a backup to Sven Ulreich after Neuer sustained a severe injury that sidelined him for months.
Peretz played the full 90 minutes in a 4-0 victory over Munster in the first round of the German Cup. Upon Neuer's return, Peretz became the third-choice goalkeeper until the final matchday of the Bundesliga season on Sunday.