Israel Remembers Football Star Vicky Peretz Five Years After His Death

On July 9, 2026, a memorial was held at the Morasha Cemetery in Ramat Hasharon to mark five years since the passing of Vicky Peretz, one of Israel's greatest football players. Peretz, who died in 2021, was a celebrated striker for Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Israeli national team, leaving fans and loved ones in deep shock.

Born and raised in Ramat Amidar, Peretz rose to prominence playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv before achieving success abroad with French clubs RC Strasbourg and RC Lens. In his later years, he contributed to nurturing young talent as a youth coach at Maccabi Tel Aviv and briefly coached the Israeli national team.

His widow, Iris Peretz, expressed the family's enduring grief, saying, "Every year we feel the longing like a song that keeps playing. Life here goes on, strong as ever, and though we are weak, we will not let them win." Their son, Rom, added, "Like every football match where you are remembered, people always highlight how talented and professional you were." The Israeli Premier League also acknowledged the anniversary.

The memorial event reflected the lasting impact Vicky Peretz had on Israeli football and the deep affection held by his family and the sports community.