Maor Bouzaglo's Son Ray Joins Maccabi Haifa Youth Academy Following His Own Path

Ray Bouzaglo, the 13-year-old son of former Israeli footballer Maor Bouzaglo, is beginning his football journey at Maccabi Haifa's elite youth academy. In an interview with Lilach Markovitz on Mako, Maor Bouzaglo explained that Ray made the decision independently after visiting the club and feeling wanted. "The boy wanted it. We toured the club, and he saw a club that wanted him," Maor said, emphasizing that Ray's path is his own and not influenced by his father's career.

Maor recalled meeting a mother at the academy whose son, now 24, was prevented from pursuing football as a child and still regrets it. This encounter reinforced Maor's commitment to supporting his son's ambitions without holding him back. "If the child wants to go, he will go; if he wants to return, he will return. We will always be here," Maor stated.

Reflecting on his own youth, Maor noted the stark differences in technology and communication, highlighting how much the football world has evolved. He praised both his sons for their talent but stressed that hard work is essential, as talent alone is no longer enough in modern football.

Maor clarified that he is involved behind the scenes but does not interfere with Ray's decisions, which are his son's alone. "It's more emotional that this is his decision, not mine. It's easy to say 'his father pushed him,' but that's not the case. I give some tips here and there, but these are his decisions," he concluded.

The full interview is available on Mako.