How a Portuguese passport and Sephardi ancestry helped an Israeli football captain's career
In short: Dor Peretz, the Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder and Israel national team vice-captain, navigates a professional career shaped by heritage and global mobility. Beyond his domestic success in the Israeli Premier League, his Sephardi Jewish ancestry granted him a Portuguese passport, a strategic asset for playing in competitive European leagues.
Born in 1995 in Hod HaSharon, Dor Peretz represents a modern intersection of professional sports and ancestral identity. Raised in an observant Masorti Jewish family, his path to elite football began within the youth ranks of Israel, eventually leading to his senior debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2014. Throughout his career, Peretz has demonstrated significant versatility, serving as a captain for his club and, as of September 2026, vice-captain for the Israeli senior national team.
Peretz’s career trajectory highlights the practical utility of historical lineage in contemporary sports. His Sephardi Jewish roots allowed him to secure a Portuguese passport, which simplifies the regulatory hurdles often faced by non-EU players seeking transfers to European leagues. This mobility was put to the test in June 2021, when he signed a three-year contract with the Italian club Venezia following their promotion to Serie A. Although his tenure in Italy concluded by mutual consent in July 2022, the move underscores how ancestral documentation functions as a vital tool for professional athletes navigating international borders.
Domestically, Peretz has become a fixture of Israeli football, accumulating numerous titles including multiple Israeli Premier League championships and Toto Cup victories. His performance reached a notable peak in the 2025–26 season, where he was recognized as the league's top goalscorer with 19 goals. His international contributions are equally significant, ranging from his 2015 debut with the U-21 squad to his senior team impact, including a brace against Italy in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match. Peretz remains a central figure in Israeli football, balancing his club leadership with a consistent presence on the international stage.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dor Peretz
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