Anan Khalaili: The Israeli and Union SG Wonderkid and Attack
Anan Khalaili is an impressive and talented youngster who has continuously impressed everywhere he has played. Now plying his trade in Europe, he is putting Israel on the global stage as a proper footballing nation alongside Oscar Gloukh.
He is ranked as one of the best young players under-21 along the likes of Damian Pizzaro, Endrick Felipe, Hugo Larsson, Vitor Roque and Facundo Buonanette. Join us as we delve into the life and career of the talented Israeli, Anan Khalaili.
Player Profile – Anan Khalaili
Anan Khalaili is a professional footballer specializing as a right winger who plays for the Israeli national team and Union SG.
He began his football journey in 2012 with the youth academy of Beitar Haifa. After two years, he transitioned to Maccabi Haifa’s youth system in 2014.
After an impressive loan spell, he returned early to Maccabi Haifa, and his impressive performances eventually earned him a move to Europe, signing for Union St. Gilloise in Belgium.
He also represented the Israeli national youth sides before making the leap to the senior national team, where he has made 6 appearances so far.
Player Profile Overview
|        Player Name           |                     Anan Khalaili                     |
| Date of Birth | Â 3 September 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Â Haifa, Israel |
| Height | 1.83m |
| Weight | 169 pounds |
| Nationality | Israeli |
| Current Club | Union St Gilliose |
| Position | Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Beitar Haifa Maccabi Haifa FC Neve Yosef Israel U19 Israel U20 Israel U21 |
| Senior Career | Maccabi Haifa Union SG Israel |
| Achievements and Recognitions | 2023 Israel Super Cup 2024 Belgian Super Cup |
Anan Khalaili’s Early Life and Background
Anan Khalaili was born on September 3, 2004, in Haifa, Israel, is a professional footballer who plays as a right winger. He began his football journey in 2012 with the youth academy of Beitar Haifa.
After two years, he transitioned to Maccabi Haifa’s youth system in 2014. During the 2019–2020 season, Khalaili was loaned to FC Neve Yosef, where he impressively scored 25 goals in 24 matches, leading to his early recall by Maccabi Haifa.
His father, Majdi Khalaili, a former goalkeeper and coach, has been a significant influence in his career. Anan’s younger brother, Eyad Khalaili, is also a footballer in Maccabi Haifa’s youth squad. This familial support has been instrumental in shaping Anan’s professional path.
Anan Khalaili’s Playing Style and Strength
Anan Khalaili is recognized for his dynamic playing style and notable strengths on the field, combining physical presence with agility.
Khalaili’s playing style is characterized by his role as a “Roaming Flank,” indicating his tendency to move along the wings, creating opportunities and delivering key passes.
His defensive contribution is strong, showcasing his commitment to supporting defensive plays. Additionally, he has an impressive ability to make key passes, highlighting his vision and playmaking skills.
In terms of physical attributes, Khalaili boasts impressive acceleration and sprint speed, allowing him to outpace defenders effectively.
His high agility and balance further enhance his dribbling capabilities, making him a formidable presence on the flanks. While his defensive awareness and tackling are areas with room for improvement, his overall potential is promising.
Anan Khalaili’s Club Career
Anan Khalaili’s journey began in 2012 when he joined the youth academy of Beitar Haifa. After two formative years, he transitioned to Maccabi Haifa’s youth system in 2014, a move that would lay the foundation for his burgeoning career.
In the 2019–2020 season, Khalaili was loaned to FC Neve Yosef, where he delivered an impressive performance by netting 25 goals in 24 matches. This remarkable feat prompted Maccabi Haifa to recall him ahead of schedule, integrating him back into their ranks.
Senior Team Debut
Khalaili made his senior debut for Maccabi Haifa on February 2, 2022, during a 2–0 victory against Hapoel Hadera in the Israel State Cup.
His first goal for the senior team came on July 11, 2023, contributing to a 4–0 win over Ħamrun Spartans in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
The 2023–2024 season marked a significant period in Khalaili’s career. He made 31 league appearances for Maccabi Haifa, scoring eight goals.
Notably, he also participated in 15 continental matches, including six in the UEFA Champions League, six in the UEFA Europa League, and three in the UEFA Conference League, adding three goals to his tally.
The Leap to Europe with Union SG
On April 3, 2024, Khalaili signed a four-year contract with Belgian Pro League club Union Saint-Gilloise, committing to the club until 2028. This move marked his first venture into European club football outside of Israel.
Throughout his career, Khalaili has had the opportunity to play alongside notable teammates, including Israeli internationals such as Sun Menahem and Dolev Haziza at Maccabi Haifa.
At Union Saint-Gilloise, he joined forces with prominent players like Teddy Teuma and Dante Vanzeir, further enriching his professional experience.
Anan Khalaili’s International Career
Anan Khalaili, born on September 3, 2004, in Haifa, Israel, has swiftly ascended the ranks of international football, marking his presence with the Israel national teams across various age groups.
His journey began with the Israel U19 team, where he earned 12 caps and netted a goal between 2022 and 2023. Progressing to the U20 squad in 2023, Khalaili showcased his scoring prowess by tallying three goals in six appearances during the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Notably, he delivered a decisive goal against Uzbekistan and contributed to the victory over South Korea, propelling Israel to a historic third-place finish.
Leap to the Senior Team
Transitioning to the U21 team in 2023, Khalaili added six caps to his record, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic winger. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the senior Israel national team the same year, where he has since accumulated six appearances.
Notable Teammates
Throughout his international career, Khalaili has had the privilege of playing alongside notable teammates, including Oscar Gloukh, Hamza Shibli, and Ahmed Salman, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration on the field.
Conclusion
References
Union SG
