Oscar Gloukh: The New King of Israeli Football

Oscar Gloukh is one of the brightest Israeli talents and also one of the best young European talents alongside the likes of Rico Lewis, Kobbie Mainoo and Lamine Yamal. Although Israel has not produced a lot of world-class talents, Oscar Gloukh is set to put Israel on the global map.

He is undoubtedly a special talent having starred for his club sides and his national team, attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest sides. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we explore the journey so far of the New Isreali King of Football.

Player Profile – Oscar Gloukh

Oscar Gloukh is a talented attacking midfielder known for his creativity, vision, and technical skills. After starting his career with Maccabi Tel Aviv, he quickly became a standout player in the Israeli Premier League.

Gloukh then moved to Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, continuing to impress in domestic and European competitions. Oscar Gloukh has also made his mark on the international stage with the Israeli national team, where he’s seen as a key player for the future.

Player Profile Overview

Oscar Gloukh’s Early Life and Background

Oscar Gloukh’s journey began in the vibrant streets of Rishon LeZion, a city known for its passionate sports culture. From the moment he could walk, a football was never far from his feet. His parents, recognizing his potential, supported his passion, enrolling him in local football academies where his talents could be nurtured.

Gloukh’s childhood was marked by endless hours spent on makeshift pitches, honing his skills, and developing the technical prowess that would later define his game.

The Gloukh family played a pivotal role in Oscar’s development, providing not only moral support but also a deep-rooted connection to Israeli culture and values.

His upbringing was steeped in discipline, respect, and a love for the game, qualities that are evident in his playing style today. The cultural significance of football in Israel, coupled with his family’s unwavering belief in his abilities, shaped Gloukh into the player he is today—a blend of natural talent and cultivated excellence.

Playing Style and Strength

Oscar Gloukh’s playing style is characterized by his creativity, technical proficiency, and football intelligence. As an attacking midfielder, he excels in reading the game, making incisive passes, and creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Gloukh is also known for his excellent dribbling skills and ability to maintain close control in tight spaces, allowing him to navigate through defenses with ease.

His vision and composure on the ball make him a key playmaker, while his versatility enables him to be effective in various attacking roles. Gloukh’s style is influenced by his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, which adds a direct and ambitious edge to his game.

Oscar Gloukh’s Career Highlights

At the age of 10, Oscar Gloukh took his first significant step towards a professional career by joining the prestigious Maccabi Tel Aviv Academy, after spending a single season with Maccabi Sha’arayim.

With a reputation for its rigorous training programs and history of producing top-tier talent, the academy provided Oscar Gloukh with the perfect environment to refine his skills.

His coaches quickly noticed his exceptional ability to read the game, his quick feet, and his penchant for creativity on the ball. It wasn’t long before he was earmarked as one of the academy’s most promising talents.

Oscar Gloukh rose through the ranks and made his senior debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv on August 8, 2021, in a 1–1 draw against Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli Toto Cup, which Hapoel Jerusalem won 7–6 on penalties.

He later made his first appearance in the Israeli Premier League for Maccabi Tel Aviv on April 11, 2022, in a 1–1 draw against Maccabi Haifa, where he scored his first senior goal in the 28th minute. At the club he played alongside Israeli football legend Eran Zahavi.

Moving to Red Bull Salzburg

Oscar Gloukh’s move to Red Bull Salzburg on 27 January 2023 marked a significant step in his career, with the Austrian Bundesliga champions acquiring him for €7 million and securing his services with a 4.5-year contract.

Gloukh made his debut for the club as a substitute in the home 4-0 against A. Lustenau in the Bundesliga before starting the next match against WSG Tirol. His first goal for the club came in an away Bundesliga match against A. Klagenfurt which RB Salzburg won 3-0.

Oscar Gloukh ended his first season in Austria as a first-team regular scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists as Salzburg finished top of the Austrian Bundesliga winning the title.

Oscar Gloukh’s Second Season in Austria

Gloukh had a more impressive season for RB Salzburg, he was a mainstay in the team playing 29 matches out of 32 in the Bundesliga. He had an impressive 7 goals and 15 assists during the season for the Austrian outfit.

Oscar Gloukh scored his first UEFA Champions League goal during his debut in the competition. He scored in the 51st minute against Benfica and helped Salzburg secure a 2-0 away win.

At just 19 years old, Oscar Gloukh became the youngest Israeli footballer to score in the Champions League, highlighting his potential and bright future in European football.

Oscar Gloukh’s International Career

Oscar Gloukh started his international career with the Israeli U16s and played for the U18 and U19s becoming a key player for the U19s.

Gloukh helped Israel qualify for the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship for only the second time in their history. He scored four goals, including one in the final against England, which ended in a 1-3 defeat after extra time.

Oscar Gloukh’s performance earned him recognition as one of the championship’s best players by ESPN, a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament, and the award for UEFA 2022 Under-19 EURO Goal of the Tournament for his strike in the final.

Oscar Gloukh made his debut for the Israel under-21 team on 2 June 2022 and played a key role in helping the team qualify for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Although Israel reached the semi-finals of the competition, he failed to make an impact exiting the competition without a goal or an assist.

Oscar Gloukh’s National Team Debut

Oscar Gloukh received his first call-up to the senior Israel national team, debuting as a substitute in a 4–2 friendly win over Zambia. Three days later, he scored his first senior international goal in a match against Cyprus.

In June 2023, Gloukh was part of Israel’s squad for a 2024 European Qualifier against Belarus, where he scored his first senior goal in an official UEFA competition, securing a win with a stoppage-time goal.

2024 Summer Olympics in France

Gloukh was part of Israel’s squad for the men’s football tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics, playing in all three group-stage matches.

Despite Israel’s early exit, he scored an equalizer against Paraguay, becoming the country’s ninth and youngest Olympic goalscorer at 20 years and 3 months.

Is Oscar Glouhk The Next Yossi Benayoun?

Oscar Gloukh is considered the next “Yossi Benayoun” due to his similar playing style as an attacking midfielder, which is marked by creativity, technical skill, and football intelligence. Like Yossi Benayoun, Gloukh excels in dribbling, ball control, and making smart decisions on the pitch.

Both players are versatile, capable of playing in various attacking roles, and have shown early promise in their careers, with Gloukh being seen as a potential heir to Benayoun’s legacy in Israeli football.

Idols and Influence in Football

Oscar Gloukh grew up idolizing Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. He admired Ronaldo’s incredible work ethic, goal-scoring prowess, and relentless drive for success, which greatly influenced Gloukh’s own approach to the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level and his dedication to improving himself resonated with Gloukh, shaping his aspirations and playing style.

How Oscar Gloukh is Redefining the Israeli Football Narrative

Oscar Gloukh is not just following in the footsteps of Israeli greats; he is redefining the narrative. In a country that has often been overlooked on the global football stage, Gloukh’s rise represents a shift in perception.

He embodies the new generation of Israeli footballers who are not only capable of competing at the highest levels but also of setting new standards. Gloukh is at the forefront of this movement, a symbol of the potential and promise of Israeli football.

Oscar Gloukh’s success is a source of inspiration for the next generation of Israeli footballers. Young players across the country look up to him, aspiring to follow in his footsteps.

His journey from local academy to professional stardom is a blueprint for aspiring talents, showing that with hard work, dedication, and belief, anything is possible. Gloukh’s story is one that resonates with young footballers, giving them hope and a tangible example to emulate.

Personal Life and Charitable Efforts

Oscar Gloukh is not just a footballer; he is also a role model who understands the importance of giving back to the community. He is involved in various charitable initiatives, supporting causes that are close to his heart.

Whether it’s visiting local schools, participating in charity matches, or donating to youth football programs, Gloukh is committed to using his platform to make a positive impact. His efforts off the field reflect his character and the values instilled in him from a young age.

Conclusion

Oscar Gloukh stands out as Israel’s brightest football star. His combination of skill, vision, and determination sets him apart as a player destined for greatness.

Gloukh’s journey is just beginning, but his impact is already being felt far and wide. As he continues to develop and take on new challenges, there is no doubt that Oscar Gloukh will leave an indelible mark on the world of football, shining as a beacon of hope for Israeli football and beyond.