Omer Nir'on Explained
Omer Ya'acov Nir'on (Hebrew: עומר יעקב ניראון; born 17 April 2001) is an Israeli professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Israeli club Maccabi Netanya. He has previously played for Israeli clubs Bnei Yehuda and Hapoel Ramat HaSharon as well as Bosnian club Zrinjski Mostar. He has also represented Israel internationally at youth level. He is the son of retired Israeli footballer Danny Nir'on.
Club career
Youth career
Nir'on started his career with Maccabi Tel Aviv's boys' team. He also played in his youth with Shimshon Tel Aviv and Maccabi Herzliya before joining the youth team of Bnei Yehuda when he was 16.[1] Bnei Yehuda signed him on a 5-year contract.[2]
Bnei Yehuda
Nir'on made his debut senior appearance for Bnei Yehuda on 18 August 2018, in a Toto Cup game against Bnei Sakhnin. He kept a clean sheet, but they lost the subsequent penalty shootout.[3] His Israeli Premier League debut appearance was on 25 May 2019, during a 2–1 loss against Hapoel Hadera.[1] In the summer of 2019, Nir'on was loaned to Hapoel Rishon LeZion,[4] but he didn't register any match time with them and returned from loan in January 2020. During the 2020–21 Israeli Premier League season, Nir'on was the starting goalkeeper for Bnei Yehuda,[5] but unfortunately they were relegated at the end of the season to the Liga Leumit.[6] [7] Nir'on gathered interest overseas, especially in Denmark, where he has a local passport through his family, and he impressed Lars Høgh, goalkeeping coach for Brøndby and Denmark, who recommended him for Nordsjælland, where he went for a two week trial as well as with the Danish national youth team.[8] Despite the club's interest in signing him on a long-term deal, in the end Nir'on declined the offer.[5]
Loans
In the summer of 2022, Nir'on was loaned to Hapoel Ramat HaSharon for the season.[9] In July 2023, Nir'on secured a loan with an option to buy to Bosnian defending champions Zrinjski Mostar,[10] but he registered there only one appearance in which he conceded three goals and was recalled in January.[11]
Maccabi Netanya
In January 2024, Nir'on was loaned to Maccabi Netanya, with a half-million buyout option.[12] He made his debut for the club on 24 February against Beitar Jerusalem, keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw.[13] In April 2024, the club opted to pay the buyout clause and permanently sign Nir'on.[14]
International career
Israel under-19
In November 2018, Nir'on was called up for the Israel under-19 squad to play in the qualifying round of the 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers.[15] He played in the 4–1 victory over Azerbaijan[16] and the 2–1 victory over Liechtenstein.[17] In March 2019, he was called-up again for the squad to play in the elite round.[18] He took part in the 3–0 victory over Switzerland.[19]
In October 2019, Nir'on was called up once more for the squad, to play in the qualifying round of the 2020 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers.[20] He played in the 0–0 draw with Latvia[21] and the 2–0 loss to Netherlands.[22]
Israel under-21
In September 2021, Nir'on was called up for the Israel under-21 squad to play in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.[23] Due to regular starting goalkeeper Daniel Peretz being called-up to the senior squad, Nir'on started the match against Germany and despite losing 3–2, he received plaudits and the coach Alon Hazan said he trusts him 100%.[24] He then started the next match against Latvia which they won 2–1, with Nir'on making some key saves.[25] After that he also played and kept clean sheets in the 4–0 victory over San Marino[26] and the 3–0 victory over Hungary.[27]
2024 Olympic Games
Following a good start to his time at Maccabi Netanya, Nir'on was called up as the alternate goalkeeper for Israel's Olympic football team competing in the men's tournament in the 2024 Summer Olympics.[28] [29] On 18 July 2024, it was announced that the team's starting goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, was withdrawn from the squad due to injury and Nir'on was promoted to the 18-player squad.[30] Due to an injury to the team's goalkeeper Niv Eliasi, Nir'on started the first match of the Olympics group stage against Mali.[31] The match ended in a 1–1 draw, and he received positive feedback after a strong performance including 5 saves.[32] Following this, the coach Guy Luzon said that Nir'on would start the next match against Paraguay.[33] Despite losing the match 4–2, Nir'on was chosen as Israel's best player on the field.[34]
Personal life
Nir'on is the son of retired professional Israeli footballer Danny Nir'on.[5] Danny had a Danish passport through his mother and even played for Danish club Hvidovre.[35] Due to this, Nir'on also holds a Danish passport and is eligible to represent them internationally.[8]
Notes and References
- Web site: מבני יהודה לאלופת בוסניה: עומר ניראון הושאל לזרינסקי מוסטאר. From Bnei Yehuda to the champion of Bosnia:Omer Nir'on has been loaned to Zrinjski Mostar. he. Sport1. Maariv. 14 July 2023. ניראון עלה לגיל נוער בבני יהודה, אחרי שבגילים הצעירים שיחק גם בשמשון תל אביב, מכבי הרצליה ומכבי תל אביב, וגם את הופעת הבכורה בבוגרים רשם במדי בני יהודה כאשר שיחק מול הפועל חדרה במאי 2019. [Nir'on was promoted to the youth in Bnei Yehuda, after playing at an earlier age also for Shimshon Tel Aviv, Maccabi Herzliya and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and also his senior appearance for the seniors he made in Bnei Yehuda when he played against Hapoel Hadera].
- News: השוער עומר ניראון חתם בבני יהודה. The goalkeeper Omer Nir'on signed with Bnei Yehuda. he. David. Natan. ynet. 18 October 2017.
- Web site: סכנין ניצחה את בני יהודה 4:5 בפנדלים, גם רעננה וחדרה ניצחו. Sakhnin beat Bnei Yehuda 5:4 on penalties, Ra'anana and Hadera also won. he. Sport1. Maariv. 18 August 2018. עומר ניראון ב- ה-17 פתח בין הקורות של יוסי אבוקסיס ושמר על רשת נקייה במשך 90 דקות בהופעת הבכורה שלו, אך מהנקודה הלבנה הסיפור היה שונה ובסיום הדו קרב סכנין הייתה זו שחגגה ניצחון ומקום תשיעי במפעל. [The 17-year-old Omer Nir'on opened between the posts of Yossi Abuksis and kept a clean sheet for 90 minutes on his debut, but from the penalty spot the story was different and at the end of the duel Sakhnin were the ones who celebrated victory and ninth place in the tournament.].
- Web site: לאומית: הפועל ראשון לציון החתימה את עדן דהן ועומר ניראון. Leumit: Hapoel Rishon LeZion signed Eden Dahan and Omer Nir'on. he. Walla!. 25 July 2019.
- Web site: מכבי ויתרה, ב"ש נדחתה: ניראון פורח בשכונה. Maccabi gave up, BS was rejected: Nir'on flourishes in the neighborhood. he. Maor. Rachmani. One. 21 November 2020.
- Web site: "הייתי יותר מראוי לנבחרת, מרגיש שייך להישג". "I was more than worthy of the national team, I feel part of the achievement". he. One. Tomer. Hebez. 15 July 2023.
- News: בדקה ה-88: בני יהודה הפסידה למכבי נתניה 2:1 וירדה לליגה הלאומית. In the 88th minute: Bnei Yehuda lost to Maccabi Netanya 2:1 and were relegated to the Liga Leumit. he. Haaretz. 1 May 2021.
- Web site: שוער העתיד של ישראל עשוי לעבור לדנמרק. Israel's future goalkeeper may move to Denmark. he. Sport 5. Yigal. Goldstein. 1 June 2018.
- Web site: דקה אחרי דקה: היום האחרון לחלון ההעברות בישראל 14.9. Minute by minute: The last day for the transfer window in Israel 14.9. he. Sport 5. 14 September 2021. השוער עומר ניראון חתם לעונה בהפועל רמת השרון. הוא הגיע בהשאלה מבני יהודה [Goalkeeper Omer Nir'on signed for the season with Hapoel Ramat HaSharon. He arrives on loan from Bnei Yehuda].
- Web site: מבני יהודה לאלופת בוסניה: עומר ניראון הושאל לזרינסקי מוסטאר. From Bnei Yehuda to the champions of Bosnia: Omer Nir'on loaned to Zrinjski Mostar. he. Walla!. 14 July 2023.
- Web site: כפי שפורסם: עומר ניראון הושאל למכבי נתניה. As published: Omer Nir'on loaned to Maccabi Netanya. he. Sport 5. Motti. Pacheski. 22 January 2024. ניראון הצטרף רק הקיץ לזרינקי בתור מושאל מבני יהודה אלא שכעת השאלתו בוטלה והוא עבר בהשאלה למכבי נתניה במקום. השוער לבש פעם אחת את מדי הקבוצה השייכת לאמיר כבירי וספג שלושה שערים. [Nir'on joined Zrinjski only this summer on loan from Bnei Yehuda, but now his loan was cancelled and he goes on loan to Maccabi Netanya. The goalkeeper wore Amir Kabiri's team's uniform once and conceded three goals.].
- Web site: סעיף הרכישה של עומר ניראון: חצי מיליון ש"ח. Omer Niron's buyout clause: Half a million NIS. he. Tomer. Hebez. One. 23 January 2024.
- Web site: מילסון, פיירו או שהר? בחרו את מצטיין המחזור. Melison, Piero or Sahar? Pick the round's MVP. he. One. 27 February 2024. לאחר שהגיע בינואר לקבוצה, עומר ניראון ערך את הבכורה במדי מכבי נתניה ביום שבת מול בית”ר ירושלים בטדי, ומנע מקבוצתו הפסד עם תצוגת ענק בין הקורות, שכללה הצלות גדולות, גם בדקות בהן קבוצתו נותרה בחיסרון מספרי והירושלמים לחצו על שערו ללא הפסקה. [After joining the team in January, Omer Nir'on made his debut in the Maccabi Netanya uniform on Saturday against Beitar Jerusalem in Teddy, and prevented his team from losing with a huge display between the posts, which included great saves, even in the minutes when his team remained at a numerical disadvantage and the Jerusalemites pressed for his goal non-stop.].
- Web site: האופציה על ניראון מומשה, רוב הזרים יעזבו. Nir'on's option was activated, most of the foreigners will leave. he. Sport 5. Motti. Pacheski. 29 April 2024.
- Web site: מאמן הנבחרת, ניר לוין, פרסם היום סגל של 20 שחקנים לקראת הטורניר החשוב מול: אזרבייג'אן, ליכטנשטיין וגיאורגיה. The coach of the national team, Nir Levin, announced today a roster of 20 players ahead of the important tournament against: Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein and Georgia. he. Israel Football Association. 11 November 2018.
- Web site: נבחרת הנוער פתחה את מוקדמות אליפות אירופה עם 1:4 על אזרבייג'אן. The youth team opened the European Championship qualifiers with a 4:1 win over Azerbaijan. he. Walla!. 14 November 2018.
- Web site: בדרך למעלה: 1:2 יקר לנוער על ליכטנשטיין. On the way up: A valuable 2:1 for the youth against Liechtenstein. he. Sport 5. 17 November 2018.
- Web site: נבחרות הנוער עד גיל 19 והנערים עד גיל 17, יצאו לשחק בשלב העילית של אליפות אירופה.. The youth teams up to the age of 19 and the boys up to the age of 17 went to play in the elite stage of the European Championship.. he. Israel Football Association. 14 March 2019.
- Web site: 0:3 גדול לנבחרת הנוער על שווייץ, צמד לקארצב. 3:0 big for the youth team over Switzerland, double for Kartsev. he. One. 20 March 2019.
- Web site: סגל נבחרת הנוער למשחקי מוקדמות היורו עד גיל 19.. The squad of the youth team for the Euro qualifiers up to the age of 19.. he. Israel Football Association. Facebook. 5 October 2019.
- Web site: נוער – הנבחרת סיימה בתיקו 0 מול לטביה. Youth - the team finished with a 0 draw against Latvia. he. Vole. 8 October 2019.
- Web site: כואב: נבחרת הנוער הפסידה להולנד ונשרה ממוקדמות אליפות אירופה. Painful: the youth team lost to the Netherlands and dropped out of the European Championship qualifiers. he. Walla!. 14 October 2019.
- Web site: אלמקייס ואבו אלשיך בפנים: פורסם סגל הצעירה. Elmkies and Abu Alshech inside: The young squad has been published. he. One. 29 September 2021.
- Web site: הנבחרת הצעירה מנסה לשכוח מההפסד "הכואב". מחמאות לעומר ניראון. The young team tries to forget about the "painful" loss. Compliments to Omer Nir'on. he. Ra'anan. Branovski. Walla!. 8 October 2021.
- Web site: עידו שחר הבקיע בדקה ה-89, הנבחרת הצעירה ניצחה 1:2 את לטביה. Ido Shahar scored in the 89th minute, the young team beat Latvia 2:1. he. Walla!. 12 October 2021.
- Web site: עשתה את העבודה: 0:4 לישראל על סן מרינו. Got the job done: 4:0 for Israel over San Marino. he. Sport 5. 11 November 2021.
- Web site: 0:3 לישראל הצעירה על הונגריה, צמד לארד בר. 3:0 for young Israel over Hungary, a brace for Arad Bar. he. Tomer. Hebez. One. 16 November 2021.
- Web site: היכולת הטובה השפיעה: ניראון זומן לסגל לפאריס. The good form has effect: Nir'on has been called-up for the Paris squad. he. Tomer. Habez. One. 14 May 2024.
- Web site: פריז, אנחנו באים!!!. Paris, here we come!!!. he. Israel Football Association. Facebook. 2 July 2024.
- Web site: מכה ענקית: דניאל פרץ לא יטוס לאולימפיאדה. Huge blow: Daniel Peretz will not fly to the Olympics. he. One. Tomer. Habez. 18 July 2024. ניב אליאסי יהיה השוער הראשון, עומר ניראון השני. [Niv Eliasi will be the first goalkeeper, Omer Nir'on the second.].
- News: הוא בכלל לא היה אמור לשחק, עכשיו הוא יהיה השוער הראשון של הנבחרת באולימפיאדה. He wasn't supposed to play at all, now he'll be the Olympics' squad first goalkeeper. he. ynet. 19 July 2024.
- Web site: "הופעה אדירה": צפו בהצלות של עומר ניראון. "Great Show": Watch the saves of Omer Nir'on. he. Sport 5. 25 July 2024.
- Web site: ניראון יפתח גם מול פרגוואי: "משחק של חיים או מוות". Nir'on will also start against Paraguay: "a game of life or death". he. Yaniv. Tuchman. Walla!. 25 July 2024.
- News: ישראל ספגה פעמיים בתוספת הזמן והפסידה 4:2 לפרגוואי. Israel conceded twice in injury time and lost 4:2 to Paraguay. he. Nadav. Tzantzifer. ynet. 27 July 2024.
- Web site: "הבקעתי, אבל אבא כבר לא היה ביציע. לא היה לאן לרוץ". "I scored, but dad was no longer in the stands. There was nowhere to run". he. Walla!. Asher. Goldberg. 23 September 2022. הבן שלך עומר הוא השוער של בני יהודה. [Your son Omer is the goalkeeper for Bnei Yehuda].