Ram Strauss

Strauss came through the youth system at Maccabi Haifa.[4] He represented Israel at youth international level, and a December 2009 match report lists him as the starting goalkeeper in a 2–1 win over Serbia at a youth Winter Tournament.[5] During that match, a long-range Serbian effort forced Strauss into a parry, with teammate Taleb Tawatha clearing the rebound; Israel's two goals were scored by Amir Agaiov.[5] He was later called up to the Israel under-21 squad and started a European Championship qualifying match against Macedonia.[4]

After leaving Maccabi Haifa's youth setup, Strauss struggled to obtain regular senior playing time. He reflected on the difficulties facing young goalkeepers, saying: "Unfortunately, in general, 'young goalkeeper' has been a dirty word in Israeli football in recent years."[4] He said clubs had kept him under contract without using him, leading to a series of loan moves.[4] Strauss waited until Maccabi Haifa released him so that he could become a free agent. He turned down offers to serve as a substitute at two Israeli Premier League clubs and two offers from Liga Leumit in favor of joining a European club where he believed strong performances would earn him playing time.[4]

His early senior career included spells with Maccabi Ironi Bat Yam (2011–12), Maccabi Ahi Nazareth (2012–13), and Hapoel Ramat Gan (2013–14).[1] In the summer of 2014, he signed for Cypriot club Nea Salamis, seeking an environment in which he could play and develop professionally.[4] About six months later, Sport5 described him as a regular starter.[4] A ONE report recorded 14 appearances, all starts, and 1,270 minutes played during the 2014–15 campaign.[6] His performances included two major saves during a 1–0 match against Anorthosis and a full 90 minutes in a 1–0 win over Ethnikos.[7][6] A 2015 Walla Sports article said his career had improved following the move to Cyprus and that he was seeking another opportunity in Europe.[2]

Following his season in Cyprus, Strauss represented Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2015, followed in 2016 by Ironi Kiryat Shmona, Romanian side Poli Timișoara, and Belgian club Leuven.[1] He played for Hapoel Nazareth Illit in 2017 before signing for Hapoel Acre later that year.[1][8] At Acre, Strauss produced performances that drew wider attention. A 2018 ONE ranking placed him 13th among the goalkeepers assessed, with Liran Strauber calling him "so far, the season's discovery among goalkeepers."[3] Strauber said Acre's position near the bottom of the table had not affected Strauss's work and that his performances were generating demand for him ahead of the following season.[3] After leaving Acre, Strauss went roughly a year without playing before joining Hapoel Afula in June 2019 as a replacement for Ron Shushan.[9]