Raz Meir

Meir grew up in the youth department of Rishon LeZion before joining Maccabi Haifa at age 18.[1] He began his career as a winger and sometimes operated as a striker, but his positional identity shifted significantly during his early years at the club.[1]

The conversion to defense came largely by circumstance: when youth-team player Ola Jaffer was injured, Meir agreed to fill in as a fullback.[2] He remained in the lineup for approximately six months, beginning his transition into defense.[2] In his own assessment, right back was his most comfortable position, though he identified specific advantages to playing on the left as well—including the ability to help build from the back, relieve defensive pressure, and contribute in attack.[2]

Meir spent most of his senior career at Maccabi Haifa, apart from early loan spells at Hapoel Ashkelon and Bnei Yehuda.[3] He won three league championships during his time with the club.[4]

During the 2021/22 season, Meir made 19 league appearances and was described as a full participant in Maccabi Haifa's second consecutive championship, despite missing the final 12 league matches through injury.[2] His time at the club also included Maccabi Haifa's Champions League campaign, which he later described as "something I will remember until my last day, a dream that came true."[3]

On the pitch, Meir contributed in several notable moments. He scored the equalizer for Maccabi Haifa in a 1–1 draw against Beitar Jerusalem, converting a pass from Sintayehu Sallalich shortly before halftime.[5] In a league fixture against Maccabi Petah Tikva, he was the target of a reckless foul by Yarden Cohen that earned Cohen a red card; Haifa won the match 4–0.[6]

One of the defining episodes of Meir's career was a serious left-hip injury caused by cartilage deterioration stemming from a genetic anatomical condition.[1] The injury required surgery and kept him out for an entire season, with some medical experts warning that the operation could potentially end his playing career.[1]

Because he was unaware of another Israeli footballer who had experienced the same injury, Meir chose to have the operation performed in Chicago.[2] Approximately six weeks after surgery he was off crutches, but he was prohibited from running for four months.[2] His rehabilitation included two daily training sessions with the Maccabi Haifa squad and an additional gym session in the building where he lived in Ramat Gan with his fiancée.[1] He set himself the target of being fit for the opening rounds of the following league season.[2] After experts warned that the operation might end his career, Meir told those close to him that he would return to the Maccabi Haifa lineup stronger than before.[1]

In June 2023, Meir left Maccabi Haifa and signed a one-season contract—with an option for a second—at RKC Waalwijk of the Dutch Eredivisie.[3] The transfer was facilitated by Mo Allach, a former Maccabi Haifa sporting director who had worked with Meir and sought to bring him to the Netherlands.[3] Meir relocated with his wife and young child; his wife was six months pregnant at the time, and he credited her support as central to his decision to take on the challenge.[3]

He described Dutch football as technically demanding and fast, and said his ambition was to establish himself in the league.[3] Following his stint at Waalwijk, he played for Hapoel Tel Aviv before joining Maccabi Netanya in summer 2024.[4][7] At Netanya, he was expected to compete with Karem Jaber for the right-back starting position.[7]

In October 2025, Meir signed with M.S. Ashdod.[4] In January 2026, Ashdod released him after five appearances, including two starts; he had also remained an unused substitute in seven matches.[4]

Meir represented Israel at youth international level and stated publicly that earning a senior national-team call-up was a personal goal.[2] He said he had expected to be selected for the senior squad before injury intervened, and argued that he merited a place while acknowledging Eli Dasa as Israel's best right back at the time.[2]

Meir's career is chiefly associated with Maccabi Haifa, where he won three league championships and took part in the club's Champions League campaign.[4][3] His record there also reflected the versatility that shaped his career: he arrived as an attacking player, became a fullback capable of playing on either side, and returned to competition after a hip operation that some specialists warned could end his career.[1][2]

During halftime in Maccabi Haifa's 2–1 victory over Hapoel Beersheba, Meir was shown a straight red card following a confrontation with Hapoel Beersheba assistant coach Arik Benado, forcing Haifa to complete the second half with ten men.[8] Meir later denied pushing Benado, said his words had not been directed personally at him, and reported apologizing in case Benado had taken them personally.[3] A Ynet report presented Beersheba's account that Meir acted violently, pushed Benado, cursed members of the coaching staff, and fueled a confrontation; it also reported that Benado subsequently received abusive messages and threats directed at him and his family.[9] The precise details of the incident remain contested.