Lebanese footballer in coma after Israel’s airstrike on civilian targets in Lebanon

Lebanese footballer Celine Haidar, who was on the verge of achieving her dream of playing for the national women’s team, is now in a medically induced coma after an Israeli airstrike hit her neighborhood.

The 19-year-old was severely injured by debris from the attack in the southern Beirut suburb of Shiyah. Haidar’s family had already fled the area due to the conflict, but she had returned to continue her studies and football training.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Haidar’s father, Abbas Haidar, described his daughter’s daily life as one marked by the constant threat of war.

“Celine would leave the house after evacuation calls or when bombing intensified, then she’d come back home at night to sleep,” he explained.

Lebanese footballer’s dreams of stardom shattered by war

Before the strike, Haidar had been preparing for a major leap in her football career, dreaming of playing internationally like her idols Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. However, these aspirations were cruelly interrupted when she was struck in the head during an Israeli bombardment.

Her mother, Sanaa Shahrour, spoke to AFP about the devastating moment she learned of her daughter’s injuries. “Celine had sent me a message asking me to prepare her favorite dish. But an hour later, her friend called to tell me she had been wounded,” Shahrour said, visibly emotional.

Rising football star with bright future

Haidar was a key player for the Beirut Football Academy (BFA), where she helped lead the team to an unbeaten season in the Lebanese Women’s Football League. She was also part of the Lebanese national women’s U-18 team that won the 2022 West Asian Football Federation championship. This season, she was set to become the captain of BFA, highlighting her talent and leadership on the field.

On the pitch, Haidar was known for her fighting spirit, and her coach, Samer Barbary, praised her determination and skill. “She was the link between defense and attack, a fighter,” he said. “She is an exceptional girl and an excellent player.”

Hope for recovery amid escalating violence

Now hospitalized in critical condition at Saint George Hospital in Beirut, Haidar remains in a medically induced coma. Her father expressed hope that she will gradually recover, despite the severity of her injuries. “Her injuries are serious, but we are hoping for a miracle,” he said through tears.

The conflict in Lebanon, which began escalating in September, has already claimed the lives of over 3,500 people. As the war continues, Haidar’s family remains steadfast in their belief that she will recover and one day return to the football field.