Lebanese Soccer Star Celine Haidar in Coma After Israeli Strike: A Nation Holds Its Breath
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 19-year-old Lebanese footballer Celine Haidar, a rising star in the sport, is now fighting for her life in a medically induced coma. Haidar, who has already made waves as the captain of her club team and a two-time member of Lebanon’s national youth team, was critically injured in an Israeli airstrike near her home in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The incident has not only put her promising career on hold but has also sent shockwaves through the sports world and her community.
A Determined Athlete Amid Chaos
Despite the ongoing conflict and the constant threat of bombardment, Haidar refused to let the violence disrupt her rigorous training schedule. Her family had fled to a mountain town east of Beirut for safety, but Haidar stayed behind, determined to continue her preparation for upcoming championships. She had assured her family that she would evacuate whenever the Israeli military issued warnings for targeted neighborhoods.
Tragically, on Saturday, Haidar was caught off guard. While she was asleep, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for her area. Her parents frantically called her, urging her to leave immediately. But before she could fully escape, an Israeli warplane struck. Haidar was hit by shrapnel as she attempted to flee on her motorbike, suffering severe brain injuries, including multiple skull fractures and brain bleeding.
She is now receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Saint George Hospital in Beirut. Her coach, Samer Barbary, confirmed her condition, while her devastated parents, Abbas Haidar and Sanaa Shahrour, remain by her side, holding onto hope.
A Father’s Pride and a Mother’s Hope
Haidar’s father, Abbas, spoke with deep emotion about his daughter. “I never thought I would have a daughter like her,” he said. “She has dreams and strength. She always told me: ‘You’ll see what I will accomplish tomorrow.'” His words paint a picture of a young woman full of ambition and determination, qualities that have made her a beloved figure both on and off the field.
Her mother, Sanaa, has refused to give up hope, despite the grim prognosis. “I am waiting for you. Don’t give up. You are a hero. Every night, I see you in my dreams, coming back to me,” she told Reuters. Her unwavering faith in her daughter’s recovery is a testament to the strength of a parent’s love.
A Community in Mourning and Support
Haidar’s injury is not just a personal tragedy; it is a blow to her teammates and the broader Lebanese football community. Her teammates have rallied around her, hanging a poster at their training field that reads, “We are waiting for you.” Lama Abdin, an 18-year-old teammate, described Haidar as “the cornerstone of our team.” She added, “But we will play for her. We will achieve her big dreams.”
Coach Samer Barbary highlighted Haidar’s impressive achievements, noting that she had already represented Lebanon twice with the under-19 national team, which won the 2022 West Asia Cup held in Lebanon. She had also been selected for the senior national team and was expected to compete in the upcoming West Asia Championship. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt, but her teammates are determined to honor her legacy on the field.
The Bigger Picture: A Nation Under Siege
Haidar’s story is just one of many tragedies unfolding in Lebanon. Over the past year, more than 15,000 people have been wounded in Israeli strikes, with the bombardment of Beirut’s suburbs intensifying over the last two months. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, more than 3,500 people have been killed, including over 670 women and 230 children. The Israeli military has stated that its strikes target infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, which has strongholds in Beirut’s suburbs, as well as in southern and eastern Lebanon.
Haidar’s injury serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. While the world watches the geopolitical developments, it is the lives of individuals like Haidar and their families that bear the brunt of the violence.
What Lies Ahead
Doctors have not provided a timeline for Haidar’s recovery, and it remains uncertain when—or if—she will wake up. For now, her family, friends, and fans can only wait and hope. Her teammates have vowed to carry her spirit with them as they continue to play, dedicating their efforts to achieving the dreams she worked so hard to realize.
As the sports world rallies around Haidar, her story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Whether on the field or in life, Haidar has shown the determination of a true champion. Now, it is up to her community and the global sports family to support her in this most critical battle.
Key Takeaways
- Celine Haidar, a 19-year-old Lebanese footballer, is in a medically induced coma after being critically injured in an Israeli airstrike.
- She has represented Lebanon twice with the under-19 national team and was expected to compete in the upcoming West Asia Championship.
- Her injury highlights the devastating human toll of the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, where over 15,000 people have been wounded in the past year.
As the world watches and waits, one thing is clear: Celine Haidar’s story is far from over. Her strength and determination have inspired many, and her community is united in their hope for her recovery.
Originally Written by: Maya Gebeily
