Lebanese youth footballer Céline Haidar remains in an induced coma following a devastating airstrike that struck the southern suburbs of Beirut. The 19-year-old, who has represented Lebanon’s Under-20 women’s national team, sustained severe injuries from shrapnel during the attack in Chiyah. Her condition remains critical, as doctors continue to monitor her in intensive care.
Haidar was initially taken to Saint-Georges hospital in Hadath, where emergency surgery was performed to stop intracranial bleeding. Although her condition was stabilized initially, complications arose, necessitating her transfer to Saint-George hospital in Achrafieh. She remains in a critical state, with her medical team working to manage the resurgence of internal bleeding.
The young footballer has earned recognition as one of Lebanon’s brightest talents, winning two West Asian Championships with the national team. Her coaches and teammates describe her as a gifted and determined player with a bright future. The news of her injuries has left the Lebanese women’s football community in shock, with many expressing their frustration at the global silence surrounding her plight. Calls for solidarity and action from international football organizations have been made, urging governing bodies to condemn the violence affecting players in Lebanon and Gaza.
Social media platforms have become a focal point for advocacy, with fans and fellow players sharing messages of support for Haidar. Her club, Beirut Football Academy, issued a heartfelt statement, praising her strength and resilience and expressing hope for her recovery. Across Lebanon, her story has sparked an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes, reflecting her impact on the football community and beyond.
Lebanon has faced escalating violence in recent weeks, with several areas, including Chiyah, targeted in airstrikes. Residential buildings and key infrastructure have been destroyed, leading to widespread displacement and casualties. Local officials report that densely populated areas have been severely impacted, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The attack on Haidar’s neighborhood underscores the broader impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians, particularly young athletes and aspiring professionals whose lives and careers are being disrupted. Her case is emblematic of the collateral damage affecting countless families in the region.
Among her supporters is her former teammate, who described the heartbreak within the women’s football community. She emphasized that Haidar is more than just a promising athlete she is a symbol of hope and determination for young players in Lebanon, where opportunities for women in sports are often limited.
This tragedy has reignited calls for peace and accountability in the region. Advocates argue that governing bodies in sports have a unique platform to address issues of violence and injustice, urging them to take a firmer stance in calling for the protection of athletes and civilians alike.
As Haidar fights for her life, her story has become a rallying cry for unity and support. The football community in Lebanon and beyond waits anxiously for updates on her condition, holding on to the hope that she will recover and return to the field stronger than ever. Her resilience and spirit continue to inspire those who dream of a future where young athletes can pursue their passions free from the shadow of conflict.
