Lebanon Of Footballer Celine Haider was about to make her dream of playing for her country’s women’s team a reality, but the 19-year-old has been put into a medically induced coma after being injured in an Israeli airstrike.
Selene Haider’s family was among more than a million people who fled south Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds due to Israeli bombardment after fighting broke out in September.
“But Celine had to return to (south) Beirut for her education and training,” her father, Abbas Haider, told AFP news agency.
He said that ‘after the announcement of evacuation or the bombing intensified, she would leave the house and then she would return home to sleep at night.’
Now he is another player, who became a victim of Israeli attacks. The attacks have already forced the Lebanese Football Association to indefinitely suspend football competitions in their country.
On Saturday, her father called to warn her of new evacuation orders posted online by the Israeli army, and she left home.
But soon after, ‘my wife called me to tell me Celine was in the hospital,’ he said.
She was seriously injured in an Israeli attack on her hometown, when the air force struck the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The skull was fractured
The video, which shows Celine Haider lying unconscious on the ground, her face covered in blood, while a young man near her cries in pain, has taken Lebanese social media by storm.
An unidentified handout photo obtained from the Lebanese Football Association on Nov. 19, 2024 shows Lebanese footballer Celine Haider celebrating with the tournament cup after a soccer match in Jordan (Lebanese Football Association via A FP)
His mother, Sana Shahroor, told the news agency AFP that the attack happened nearby and hit him in the head. My daughter has a brain haemorrhage, her skull is fractured.’
Shahroor said her daughter had sent her a message, asking her to make her favorite dishes, but ‘an hour later her friend called to say she was injured.’
“My daughter is a heroine, she will rise,” he said. His eyes were red with tears.
He said, ‘She used to dream of competing abroad. She wants to be like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. She wanted to be a star and wanted everyone to talk about her.
Now everyone is talking about her because she got injured in a war she had nothing to do with. They have shattered their dreams.’
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Warriors in the field
Haider was a key player for her club Beirut Football Academy (BFA), which won the Lebanese Women’s Football League last season without dropping a single point, and is set to take over as captain this season.
The midfielder was also part of the national women’s under-18 team that won the 2022 West Asian Football Federation Championship.
Team manager Ziyad Saadi said that he is now in a medically induced coma.
“Doctors are monitoring him closely,” his father told AFP from Beirut’s St. Georges Hospital.
‘But her injuries are serious, we hope she will recover slowly,’ said her father with teary eyes. We are paying for something that is not our fault.’
Lebanese authorities say that more than 3,544 people have been killed since the exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel began in October last year.
“On the field, she is a warrior, playing in the middle position to get the ball to the strikers,” coach Sameer Barbari said during her visit to the hospital. She is a phenomenal girl and a great player.’
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Can you describe the emotional and psychological effects on the Haidar family following Celine’s serious injury from the airstrike?
**Interview with Abbas Haidar: Father of Injured Lebanese Footballer Celine Haidar**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining me today, Mr. Haidar. It’s a difficult time for you and your family, and we are deeply sorry for what your daughter, Celine, is going through. Can you tell us about the moment you learned of her injury?
**Abbas Haidar**: Thank you for having me. It was a trying day. Just before the attack, I called Celine to warn her about new evacuation orders from the Israeli army. She left home, thinking she would be safe. A short time later, I received a call from my wife, telling me that Celine had been injured in an airstrike. It felt like my heart dropped. I rushed to the hospital, where I found her in critical condition.
**Editor**: I can’t imagine how traumatic that must have been. Celine was only 19 and was on the verge of achieving her dream of playing for the national team. How has this incident affected her aspirations?
**Abbas Haidar**: Celine was full of dreams. She wanted to compete internationally, to be recognized like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Now, instead of being celebrated for her talents, she is in a medically induced coma due to a war that she never wanted anything to do with. This attack has shattered not just her dreams but also the dreams of many young people in Lebanon who look up to her.
**Editor**: You mentioned that Celine had to return to southern Beirut for her training despite the dangers. What does this say about the challenges faced by athletes in conflict zones?
**Abbas Haidar**: It illustrates the dire reality for many in Lebanon. She loved football and was determined to pursue it, even amidst the chaos. Many athletes here face similar dilemmas — torn between their passions and the safety of their families. Sadly, this situation has led to the suspension of competitions, further affecting our youth.
**Editor**: There’s been an outpouring of support on social media since the news broke. How important is this support for Celine and your family during this time?
**Abbas Haidar**: It is incredibly important. The messages of solidarity are overwhelming. They remind us that Celine has touched many lives with her spirit and talent. My daughter’s journey is being followed not just in Lebanon, but it has resonated with many across the world. It gives us hope. My wife and I believe she is a fighter and will rise again.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your story, Mr. Haidar. Our thoughts are with Celine and your family as you navigate through this challenging time.
**Abbas Haidar**: Thank you for bringing attention to Celine’s situation and the plight of so many in our country. We are hopeful for her recovery, and we appreciate every moment of support.
