Lebanese Footballer Celine Haidar Seriously Injured in Israeli Missile Strike

Lebanese female footballer Celine Haidar was seriously injured on Saturday when shrapnel from an Israeli missile struck her during an attack on the Beirut suburb of Chiyah. Haidar, who was in the nearby suburb of Tayouneh at the time, suffered severe head injuries and was shown bleeding profusely in videos circulating online.

She was rushed to Saint George’s Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. According to Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, Haidar remains unconscious and in critical condition in the ICU. Her family is reportedly trying to transfer her to another medical center, as Saint George’s Hospital was also hit by an Israeli missile.

Haidar’s injury has sent shockwaves through Lebanon’s sporting community, with widespread messages of support and well-wishes for her recovery. Her former teammate, Assile Toufaily, confirmed the gravity of her condition, while the Beirut Football Academy (BFA) posted a message expressing solidarity with the player. BFA described Haidar as "strong" and expressed confidence that she would recover.

The attack is part of a series of Israeli missile strikes on Beirut suburbs, including Chiyah, Ghobeiry, and Dahieh, as well as other areas in southern Lebanon. Israel’s ongoing military operations against Lebanon have intensified since cross-border fire exchanges with Hezbollah began in October 2023, amid the larger regional conflict.

At least 3,452 people have been killed in Lebanon since the escalation, with civilians, including athletes like Haidar, bearing the brunt of the violence. Activists and journalists are calling for FIFA and international bodies to condemn the attack and ensure the safety of athletes in conflict zones.