Céline Haidar was on the verge of realizing her dream of representing Lebanon in the national team when she was seriously injured in an Israeli attack in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Today the 19-year-old footballer is still in intensive care, in a coma.
When, a few weeks ago, Israeli bombing intensified on the southern outskirts of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, Céline’s family took refuge in Baakline, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains.
“But Céline was forced to go to Beirut for her studies and training,” her father Abbas Haidar told AFP from the Saint-George hospital in the Lebanese capital.
“When there were calls for evacuation and bombings, he would leave the house, then return in the evening to sleep,” he adds. On Saturday, the day of the incident, he called her to warn her of a new evacuation order from the Israeli army, which usually precedes strikes, and she left the house. “Then my wife called me to tell me that Céline was in the hospital,” he says. She was seriously injured by a head impact during an attack in her Chiyah neighborhood.
“My daughter is a hero, she will get back up”
That day, the Israeli army relentlessly bombed the southern suburbs, from morning to night, targeting at least 10 sites, particularly in Chiyah. The young lady would captain her BFA Women’s Premier League team which won the championship last season. He was due to join the national team for upcoming competitions, including a match with Iran in October, which was canceled due to the war.
She had already won the West Asian Women’s Football Cup in 2022 with the national under-18 team. A video on social networks moved Internet users. We see the young woman on the ground, her face bleeding, while a young man kneeling next to her screams in pain.
“The impact was close (…) she was hit on the head,” her mother Sanaa Shahroura told AFP. “My daughter has a brain hemorrhage and a fractured skull. » She says that on Saturday Céline asked her to prepare a dish she liked. “An hour later, her friend called me to tell me she was hurt,” she added, sobbing.
“My daughter is a hero, she will get back up,” he insists. “She dreamed of playing abroad, she said she wanted to be like Ronaldo and Messi (…) She wanted to be a star and make everyone talk about her”, continues her mother. “They killed her dream (…) Now everyone talks about her because she is injured, in a war with which she had nothing to do. »
The player is in an artificial coma
“The doctors are following her closely,” her father told AFP from hospital. “But the damage is very extensive, we hope it will gradually disappear. We pay the price for something that is not our fault,” he laments, crying.
In late September, Israel launched a massive bombing campaign and ground offensive in Lebanon against pro-Iranian Hezbollah. Since cross-border firefights began in October 2023 in southern Lebanon, on the border with Israel, more than 3,540 people have been killed, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the vast majority after the September escalation. And among the victims, according to the media, many athletes were killed.
The Lebanese Football Federation suspended matches, except for one match that took place. BFA team boss Ziad Saadé explains to AFP that the player is in an artificial coma. “Everyone must pray for her, that she may return among us.”
What are the long-term psychological effects of trauma on young athletes like Céline Haidar?
Interview: The Resilience of Céline Haidar in the Face of Adversity
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thanks for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the tragic situation of Céline Haidar, a promising young footballer from Lebanon, who has been critically injured amid the current violence. With us is Dr. Amira Khalil, a sports psychologist and expert on the impact of trauma in young athletes. Dr. Khalil, thank you for being here.
Dr. Amira Khalil: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s start with Céline’s story. She was on the verge of representing Lebanon in the national team when everything changed in an instant. From your perspective, what does it mean for a young athlete to have such a dream and then face such a traumatic event?
Dr. Khalil: It’s devastating on many levels. For young athletes like Céline, representing their country is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices. When a dream is suddenly threatened by violence and injury, it isn’t just a physical loss but an emotional and psychological one as well.
Editor: Absolutely. Céline’s father mentioned that she was injured during an Israeli bombing. The circumstances of her injury are truly heartbreaking. How can such traumatic experiences affect an athlete’s mental health?
Dr. Khalil: The effects can be profound. Trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For athletes, their identity is often closely tied to their sport. When they’re faced with such adversity, it can lead to an identity crisis. They may question their ability to return to the sport they love or even to be in competitive spaces again.
Editor: Céline had already achieved great success by winning the West Asian Women’s Football Cup and leading her team to a championship. Those accomplishments can add a lot of pressure. How do you think her past achievements might influence her recovery?
Dr. Khalil: Her past achievements can serve as a crucial source of motivation and resilience. Having a strong sense of identity as an athlete, particularly with notable accomplishments, can help her during the recovery process. It’s essential, however, that she receives the right support from her family, coaches, and medical professionals to facilitate a holistic recovery – both physically and mentally.
Editor: But the situation is compounded by the current conflict impacting Lebanon. Céline’s family sought refuge amidst bombings, showing just how precarious life has become. What can you say about the psychological impact of living in such an environment?
Dr. Khalil: Living in a war zone drastically affects mental health. The constant uncertainty and fear can lead to chronic stress, which can affect individuals’ perception of safety and stability. It’s critical for the community around them to foster an environment of support and care, as collective trauma can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
Editor: Her mother spoke emotionally about Céline and expressed belief in her strength, saying, “My daughter is a hero.” How important is family support in the recovery process?
Dr. Khalil: Family support is vital. It can significantly influence an athlete’s will to improve and recover. A supportive environment not only aids in the healing process but also reinforces their self-esteem. When family members openly express their belief in the individual’s potential—like Céline’s mother does—it can enhance the individual’s resilience.
Editor: What do you think lies ahead for Céline, given all these complexities?
Dr. Khalil: It’s hard to predict, but if she receives comprehensive medical and psychological support, there is hope for recovery. The road may be long, but with the right resources and a strong support system, she can regain her physical strength and possibly return to playing the sport she loves. The community’s support will also play a role in this journey.
Editor: It’s a challenging road indeed. Dr. Khalil, thank you for your insights today. Céline’s story is one of resilience amidst tragedy, and we sincerely hope for her recovery.
Dr. Khalil: Thank you. Let’s continue to raise awareness about the effects of conflict on young lives and support them through such trying experiences.
Editor: Absolutely. Thank you for tuning in today, and let’s keep Céline and all those affected by violence in our thoughts.