Kroaten und ehemaliger Bundesliga-Spieler plötzlich im Koma, viele Berühmtheiten sammeln Hilfe für die Familie

A Croatian former Bundesliga player has been admitted to a coma after suffering a severe stroke following emergency surgery, prompting a fundraising campaign led by close friends and former teammates. The incident occurred on July 14, 2026, when Krešo Kovačec, 56, was rushed to hospital after experiencing sudden aortic rupture. He underwent a 12-hour operation during which his heart valve was replaced. Complications soon followed, requiring further urgent brain surgery. Kovačec suffered a serious stroke and internal bleeding, leaving him in a critical condition with no clear prognosis. Kovačec, who hails from Krain, Croatia, had played for several clubs in Germany, including Hansa Rostock, Borussia Dortmund, and Hannover 96. At Hannover 96, he scored 40 goals in 72 matches. After retiring from professional football, he worked as a used car dealer in Augsburg. His career spanned over two decades, beginning in the early 1990s. He moved to Germany from Croatia in 1993, starting with VfL Bochum before joining Hannover 96 and later TeBe Berlin. In 1999, he joined Hansa Rostock in the Bundesliga, playing 28 matches and scoring three goals over three seasons. He continued his career with FC Augsburg and Elversberg before ending his playing days with a lower-tier club, DJK Augsburg-Lechhausen. Friends and former colleagues have launched a fundraiser through GoFundMe to support Kovačec’s family, which includes his wife and two children aged nine and 15. A long-time friend initiated the campaign with the consent of the family, stating: “His wife and two children have endured one of the worst nights of their lives. Doctors are doing everything they can, but no one can yet say how this will unfold.” The goal of the campaign is to provide financial assistance to the family during this difficult time. Among the donors are notable figures from German football. Otto Addo, a former Ghana international who shared dressing rooms with Kovačec at Hannover 96, contributed to the cause. Other supporters include former players such as Dieter Hecking, Gerald Asamoah, and goalkeeper Jörg Sievers. Hansa Rostock, Kovačec’s former club, issued a statement expressing hope for his recovery and offering its support to his family. The club wished the family strength and expressed confidence in Kovačec’s eventual rehabilitation. The campaign has already raised more than 36,000 euros, surpassing half of its target of 45,000 euros. The club’s official website featured a link to the fundraiser, encouraging fans and supporters to contribute. Kovačec currently resides in Augsburg, where he lived with his family after retiring from football. His journey from Croatia to Germany reflects the broader migration of Croatian players into European football during the late 20th century. Kovačec's case highlights the challenges faced by retired athletes, particularly those who transitioned into non-football careers. While he found success in the Bundesliga, his life after retirement has been marked by personal struggles. The recent health crisis has brought together former teammates and admirers, showcasing the lasting bonds formed within the sport. As the situation develops, the community continues to rally around Kovačec and his family, hoping for a positive outcome.