Football: Wahid Fattal Injured During the Israeli Strike in Zokak el-Blat
Wahid Fattal, smiling as always, during a training camp for the national football team. ©Photo taken from Wahid Fattal's Instagram page

The legendary goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach of the Lebanese national team, Wahid Fattal, was injured during the latest Israeli strike that hit the Zokak el-Blat neighborhood in the heart of Beirut.

Barely 48 hours after the tragic injury of Celine Haidar, another pillar of Lebanese football has been struck by the violence of the bombings. Wahid Fattal, one of the most emblematic figures in Lebanese football, was injured on Monday evening during the latest Israeli strike on the Zokak el-Blat neighborhood in Beirut. This central area of the capital has been devastated by Israeli strikes amid rising military tensions. At 46 years old, Fattal was hit by shrapnel from the explosion and was quickly transported to the hospital for emergency care where, according to verified information, his life is not in danger.

An Exceptional Career

Wahid Fattal is a legend of Lebanese football. As a former goalkeeper, he marked the history of sports in Lebanon with his remarkable performances and unwavering commitment. He notably represented Lebanon at the 2000 Asian Cup, a memorable moment in the history of national football. At the club level, he played for major Lebanese teams such as Nejmeh, Ahli Saida, Sagesse, Ansar, Shabab Sahel and Ahed, where he built a reputation as a talented, solid and determined goalkeeper. His impact goes far beyond the field as Fattal has also been an ambassador for Lebanese football, proudly representing his country at international competitions. After an impressive playing career, he decided to pass on his expertise by becoming the goalkeeper coach of the Lebanese national team in 2019. His work, initially under coach Liviu Ciobotariu, has been praised for its professionalism and expertise.

A Respected Coach

As the goalkeeper coach of the national team, Wahid Fattal has been a pillar in preparing young talents in the country. Thanks to his experience and vision of the game, he has trained solid goalkeepers who are ready to represent Lebanon on the international stage. This role has strengthened his status as an essential figure in Lebanese football, especially within his beloved club Nejmeh, where he is still revered.

Difficult Context for Lebanon

Fattal's injury occurs in a particularly tragic context for Lebanon. The country is shaken by a deadly war that directly affects the lives of its inhabitants, including its athletes. This painful reality serves as a reminder that violence makes no distinction, striking at the heart of young athletes' passions and dreams. Following the death of Mohamad Kanj and the injuries of Kassem Zein, Celine Haidar and now Wahid Fattal, the heavy toll paid by Lebanese sports due to war continues to mount.

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