The Major League Soccer community is united in grief following the heartbreaking announcement from St. Louis City SC star Eduard Lowen that his wife, Ilona Lowen, has passed away after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Ilona Lowen died on the morning of March 9, 2026, nearly two years after the couple first publicly shared her devastating diagnosis.
Club Confirms Tragic News
The club confirmed the news on Monday, triggering a wave of condolences and support from soccer fans throughout the United States and Lowen's native Germany. In an official statement, St. Louis City SC expressed profound sorrow, stating: 'After a two-year battle with cancer, Ilona Lowen passed away this morning, March 9, 2026. We grieve alongside Edu and all those impacted by this loss and ask the CITY community to keep them in your prayers during this difficult time. Ilona was a beautiful example of love, humility, and kindness and will be deeply missed.'
Messages of Faith and Comfort
The club also shared a poignant message from the family's pastor, Marc Sikma, which read: 'Edu and Ilona built their life on faith in Christ, and we find comfort in knowing Ilona's suffering is over and that she is now in the eternal presence of her Savior.' This spiritual reflection has provided some solace to those mourning her loss.
League-Wide Support for Lowen
Eduard Lowen, aged 29, had taken multiple leaves of absence from the team since the diagnosis in 2024 to care for his wife, demonstrating his unwavering dedication. Across Major League Soccer, rival clubs have rallied in support. The Seattle Sounders sent 'love from Seattle to the Lowen family and the greater CITY community,' while the Columbus Crew added they are 'heartbroken for the Lowen family.' The Vancouver Whitecaps also extended their deepest condolences to the club and family.
Lowen's Football Journey
Lowen's professional career began in Germany, where he developed through the youth ranks at 1. FC Nurnberg, making his professional breakthrough in 2017. He played a key role in helping the team secure promotion to the Bundesliga in 2018. His performances earned him a high-profile transfer to Hertha BSC in 2019, and he later had a loan spell at Augsburg during his time in Germany's top flight.
In June 2022, Lowen signed with St. Louis City SC as a Designated Player, quickly establishing himself as the heartbeat of the team's midfield. Known for his exceptional set-piece ability, he has amassed 17 goals and 15 assists during his MLS career, becoming a fan favorite and a pivotal figure for the club.
Outpouring of Grief and Remembrance
The news has cast a shadow over the MLS season, with tributes flooding in from teammates, opponents, and supporters alike. Ilona Lowen is remembered not only as the wife of a prominent athlete but as a person who embodied love and kindness, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. As the soccer world mourns, the focus remains on supporting Eduard Lowen and his family through this profoundly difficult period.
