Overview
- Kovacec suffered a sudden aortic rupture that led to a roughly 12‑hour emergency operation in which surgeons also replaced a heart valve, and complications including a severe stroke and brain haemorrhage forced a second neurosurgical procedure that has left him unconscious and in critical condition.
- The emergency surgery and follow-up operations took place earlier this week, leaving Kovacec in a medically induced or natural coma with doctors unable to offer a clear prognosis.
- A long‑time friend launched a family‑approved GoFundMe to cover immediate and likely long‑term costs, Hannover 96 and former teammates have shared the appeal, and the fundraiser has raised about €30,000–€33,000 so far toward a €45,000 target.
- Kovacec’s wife and two children, aged nine and 15, face sudden loss of the household income and possible needs for prolonged rehabilitation, home adaptations and ongoing care if he survives.
- A well‑known figure in German football who played for Hannover 96, Hansa Rostock, Tennis Borussia Berlin and FC Augsburg, Kovacec has drawn wide community support that could be crucial for the family’s financial and practical recovery needs.