Hannover 96 has launched a donation appeal for former striker Kreso Kovacec, 56, who remains in a coma after an aortic rupture. The 2. Bundesliga side from Lower Saxony is rallying support for the Croatian attacker, who played for the Reds between 1995 and 1997. Hannover currently sit fourth in the 2. Bundesliga with 60 points from 34 games (16 wins, 12 draws, six losses).

What happened?

Kreso Kovacec, father of two children aged nine and 15, underwent emergency surgery after an aortic rupture. Complications led to a stroke and brain hemorrhage, leaving his condition critical. The former forward scored 42 goals in 79 appearances for Hannover 96 in the mid-90s. After leaving the club, he played for Hansa Rostock and FC Augsburg before retiring in 2005.

The Lower Saxony club expressed its solidarity with Kovacec. On its website, Hannover 96 stated: „In diesen Tagen sind all unsere Gedanken bei ihm, seinen Kindern, seiner Frau und allen, die ihm nahestehen.“ (These days, all our thoughts are with him, his children, his wife, and everyone close to him.)

Why is Hannover 96 getting involved?

Hannover 96 feels a responsibility to support its former player. The club points to a fundraising campaign launched by Kovacec’s longtime friend. So far, over €32,000 has been raised (as of July 14, 8:30 a.m.). The club urges fans and members to help the family during this difficult time.

Kovacec, now a used-car dealer in Augsburg, was a key figure under manager Dieter Hecking. With Hecking, Hannover 96 won promotion to the 2. Bundesliga in 1996. His final season in 1997 ended in disappointment after missing out on promotion in playoffs against Energie Cottbus.

What’s next?

The fundraising effort continues as Kovacec’s condition remains critical. Meanwhile, Hannover 96 stays in the race for Bundesliga promotion. The Reds trail league leaders Schalke 04 by 10 points and face 1. FC Magdeburg (14th) away on October 10, 2026. This season, Hannover 96 has scored 60 goals and conceded 44 (+16 goal difference).

Fans can contribute to the donation via the link provided by Hannover 96. The club hopes to rally further support for Kovacec’s family.