Wife of MLS St. Louis Star Eduard Löwen Dies of Cancer at 28

Ilona Löwen, the wife of St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Löwen, passed away after a two-year battle with brain cancer.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The soccer community is mourning the loss of Ilona Löwen, the wife of St. Louis City FC midfielder Eduard Löwen, who died at the age of 28 after a two-year battle with brain cancer. The MLS club announced her passing, expressing grief and asking the community to keep the Löwen family in their prayers during this difficult time.

Why it matters

Ilona's passing is a tragic loss for the Löwen family and the broader soccer community. Eduard Löwen, a designated player for St. Louis City, had taken time away from the team in the past to care for his wife during her illness, highlighting the personal challenges professional athletes can face.

The details

Ilona Löwen died on March 9, 2026, according to a statement from St. Louis City FC. The club described her as 'a beautiful example of love, humility, and kindness' who will be deeply missed. Eduard Löwen, a German midfielder, signed with St. Louis City in 2022 and has 17 goals and 9 assists in 71 regular-season MLS matches. He had announced his wife's cancer diagnosis in 2024 and taken leaves of absence in 2025 to care for her.

  • Ilona Löwen was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2024.
  • Eduard Löwen took a leave of absence in 2025 to care for his wife.
  • Ilona Löwen passed away on March 9, 2026.

The players

Eduard Löwen

A German midfielder who plays for St. Louis City FC in MLS. He signed with the club in 2022 as a designated player.

Ilona Löwen

The wife of Eduard Löwen, who passed away at the age of 28 after a two-year battle with brain cancer.

St. Louis City FC

The MLS club that Eduard Löwen plays for, which announced Ilona Löwen's passing and expressed grief over the loss.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— St. Louis City FC

“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.”

— Marc Sikma, Pastor

“We're heartbroken to hear of Ilona Löwen's passing, and we send our deepest condolences and love to Eduard Löwen, his family, and the entire St. Louis City community.”

— MLS

What’s next

The Löwen family and St. Louis City FC are expected to hold a memorial service to honor Ilona's life and legacy.

The takeaway

Ilona Löwen's passing is a tragic reminder of the personal challenges professional athletes and their families can face. Her story highlights the importance of compassion, community support, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of immense adversity.