The St. Louis soccer community is mourning after the death of Ilona Löwen, the wife of St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Löwen, following a prolonged fight with brain cancer.
According to the New York Post, the Major League Soccer club confirmed her death on Monday, saying she passed away after a two-year battle with the illness. Ilona Löwen was 28 years old, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The team released a statement honoring her life and offering support to the midfielder and his family.
“After a two-year battle with cancer, Ilona Löwen passed away this morning, March 9, 2026,” St. Louis City wrote in a statement. “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.”
Eduard Löwen had first shared news of his wife’s diagnosis in 2024, when she was battling brain cancer.
During that time, the German midfielder stepped away from soccer to focus on supporting his family.
He took another leave of absence from the club in 2025 before eventually returning to the field during the second half of the season.
However, the 2026 campaign has been different.
Löwen has not appeared in a match for St. Louis City so far this season.
Major League Soccer also issued a statement expressing condolences following the news of Ilona Löwen’s death.
“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,” the league said.
The statement also referenced the couple’s Christian faith.
“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,” the message said.
Eduard Löwen joined St. Louis City in 2022 as a designated player shortly after the club’s formation. Before coming to Major League Soccer, he spent his professional career playing in his native Germany.
Since arriving in the United States, Löwen has been a key part of the St. Louis squad.
Over four MLS seasons, he has recorded 17 goals and nine assists across 71 regular-season appearances.
As the team and supporters process the loss, the club asked the broader St. Louis City community to keep Löwen and those closest to Ilona in their thoughts and prayers.
