September 27, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis CITY SC midfielder Eduard Lowen (10) takes a shot during the second half against LAFC at Energizer Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Image Ilona Lowen, wife of St. Louis City SC midfielder Eduard Lowen, died Monday after a battle with brain cancer. According to local media reports, she was 28 years old.
The club announced her death with a statement on social media.
“We mourn with Edu and all those affected by this loss and ask the CITY community to continue to keep you in your prayers during this difficult time. Ilona was a beautiful example of love, humility and kindness and will be deeply missed,” a club statement said in part.
After a two-year battle with cancer, Ilona Löwen passed away this morning, March 9, 2026.
We mourn with Edu and all those affected by this loss and ask the CITY community to pray for them during this difficult time. Ilona was a beautiful example of love… pic.twitter.com/HdX7oU8f8T
— St. Louis CITY SC (@stlCITYsc) March 9, 2026
Brain cancer was diagnosed in 2024 after Ilona began experiencing severe headaches. After several surgeries, doctors told the couple their cancer had progressed to stage 4 and was incurable. She had previously been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor.
Although Eduard has not played this season, he attended the club’s first game and spoke about his responsibility to his wife and his desire to be there for her.
“We get a lot of support from family and friends, but sometimes there are moments and things that only I can take care of and want to take care of, because obviously I am the husband,” he said at St. Petersburg. told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Sometimes there are certain responsibilities that force me or I want to take a step back and take care of her. Sometimes, unexpected things happen.”
Eduard Lowen, 29, played in his native Germany before signing with St. Louis City in 2022. He recorded 17 goals and 9 assists in 71 regular season MLS games (62 starts).
–Field level media
