From Belgian champion to coma: Karel Snoeckx's tragic turn

Former Belgian international Karel Snoeckx, who lifted the championship and the Belgian Cup with Lierse in the late 1990s, was violently assaulted on Saturday in Turnhout and is now in an artificial coma after sustaining fractured ribs, a broken sternum and severe facial injuries.

Karel Snoeckx, a 52‑year‑old former professional, played for Lierse, Germinal Beerschot and Beveren during his career. He earned a place in the Belgian national side under coach Wilfried Van Moer and now runs a calf‑raising operation in Retie with his wife Lindsy Snoeckx.

On Saturday, the couple were at the Saturday market in Turnhout and were heading to Brasserie Stadspark for lunch, Lindsy recalled. When Karel stopped his car to allow two pedestrians to cross, a woman suddenly crossed diagonally, prompting him to exit the vehicle to understand the reaction.

"Karel touched the man's shoulder briefly, then the man struck Karel in the face and began to strangle him," Lindsy Snoeckx said. "He received five kicks to the head, repeated blows to the chest, and his face turned completely blue."

The husband of the couple's daughter intervened and separated the assailant while emergency services arrived. Lindsy and her son‑in‑law, a nurse, performed CPR for fifteen minutes before Karel was transferred to the Turnhout hospital's intensive‑care unit.

Medical reports confirm Karel Snoeckx suffers fractured ribs, a broken sternum and severe facial trauma, and he remains in an artificial coma. Police have placed the main suspect in provisional detention as the investigation continues.

The stark contrast between Snoeckx's former football triumphs and his current critical condition highlights the fragility of life beyond the pitch. Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the case in the coming days.