Key Takeaways
- Diagnosis: 60-year-old Heiko Weber is seriously ill with cancer.
- Career: Weber is an iconic figure at FC Carl Zeiss Jena (player, coach, head of the NLZ) and most recently coached ZFC Meuselwitz.
- Solidarity: The club has pledged its full support.
- Help: An online fundraising campaign on “GoFundMe” has already raised thousands of euros for his treatment and support.
Jena (14.02.2026) – It is news that pushes sport to the sidelines and deeply affects the football community in Thüringen and beyond. Heiko Weber, one of the most defining figures of FC Carl Zeiss Jena in recent decades, is seriously ill with cancer.
As announced this Saturday, the 60-year-old football coach must face what is likely the toughest battle of his life. FC Carl Zeiss Jena, Weber’s long-time club of the heart, reacted with shock but determination to the diagnosis, promising their former protégé and employee every possible support.
A Life for Blue-Yellow-White
To understand the significance of this news for the Jena sports world, one must look at Weber’s biography. He is not just a former employee; he is a piece of club history. In the 1980s and 90s, he hunted for goals as a striker for FCC, actively experiencing the great European Cup nights and remaining loyal to the club even after the political changes in Germany.
Later, he switched sides—from the pitch to the coach’s bench and the administrative office. Weber served as head coach, saved the club during difficult times, worked as sporting director, and shaped future generations of footballers at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld as head of the youth academy (NLZ). His direct, honest manner made him popular with fans; he is considered someone who carries the “Jena gene” within him.
A Wave of Helpfulness Begins
The news of his serious illness immediately triggered a wave of sympathy. Consternation is high not only in Jena but also in Cottbus—where Weber once worked in the youth department and briefly as interim coach in the Bundesliga—as well as at ZFC Meuselwitz, his last coaching station in the Regionalliga Nordost.
But it has gone beyond mere words. To relieve Heiko Weber and his family in this existential situation, a fundraising campaign was launched on the “GoFundMe” platform. Given the enormous response, the original goal of 15,000 euros seems to be just a milestone. Shortly after the diagnosis became known, several thousand euros were collected—a strong sign that football may be divided by colors but is united in its cause.
Solidarity Beyond Club Borders
Cancer diagnoses in professional sports frequently move into the public eye, demonstrating how fragile life can be even for seemingly resilient athletes. Cases like this often lead to old rivalries being put to rest. Fans from different camps, former companions, and players have already sent their best wishes for his recovery.
For FC Carl Zeiss Jena, one thing is certain: they will not leave one of their own alone. The club announced that it would closely accompany the situation. Even though Weber most recently stood on the sidelines for ZFC Meuselwitz, his connection to the Paradies remains unbreakable.
How Fans Can Help
Anyone wishing to support Heiko Weber in his fight against the disease can do so via the official fundraising campaign. The funds collected are intended to ensure the best possible medical care and to cushion financial concerns during this difficult time. Links to the campaign are currently being shared via the social channels of the participating clubs and fan groups.
The entire editorial team wishes Heiko Weber strength, endurance, and a full recovery. We will continue to report on the expressions of sympathy and the actions of the fan scene.