Shock in Metz after the drama of the burnt junior in Crans-Montana » “An exemplary captain. We pray for him”
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published on Friday, 02 January 2026, 16:14 / Updated on Friday, 02 January 2026 16:17
After last night announcing the serious condition of the left defender Tahirys Dos Santos (19 years old), hospitalized in a hospital in Germany, Metz held a press conference today. Coach Stéphane Le Mignan gave new details, two days before the match at Lorient, in the 17th stage of Ligue 1, related to the situation of the captain of the second team.
On New Year's Eve, the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana caught fire, and the fire, caused by fireworks lit by young people in the luxurious Swiss ski resort, claimed 47 lives.
According to the latest balance sheet of the authorities, there are more 115 injured, of which 80 people arrived at the hospital in critical condition! Between them and Tahirys Dos Santos, Metz's left back.
10matches Tahirys Dos Santos has played this season for Metz's B team in National 3, group E (5th league), scoring an assist
He had the chance to get out of the fiery inferno. He was the first athlete officially reported among the victims of one of the worst tragedies in Swiss history.
Metz captain: “It's a difficult situation and now football is no longer important. Our priority is Tahirys' life”
Less than 24 hours after the sad announcement, the first statements came from the camp of the last placed in Ligue 1. Stephane Le Mignan, the coach of FC Metz, spoke about the situation of Tahirys Dos Santos.
Tahirys Dos Santos was a substitute for Metz in the December 20 French Cup match against Biesheim (3-0) / Photo: fcmetz.com
“The good news is we're confident everything will be fine. Hopefully he'll be back on the pitch in the coming months. We are all very shocked, we know it is very difficult for him. He is an exemplary player who deservedly became the captain of the reserve team.
He's a technical lefty. Can play left and center back. Every time he comes to train with us, he lives up to our expectations and prepares flawlessly.
💬 “An exemplary player”
Player of FC Metz blessed in Switzerland: “On est très choqués”, reacted Stéphane Le Mignan, coach of the club in press conference #BFM2 pic.twitter.com/U55ft1Oh9u
— BFM (@BFMTV) January 2, 2026
He assimilates very well what we tell him and is making progress. That's why he was with us in the squad for the French Cup match”, explained the FC Metz technician today.
The whole team is worried about Tahirys situation. We are all with him and remain close to his family and pray for his health. We are waiting for good news from the hospital where he is admitted. It's a difficult situation and now football is no longer important. The priority is Tahirys life
– Gauthier Heinthe captain of FC Metz
