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Teenage footballer signs first professional contract just months after surviving fatal Swiss bar fire
TL;DR
Tahirys Dos Santos, a 19-year-old French footballer, has signed his first professional contract with Metz just months after surviving a deadly bar fire in Switzerland that killed 41 people. He sustained severe burns but has returned to play for the club's reserves team.
Key points
- Tahirys Dos Santos signed a professional contract with Metz
- He survived a deadly bar fire in Switzerland
- The fire killed 41 people and injured over 100
- Dos Santos sustained severe burns and underwent a skin graft
- He returned to play for Metz's reserves team
Mentioned in this story
Tahirys Dos SantosMetzSwitzerland
Ligue 1
41 people died in the Swiss bar fire on New Year’s Day (AFP/Getty)
French footballer Tahirys Dos Santos has signed his first professional contract with Ligue 1 side Metz, less than four months after miraculously surviving a devastating bar fire in Switzerland that left him severely burned and claimed dozens of lives.
The 19-year-old defender’s one-year deal was announced by the club on Monday, nine days after his return to play for their reserves team.
Dos Santos sustained severe burns to his back, face, hands, and arms in the inferno at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Day. The blaze tragically killed 41 people and injured more than 100. He subsequently underwent a skin graft as part of his recovery.
"This moment has an even more special meaning after the difficult months I went through in the hospital," Dos Santos said in a club statement. "This test made me stronger and taught me to never give up."
The French teenager, who has family ties to Cape Verde, joined his local club Metz at the age of eight. His return to action on 11 April marked his first appearance in the French fifth-tier division.
His survival story is particularly harrowing. While he could have escaped the rapidly spreading fire, Dos Santos bravely turned back to rescue his girlfriend, Coline, from the restroom.
Q&A
What happened in the Swiss bar fire that affected Tahirys Dos Santos?
The Swiss bar fire occurred on New Year’s Day, resulting in 41 fatalities and over 100 injuries, with Dos Santos suffering severe burns.
How long did it take for Tahirys Dos Santos to sign a professional contract after the fire?
Dos Santos signed his first professional contract with Metz less than four months after surviving the bar fire.
What injuries did Tahirys Dos Santos sustain in the fire?
He sustained severe burns to his back, face, hands, and arms, and underwent a skin graft as part of his recovery.
