Tahirys Dos Santos, a 19‑year‑old defender who survived the deadly Crans‑Montana fire on 1 January after suffering severe burns, has signed his first professional contract with FC Metz, the club announced on Monday.
Dos Santos sustained burns to around 30% of his body in the fire at the Le Constellation bar, which killed 41 people and injured 115 others. During the blaze, he helped save his partner’s life.
After nearly three and a half months of hospital treatment and rehabilitation, the athlete returned to the pitch on 11 April. His contract signing, confirmed on 20 April, marks a major milestone in his recovery and career.
FC Metz player speaks about recovery after Crans-Montana fire
‘This moment feels even more special’
Having joined FC Metz’s academy in 2014 at the age of eight, Dos Santos progressed through the club’s youth system before the incident brought his season to an abrupt halt.
Despite the physical and psychological impact of the fire, he was able to regain his fitness and resume training in recent weeks.
“This is the culmination of many years of hard work, sacrifice and determination to realise my childhood dream,” he said in statement released by his club. “This moment feels even more special after the difficult months I spent in hospital. This ordeal has made me stronger and taught me never to give up.”
By signing his first professional contract, Dos Santos said he also hoped to send a message of encouragement to others affected by the tragedy. “I am thinking of everyone who is still fighting,” he said, urging survivors not to lose hope.
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(This article has first been published by Virgule. Translated using AI, with editing by Lucrezia Reale.)
