After being seriously injured in a fire in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve, young defender Tahirys Dos Santos has taken a major step in his career by signing his first professional contract with FC Metz.
The 19-year-old, born in Mont-Saint-Martin, returned to action on 11 April with the club’s reserve team against FC Balagne. According to a press release from FC Metz, he has now signed his first professional contract and is tied to the club until June 2027.
Dos Santos, who has been with the club since childhood, progressed through all levels of the academy after joining in 2014 at the age of eight. He was named captain of the reserve team this season and has already taken part in training sessions with the first team. According to the press release, he had also received his first call-up in December for a Coupe de France match.
The young player’s journey was marked by a dramatic incident earlier this year. On 1 January, he was seriously burned in a fire in Crans-Montana after running back into a burning building to help his girlfriend. According to the press release, he has since shown remarkable resilience, returning to the pitch on 11 April.
FC Metz described him as embodying the club’s values, highlighting both his determination on the pitch and his character off it. The club also noted that he is the fourth academy player this season to sign a professional contract.
Speaking after signing his contract, Dos Santos said the experience had made him stronger. He also thanked his parents for their support and sacrifices, adding that this milestone carried special meaning after the difficult months he spent recovering.
He also expressed his support for others going through challenging times, encouraging them not to lose hope.
