Swiss nightclub fire footballer, 19, is in 'terrible pain' and has burns covering 30% of his body after he was caught up in deadly blaze, as parents rush to his hospital bedside
In a statement, FC Metz announced that their youth team player Tahirys Dos Santos, 19, is among those to have been injured and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Germany.
A footballer caught up in the deadly fire at a Swiss nightclub has burns covering 30 per cent of his body after he was airlifted to hospital following New Year's Eve disaster.
The fire at the Le Constellation nightclub, located in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, killed at least 47 people and injured 115.
In a statement, French football club FC Metz announced that their youth team player Tahirys Dos Santos, 19, is among those to have been injured.
His agent, Christophe Hutteau, provided more detail on Friday, telling BFMTV of the severity of the footballer's injuries.
"He was transferred last night (Thursday) to a specialized burns center in Stuttgart, Germany," he stated. "The latest news I received was this morning (Friday) from Tahirys's parents, who drove all night to be by their son's side.
'I can't tell you he's doing well because he's in terrible pain. He has burns covering 30% of his body.
Le #FCMetz a la douleur d’annoncer que Tahirys Dos Santos, joueur stagiaire du club, a été blessé lors de l’incendie survenu à Crans-Montana.
L'ensemble du club unit ses pensées pour les adresser à Tahirys, dans ces heures où il combat la souffrance.
— FC Metz ☨ (@FCMetz) January 1, 2026
Metz player Brian Madjo shared a message of support to two footballers injured in the fire at a Swiss ski bar on New Year's Eve
A grab of a video obtained from the X account of @Tyroneking36852 shows a fire in a bar in Crans-Montana, a ski resort in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, early on January 1, 2026
'The positive point is that his lungs, which were also affected, have improved considerably since yesterday morning.'
Metz confirmed that footballer is receiving treatment in Germany after being airlifted to hospital.
'FC Metz is deeply saddened to announce that Tahirys Dos Santos, a youth player for the club originally from Mont-Saint-Martin, was injured in the fire that occurred in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve,' a club statement read.
'Severely burned, the 19-year-old was airlifted to Germany, where he is currently receiving treatment.
'Deeply affected by this news, the club's management, players, coaches, and staff are in shock and extend their heartfelt condolences to Tahirys during this difficult time as he battles his illness.
'The club also wishes to offer its full support to his family and is working with medical authorities to arrange for Tahirys' transfer to Mercy Hospital, near his home. Updates on Tahirys' condition will be provided should there be any significant changes.
'In the meantime, FC Metz asks everyone to respect the privacy of Tahirys and his family.'