Metz have handed 19‑year‑old defender Tahirys dos Santos his first professional contract, a one‑year deal that rewards a remarkable comeback. The French side signed the academy product after he returned to the reserve team on 11 April, marking his first senior appearance since the New Year’s Eve blaze that scarred his body. The agreement, sealed on Tuesday, carries a modest wage and no release clause.

On New Year’s Eve 2023, a fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Crans‑Montana, killing 41 and injuring over 100. Dos Santos escaped with burns covering 30 % of his skin, later requiring a graft. He helped pull his partner to safety before being hospitalized, and Metz’s medical staff cleared him for competitive action in early April.

Metz view the signing as a morale boost for a club that has leaned on its youth pipeline amid a tight Ligue 1 relegation fight. Dos Santos’ resilience offers a narrative of hope for supporters, while his contract gives the coaching staff a defensive option without a long‑term financial commitment. He now aims to earn a first‑team debut this season.