The football world mourns an unbearable loss as promising young talent Kenzo Kies, just 21, has tragically passed away after a drowning incident in the Rhone River. His death sends a profound wave of sadness across the French football community.
Key Points:
- Rising star Kenzo Kies tragically died at 21 following a drowning accident.
- The former Lyon and Saint-Etienne player was recovered from the Rhone River in an area where swimming is strictly prohibited.
- His passing has deeply impacted the French football scene, drawing heartfelt tributes from AS Saint-Etienne and En Avant Guingamp.
The Heartbreaking Loss of a Young Talent
Emergency services were called to the scene near the Parc de la Feyssine, an area known for strong currents and explicitly marked against swimming. Reports indicate that Kies was among four individuals caught in the river's powerful flow on Monday afternoon.
While two people were safely brought ashore, and a third was resuscitated and hospitalized in stable condition, Kenzo Kies could not be immediately located. Divers eventually recovered him, but he was declared brain dead following attempts to save him.
Tributes Pour in for a Beloved Teammate
The news sent shockwaves through the clubs where Kies had played. AS Saint-Etienne, a team he represented for years, released a poignant statement confirming his death and expressing immense sorrow. "The Green Generation is in mourning," their tribute read, highlighting him as a "talented player and discreet young man appreciated by all."
En Avant Guingamp, his most recent club where he played for the reserve team, also shared their condolences. "En Avant Guingamp has had the sorrow of learning of the death of Kenzo Kies, a young player with the club," they posted, extending full support to his grieving family and loved ones during this painful ordeal.
A Career Cut Short, a Legacy Remembered
Kenzo Kies began his football journey at the esteemed Lyon academy, a pathway many top French talents follow. He later moved to Saint-Etienne before joining En Avant Guingamp last summer to continue his development.
His passing at such a young age is a stark reminder of life's fragility. The football world collectively mourns a talent gone too soon, remembering the spirit and promise of Kenzo Kies.






