French football has been plunged into mourning following the death of Guingamp midfielder Kenzo Kies after a drowning incident in the Rhône River.
The 21-year-old was pulled from the water by emergency services on Monday in a critical condition but later died in hospital despite efforts to save his life.
According to reports in France, Kies had entered the river with three friends near Lyon as temperatures soared across the country during an intense heatwave. Temperatures have exceeded 40°C in several regions this week.
Emergency responders managed to rescue three people from the river, but Kies was the last to be located after a frantic search operation.
The young footballer was rushed to hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The tragedy comes amid growing concerns over water-related incidents linked to the extreme weather conditions sweeping France. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu recently revealed that at least 40 people have died in drowning incidents since the start of the heatwave last week.
Kies was regarded as one of the promising young talents in French football. He spent several years developing through the youth academies of Lyon and Saint-Etienne before joining Ligue 2 side Guingamp in 2025.
Although primarily featuring for Guingamp’s reserve side, he was highly rated within the club and viewed as a player with significant potential.
Guingamp paid tribute to the midfielder in a statement following confirmation of his death.
“Guingamp has had the sorrow of learning of the death of Kenzo Kies, a young player with the club,” the club said.
The Ligue 2 side also pledged its full support to his family, friends and teammates during what it described as an extremely painful period.
Former club Saint-Etienne also released an emotional tribute.
“The Green Generation is in mourning,” the statement read.
“A resident of the Robert-Herbin Sports Centre for seven years, a talented player and discreet young man appreciated by all, Kenzo Kies has lost his life in dramatic circumstances.”
