Kenzo Kies, 21, former Saint-Étienne youth player, dies after Rhône drowning | OneFootball

Kenzo Kies, 21, a former OL and Saint-Étienne youth player, has died after being declared brain-dead following a Rhône drowning on Monday.

According to L'Équipe, the Lyon-born player was pulled from the Rhône on Monday evening after entering a prohibited swimming area near the city, and was taken to hospital in critical condition.

AS Saint-Étienne paid tribute on Wednesday, recalling his seven years at the Robert-Herbin training centre and describing him as a talented, modest young man appreciated by all. The club sent condolences to his family, team-mates and coaches, adding he would not be forgotten at L'Étrat.

He came through OL's youth ranks, then AS Saint-Priest, before joining Saint-Étienne from 2018 to 2025. He signed for Guingamp last year but did not feature in Ligue 2.

He had been swimming with three friends, who were rescued by firefighters. The spot is known for its danger, and a man died there in 2025.

Source: L'Équipe