Former Champions League Midfielder Has Tragically Died Aged Just 42
- Former UEFA Champions League midfielder has died after a long battle with cancer
- He played for clubs including Metz, Lens B, and Roye, and scored twice against Red Bull Salzburg in a 2012 Champions League qualifier
- He led amateur side SSEP Hombourg-Haut to multiple regional successes, leaving a lasting impact on the club
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Former UEFA Champions League midfielder Thierry Steimetz passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a long battle with cancer.
The 42-year-old had been forced to retire in 2017 following the amputation of his leg due to a malignant tumour, bringing an early end to a distinguished playing career.
Steimetz featured for clubs including Lens B, Roye, and Metz, playing across France, Luxembourg, and Germany.
Source: Twitter
Following his retirement, he moved into coaching and led amateur side SSEP Hombourg-Haut to multiple regional successes in France, leaving a lasting mark wherever he went.
During his career, he made over 200 appearances and competed in Europa League qualifiers, but his standout moment came in 2012 when he scored twice away against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League second qualifying round, securing a famous victory for his side.
Since news of his passing, tributes have poured in on social media from colleagues, former teammates, and fans alike.
Football pays tribute to Thierry Steimetz
The French professional footballers’ union (UNFP) confirmed his death in a statement on social media: "It is with great sadness that the UNFP learned this Sunday of the passing of Thierry Steimetz at the age of 42.
A former midfielder for Metz, where he played in the 2011–12 season, as well as Forbach and Amnéville, Thierry Steimetz was a respected figure in Lorraine and Luxembourg football.
Since 2018, he had been sharing his passion and experience as coach of SSEP Hombourg-Haut (R1). We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."
Source: Twitter
According to the Mirror, Metz observed a minute’s silence before their Coupe de France home tie against Montpellier on Sunday.
The Ligue 1 club also posted:
"A prominent figure in amateur football in the Moselle region, and a Metz player during the 2011–12 season, Thierry Steimetz has passed away at the age of 42. The entire FC Metz team wishes to extend its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."
UEFA also shared on X:
"We were saddened to learn of the passing of Thierry Steimetz, who recently passed away aged 42. A prominent figure in the amateur football community, Thierry featured in five UEFA Champions League qualifying round games for Luxembourgish club F91 Diddeleng, as well as in UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League qualifiers. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and former teammates during this difficult time."
Through his work, dedication, and love for football, he made the club’s history forever and put Hombourg-Haut on the football map, far beyond our city."
Meanwhile, Respected French football figure Rolland Courbis has passed away, Karim Nedjari, the CEO of RMC, announced on RMC on Monday, January 12.
Courbis, who was 72, had been a sports commentator for the station since 2005. Born in Marseille, he began his career as a player before transitioning into coaching, managing several clubs.
French and global football great Zinedine Zidane has now delivered a heartfelt tribute, honouring the ex-player’s legacy.
Terry Yorath's passing
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that celebrated Welsh midfielder Terry Yorath, who earned 59 caps for his country and made his mark at Leeds United under Don Revie, passed away on Thursday, January 8, at the age of 75 after a short illness.
Hailing from Cardiff, Yorath enjoyed a distinguished club career with Leeds, helping them secure the First Division title, and later played for Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bradford City, earning admiration for his skill, leadership, and commitment on the pitch.
Source: YEN.com.gh
