Ex-Champions League star dead aged 42 after lengthy illness as clubs pay tribute

Thierry Steimetz – who played for French sides Lens B and Metz among a host of other clubs – died on Sunday, nine years after being forced into retirement by a malignant tumour

French ex-footballer Thierry Steimetz has sadly died aged 42 following a long battle with cancer. Steimetz, who played in the Champions League, passed away on Sunday.

The midfielder was forced to retire in 2017 after having his leg amputated because of a malignant tumour. Steimetz went into coaching, leading amateur side SSEP Hombourg-Haut to multiple successes at regional level in France.

His playing career was spent across France, Luxembourg and Germany. Steimetz featured in both the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.

Turning out for teams such as Lens B and Metz in France, and Luxembourgish top flight side F91 Dudelange, Steimetz was known for his impressive technical ability. The French professional footballer’s union (UNFP) announced the news of the 42-year-old’s 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,” it read. “A former midfielder for Metz, where he wore the jersey during the 2011-2012 season, of Forbach or Amneville, Thierry Steimetz was a respected figure in Lorraine and Luxembourg football.

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“Since 2018, he had been sharing his passion and experience on the bench of SSEP Hombourg-Haut (R1). We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved one.”

Metz held a minute’s silence before Sunday’s Coupe de France tie at home to Montpellier. The Ligue 1 club also posted on social media: “A prominent figure in amateur football in the Moselle region, and a Metz player during the 2011-2012 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.”

Hombourg-Haut shared their condolences in an emotional statement, saying: “Today the Spartans family mourns one of their own. Thierry Steimetz has left us, leaving behind a huge void.

“Passionate coach, deeply attached to SSEP Hombourg-Haut, Thierry began and ended his young coaching career at the club of his heart. Through his work, his dedication and his love for football, he made the club’s history forever and put Hombourg-Haut on the map of football, far beyond our city.

“More than a coach, Thierry was a man of values, always looking towards others, driven by respect, commitment and a desire to pass on. On and off the field, he inspired players, educators and entire generations of Spartans.

“His smile, his passion and his energy will remain etched in our memories. He will live on through every game, every training session and every child who will proudly wear the club colours.

“To sustainably honour his memory, the committee of the SSEP Hombourg-Haut will make an official request to Mr. Mayor, Laurent Muller, so that the future synthetic terrain will be named after Thierry Steimetz.

“To his family, his relatives and all those who loved him, the SSEP Hombourg-Haut sends its most sincere condolences. Rest in peace, Thierry, Forever a Spartan.”

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