The football world is in mourning following the death of former professional player Thierry Steimetz, who has passed away at the age of 42 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
A career cut short by illness
Thierry Steimetz died on Sunday, nine years after a malignant tumour forced the premature end of his playing career. The midfielder was compelled to retire in 2017 after undergoing a leg amputation as part of his treatment. Despite this profound setback, Steimetz remained deeply involved in the sport he loved, moving into coaching with notable success.
His playing career spanned several countries, featuring stints at clubs in France, Luxembourg, and Germany. He is perhaps best remembered for his time with French sides Lens B and FC Metz, where he played during the 2011-2012 season. Steimetz also competed at the highest levels of European club football, appearing in both the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers during his time with Luxembourgish top-flight club F91 Dudelange. He was widely recognised for his impressive technical ability on the pitch.
Transition to coaching and lasting legacy
After his retirement, Steimetz channeled his passion into coaching, taking the helm at amateur French side SSEP Hombourg-Haut in 2018. He led the team to multiple successes at the regional level, earning great respect within the Lorraine and Luxembourg football communities.
The news of his passing was formally announced by the French professional footballers' union, the UNFP. In a heartfelt statement on social media, they expressed their "great sadness" and extended their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Football clubs pay emotional tribute
FC Metz, one of his former clubs, held a minute's silence before their Coupe de France match against Montpellier on Sunday. The Ligue 1 club also posted a tribute online, describing Steimetz as "a prominent figure in amateur football in the Moselle region" and offering sincere condolences.
The most poignant tribute came from SSEP Hombourg-Haut, the club he coached. In an emotional statement, they said: "Today the Spartans family mourns one of their own. Thierry Steimetz has left us, leaving behind a huge void." They honoured him as "more than a coach," but a "man of values" whose "smile, passion and energy will remain etched in our memories."
In a move to permanently honour his memory, the club committee announced it would officially request that the town's future synthetic football pitch be named after Thierry Steimetz. They ended their tribute with the words: "Rest in peace, Thierry, Forever a Spartan."
The football community's outpouring of grief underscores the high regard in which Thierry Steimetz was held, not only for his talents as a player and coach but for his strength and character in facing immense personal adversity.
