A young player from Olympique Lyonnais’s youth system, just 13 years old, has been taken into custody in France. He is suspected of involvement in the death of another teenager, aged 16. This shocking news has sent ripples through the sports community and the city of Lyon.
French media outlets report that the tragic event happened late last Sunday evening. Around 10:30 PM, in the Lyon suburb of Caluire-et-Cuire, the young footballer allegedly stabbed the 16-year-old. The victim, known as Chems Z, suffered very serious chest wounds. The accused player, who cannot be named due to his age, also reportedly tried to attack two friends who were with Chems Z at the time. He was known as the captain of Lyon’s Under-13 team.
When police arrived at the scene, the victim was still breathing. Emergency services quickly transported him to the nearest hospital. Despite medical efforts, Chems Z later passed away from his injuries. The incident has left many stunned and questioning what led to such violence among youths.
Officials believe this was a personal dispute, a “settling of scores” between the two young people. However, authorities are clear that the crime does not appear to be linked to drug trafficking or organized gangs. Bastien Joint, the Mayor of Caluire-et-Cuire, expressed his sorrow on the social media platform ‘X’. He wrote that “losing a child is the worst ordeal.” The Mayor added, “Today, our whole town is in mourning and with the family.” He stressed that early findings show “a simple discussion can now end in horror and cost a child’s life.” He concluded, “It’s a personal dispute that ended in the worst possible way.”
According to the French channel ‘BFM Lyon’, the young suspect turned himself in to the police on Monday. He is now awaiting a decision from the ongoing investigation. The Lyon Public Prosecutor’s Office is handling the case.