Guingamp midfielder Kenzo Kies dies aged 21 after drowning in France

French football has been left in mourning following the death of Guingamp midfielder Kenzo Kies, who died after drowning in the Rhne River.

He was 21.Kies was pulled from the water by firefighters on Monday after entering the river with three friends near Lyon as they attempted to cool off during an intense heatwave sweeping across France.He was found in critical condition and rushed to hospital, where he later died.According to reports, temperatures in parts of France reached 40C this week, prompting many people to seek relief in rivers and lakes.

French authorities have reported dozens of heatwave-related drowning deaths in recent days.Kies had joined Ligue 2 side Guingamp last year after progressing through the youth academies of Lyon and Saint-Etienne.

He was playing for Guingamp's reserve team and was regarded as one of the club's promising young talents.Guingamp paid tribute to the midfielder in a statement on social media."Guingamp has had the sorrow of learning of the death of Kenzo Kies, a young player with the club," the club wrote, adding that it would offer its full support to his family during the difficult period.Saint-Etienne, where Kies spent seven years in the academy, also expressed its condolences."The Green Generation is in mourning," the club said. "A talented player and discreet young man appreciated by all, Kenzo Kies has lost his life in dramatic circumstances."Saint-Etienne have confirmed plans are underway to honour their former academy player with a tribute at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium before the start of the new season.