Spanish football is in mourning following the tragic death of CD Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, aged 30, after an on-field collision that has prompted a police investigation for involuntary manslaughter. The incident occurred in added time of a second-division match between Tenerife and FC Andorra on November 2, when De Miguel collided with visiting goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
The Spanish National Police have opened a routine investigation for possible manslaughter, a standard procedure for non-natural deaths. De Miguel was taken to hospital after the collision and died the following morning from cardiac arrest. The match was abandoned immediately after he collapsed on the pitch.
Reactions and tributes
CD Tenerife issued a heart-breaking statement. "There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow." the club said. FC Andorra, owned by former Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, expressed its condolences: "We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife."
Shockwaves spread throughout national and international football. The Royal Spanish Football Federation postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa de la Reina match scheduled for Tuesday. UEFA ordered a minute of silence before all its matches this week, including Champions League games involving Spanish clubs. Real Madrid held a minute of silence during a training session, and FC Barcelona issued a statement expressing deep regret.
Career cut short and football context
Jesús de Miguel, born in 1996, began his senior career at Leganés B in 2015 and joined Tenerife in 2025. He had become a key player for the Canary Islands side in the 2025-26 campaign, scoring 11 goals. His death recalls other tragic incidents in Spanish football, such as the death of a 19-year-old goalkeeper from head injuries in a fifth-division match in 2025, and that of Raúl Ramírez the same year after two cardiorespiratory arrests.
Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono was shown a straight red card for the collision and later deactivated his Instagram account after receiving online abuse. The Andorran club has requested the postponement of its next league fixture against RCD Mallorca.
As Spanish sport processes this loss, the national team, which is on a positive run of four consecutive wins including a 1-2 victory over Croatia on October 6, prepares for its next commitment. La Roja will travel to face the Czech Republic on November 12 in a qualifying match, a fixture that will undoubtedly be marked by the memory of De Miguel. Forward Mikel Oyarzabal is the top scorer for the national side this season with five goals in eight appearances.
The original report is at abcnews.com
