Spanish football has been left in mourning after Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died following a devastating chest collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a match on Monday.
The 30-year-old CD Tenerife striker had been placed in intensive care after a severe challenge from FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The Spanish second-division fixture was abandoned deep into stoppage time with the score tied 2-2.
Tenerife later confirmed that De Miguel’s condition had deteriorated overnight and that the forward died on Tuesday morning.
The incident happened in the seventh minute of added time, when De Miguel appeared ready to lead a Tenerife counter-attack in pursuit of a late winner.
As a long pass dropped in front of him, Owono came forward to clear the ball and his raised knee struck De Miguel in the chest near the halfway line.
De Miguel initially moved on the ground, but soon became unresponsive as medical personnel hurried onto the pitch to treat him.
Owono was shown a red card for the challenge, while the referee shortly afterwards decided that the match could not continue.
Medical staff worked on De Miguel for more than five minutes as his distressed teammates watched on, with several visibly struggling to contain their emotions.
The stadium fell silent during the treatment. When De Miguel was eventually carried from the field, the crowd stood to applaud the Tenerife player.
De Miguel became a father last year. Spanish outlet El Español reported that his wife and baby daughter were in the stands when the fatal collision took place.
Tenerife, from Spain’s second tier of football, confirmed De Miguel’s death in a statement
Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel has died following a collision during a Spanish second-division match on Monday
De Miguel, 30, was admitted to intensive care after a serious collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono (pictured)
He became a father last year, and according to El Español, his wife and baby daughter were watching from the stands when the incident occurred
After being placed on a stretcher and taken to an ambulance, De Miguel is understood to have waited approximately 15 minutes before the vehicle left for hospital.
According to Spanish sports newspaper Marca, De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest during the journey and had to be revived inside the ambulance.
AS reported that Tenerife’s players travelled to the hospital after their teammate was admitted to intensive care.
CD Tenerife announced the striker’s death in a statement on Tuesday morning, writing: ‘Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic death, this Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., of Jesús de Miguel Alameda.’
‘There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can ease this overwhelming sadness.
‘We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones and everyone in Tenerife who is mourning this cruel outcome.
‘Jesús de Miguel’s family is grateful for every message of support they have received and, during these terrible moments, asks from the bottom of its heart that their privacy be respected.’
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Journalist Iván Álvarez reported that Owono, who also represents Equatorial Guinea internationally, had been deeply affected. The goalkeeper is understood to want to apologise to De Miguel’s family privately before making a public statement.
FC Andorra, Tenerife’s opponents, also expressed their grief, saying: ‘With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, all his teammates, friends and CD Tenerife. Rest in peace.’
Clubs throughout Spain, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, joined the tributes after news of De Miguel’s death emerged.
‘Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times,’ Barcelona said.
Real Madrid added: ‘Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his club and all his loved ones.’
The Spanish Footballers Association also said it was suffering ‘deep sorrow’ following the player’s death.
‘His passing leaves an enormous void among those of us who shared his love of football, his commitment to the footballers’ community and his work defending the rights of fellow professionals,’ the organisation said.
‘The Board of Directors, all AFE staff and the footballers’ community extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones, as well as to his teammates at Club Deportivo Tenerife. In these moments of immense sadness, we send them our love, support and solidarity. You will always be part of our family.’
CD Tenerife’s Jesús de Miguel was stretchered from the pitch after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono
De Miguel was taken to hospital after appearing to lie motionless on the pitch
Tenerife said: ‘We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones and everyone in Tenerife mourning this cruel outcome’
Goalkeeper Jesús Owono is said to have been devastated by the news (Source: Instagram/Jesús Owono)
De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 and scored 11 goals in 30 appearances as the club won the Spanish third division and secured promotion.
Before that, the forward had helped Internacional de Madrid and CD Castellón earn promotion from the fourth and third tiers respectively.
CD Castellón issued its own tribute on Tuesday morning, saying: ‘With broken hearts and inconsolable grief, Club Deportivo Castellón says goodbye to Jesús de Miguel.’
‘Words cannot convey the profound injustice of this loss. He wore this shirt with pride, celebrated goals with our supporters at SkyFi Castalia and became an important part of a story this fanbase will never forget.
‘We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and offer our heartfelt support at this painful time. We also stand alongside CD Tenerife and its supporters in mourning. You will always be one of us, Demi. Rest in peace.’
The tragedy comes after another young Spanish footballer died last September following a collision that caused cardiac arrest.
Raúl Ramírez Osorio, 19, was playing for fifth-tier side Colindres when he jumped for the ball and collided with an opposing player.
He immediately collapsed and lost consciousness. His manager and a nursing student attempted to resuscitate him before he was taken to hospital.
Ramírez Osorio suffered a second cardiac arrest on the way to hospital and died two days later in intensive care.
