The football community is in deep mourning following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who passed away on Tuesday morning after a horrific collision with goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Spanish second division match against FC Andorra on Monday.
A Tragic Turn of Events
De Miguel suffered severe head and chest injuries in the incident, which occurred seven minutes into stoppage time with the score tied at 2-2. Initially reported as stable but serious, his condition deteriorated overnight, and he died at 07:00 GMT on Tuesday. The match was abandoned, and Owono was shown a straight red card.
Tributes poured in from across the football world. A minute's silence was observed before Tuesday's Champions League fixtures, including at Old Trafford where Manchester United hosted Roma, and will be repeated for Wednesday's games as well as all Europa League and Conference League matches this week.
An Outpouring of Grief
Fans gathered at Tenerife's Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, laying flowers and lighting candles beneath a black and white image of De Miguel. The club has announced six official days of mourning, suspending all activities. Players, staff, and officials will attend the funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo, and the stadium will open on Saturday evening for supporters to bid a fitting farewell.
"We are torn by the news," said Fran Leon, president of Tenerife's supporters' clubs. "All of the island is in mourning. All of Canarias is in mourning. It's a shared pain." Fan David Tejera added: "You are already part of the blue and white history."
The football world united in shock and sorrow. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho expressed his sadness, saying: "It's a very, very difficult moment for Owono. All our words and feelings go out to the family and friends of the player who passed away."
Barcelona's Raphinha, after scoring twice against Aston Villa, said: "Today I don't want to talk about football, I want to send a message to the family of Jesus - may he rest in peace."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta described the incident as "heartbreaking" and "beyond any words."
Other sports stars, including Rafael Nadal, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, also paid tribute on social media. Messi wrote: "There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends." Nadal expressed "terrible sadness" and sent strength to the family. Gerard Pique, co-owner of Andorra, said: "I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesus."
De Miguel's teammates also shared heartfelt messages. Midfielder Juanjo Sanchez remembered him as a wonderful person who always had a kind word. Striker Enric Gallego called him "one of the best people" he has met, and forward Fran Sabina expressed gratitude for their friendship.
Investigation and Aftermath
Police in Spain have opened an investigation for possible involuntary manslaughter, as required by law for any non-natural death. However, Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui told EFE that criminal proceedings were "very unlikely." Owono, who had over 30,000 Instagram followers, has deactivated his account.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 from Castellon and helped the team gain promotion to the second division. He began his career at Leganes' youth academy and also played for Unionistas de Salamanca.
The football world continues to rally around De Miguel's family and Owono, offering support in this time of unimaginable grief.
