The football world has paid tribute to Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel following his death on Tuesday, days after a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match left him critically ill.
The 30-year-old Tenerife forward suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision and was temporarily resuscitated before being taken to hospital, where he was placed in intensive care. His condition later deteriorated, with the club confirming his death on Tuesday.
“Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said in a statement.
“No words can ease the pain; nothing can lessen this great feeling of sadness. Our thoughts are with the family, his close friends and Tenerife fans, who today are grieving over this terrible news.”
Collision with goalkeeper leads to match abandonment
De Miguel was involved in a collision with Owono, who had rushed out of his goal to clear the ball during the match at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. The incident occurred towards the end of the game, with the score level at 2-2.
Owono was sent off following the incident, and the match was abandoned. Spanish police sources said an investigation had been opened under judicial supervision.
Piqué, Messi, Nadal and LaLiga clubs lead tributes
Tributes poured in from across Spanish and international football, with former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, majority shareholder of FC Andorra, expressing his sorrow.
“I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” Piqué wrote on social media.
Andorra also sent its “most sincere condolences” to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and other Spanish clubs joined the tributes, alongside the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
“Shattered by this sad news, the Royal Spanish Football Federation wishes to express our deepest sorrow at his passing today,” the federation said in a statement.
The RFEF postponed Tuesday’s matches in the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina as a gesture of respect and solidarity. UEFA also announced that a minute’s silence would be observed before Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches this week.
Real Madrid held a minute’s silence before their training session on Tuesday. French forward Kylian Mbappé wrote on Instagram: “Immense sadness; there are no words.”
Madrid coach José Mourinho described De Miguel’s death as “shocking”, saying the tragedy would affect not only those directly involved but the wider football community.
“I think it’s something very shocking for the world in general, so imagine for the world of football, for people like us who are on the pitch competing every day,” Mourinho told reporters.
“It’s hard; it’s sad. Obviously, all our words and feelings go out to the family and friends of the player who passed away, and I also think this has to be a very, very, very difficult moment for the other player (Owono) involved in the situation.
“It’s sad for everyone.”
Other sporting figures, including Lionel Messi and Rafael Nadal, also expressed their condolences.
“There are no words … rest in peace,” wrote Inter Miami forward Messi, while Nadal said, “What a terrible sadness… I’m with you from the bottom of my heart.”
La Liga club Espanyol postponed the presentation of their new coach, Eder Sarabia, until Wednesday, while other clubs cancelled training sessions.
La Liga president Javier Tebas and Spanish sports minister Milagros Tolón also shared messages of condolence.
“Today we all share the terrible pain of an irreparable loss,” Tebas wrote on X.
Tolón offered her “deepest condolences to (De Miguel’s) family and loved ones”, as well as Tenerife, its players and staff.
De Miguel’s career and rise with Tenerife
De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 from Castellón and helped the club secure promotion to Spain’s second division.
He began his career in Leganés’ youth system in the Madrid suburbs before playing for several clubs, including Unionistas de Salamanca, and joining Castellón in 2023.
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