Spanish football is in shock: 30-year-old Jesús de Miguel has died following a severe collision with the FC Andorra goalkeeper during a second-division match in Tenerife. The CD Tenerife forward suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away in the hospital despite receiving medical treatment. Spanish police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, which will also examine how the initial medical response was handled.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The incident occurred yesterday, Monday evening, during the match between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium. At that point in the twelfth-round Segunda División fixture, the score was 2:2. During stoppage time, a serious collision took place between Jesús de Miguel and the visiting team’s goalkeeper, Jesús Owono.
De Miguel had moved toward the opposing half following a long ball, just as Owono left his penalty area to intercept the play shortly beyond the halfway line. The two players collided during an aerial challenge, with the goalkeeper’s knee striking the forward in the chest. De Miguel went down immediately and remained lying there, motionless.
Players from both teams immediately recognized the gravity of the situation and called for medical assistance. De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest and had to be treated and resuscitated right there on the pitch. Emergency responders subsequently transported him by ambulance to the Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria Hospital in Tenerife, where he received care in the intensive care unit.
Initially, there was still hope, but his condition deteriorated over the course of the night. On Tuesday morning, CD Tenerife finally confirmed the death of their player. Jesús de Miguel passed away at 8 a.m. at the age of 30. The match was definitively abandoned following the medical emergency in the 108th minute.
Police investigate the circumstances of the death
Following the footballer’s death, the Policía Nacional has launched an investigation. The case is being handled by the Grupo de Homicidios – the homicide unit. Investigators are tasked with reconstructing the exact sequence of the collision, as well as the events that immediately followed.
Particular attention is also being paid to the medical care provided on the pitch. According to reports so far, approximately 20 minutes elapsed between the collision and the player’s removal by ambulance. The investigation aims to clarify how the rescue efforts were carried out and whether all the circumstances surrounding the medical emergency can be fully reconstructed.
However, the initiation of an investigation does not mean that any criminal misconduct has already been established. Furthermore, the question of whether the goalkeeper might bear any responsibility remains unresolved. The collision occurred during a passage of play, the precise sequence of which is now being investigated.
The chief public prosecutor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, also commented on the potential legal consequences. Given the circumstances known thus far, he considers it rather difficult to pursue criminal proceedings in connection with the player’s death. For the time being, it is necessary to await the results of the investigations as well as an assessment of the incident under sports law.
Jesús de Miguel made the leap into professional football late in his career
Born in Madrid, he had worked his way into Spanish professional football through several different clubs. Over the course of his career, he played for teams including Internacional de Madrid, CF Fuenlabrada, Unión Adarve, CDA Navalcarnero, and Unionistas de Salamanca.
The striker drew attention to himself, particularly through the goals he scored for Unionistas. In January 2023, he moved to CD Castellón. He made his professional football debut in August 2024, at the age of 27. In the summer of 2025, he ultimately joined CD Tenerife, where he was part of the squad competing in the Segunda División during the current season. His death, therefore, comes as a heavy blow not only to the club but also to numerous former teammates and companions who had been by his side throughout his career.
Condolences from across the football world
The news of the striker’s death prompted numerous reactions from within Spanish and international football. CD Tenerife expressed deep shock and offered their condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. At the same time, the club requested that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.
FC Andorra also issued a statement of condolence. The club, whose goalkeeper was involved in the collision, expressed that their thoughts are with the player’s family, his teammates, and everyone at CD Tenerife. Gerard Piqué, the majority owner of FC Andorra, also shared a personal message to bid farewell to the late footballer.
Furthermore, numerous Spanish clubs expressed their condolences. Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid sent messages of sympathy to the family and to CD Tenerife. Lionel Messi also spoke out, wishing strength to the family and friends of the deceased.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Spain’s La Liga also responded to the news. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated that the European football community is shaken by the death of Jesús de Miguel. A minute of silence has been ordered for all UEFA competition matches taking place this week.
Cup matches called off – Tenerife plans memorial event
The tragedy has already had an impact on Spanish football. The football federation has suspended all matches scheduled for today, Tuesday, in both the Copa del Rey (men’s cup) and the Copa de la Reina (women’s cup).
For CD Tenerife, too, day-to-day sporting matters are no longer the primary focus. Club president Felipe Miñambres has requested the postponement of upcoming matches – against CD Badajoz in the cup and Granada CF in the league – stating that the club needs time to process the death of their teammate. Furthermore, psychological support is to be made available to the players and their families.
The funeral of Jesús de Miguel is set to take place in Navahermosa, in the province of Toledo, where his family roots lie. CD Tenerife is also planning a memorial service at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, scheduled for this coming Saturday at 6 p.m. The event will provide an opportunity for players, club representatives, and fans to come together to pay their final respects.
As early as today, Tuesday, fans gathered in front of the stadium to lay flowers and light candles. A spontaneous memorial site took shape at entrance gate number 9, with supporters seeking to express their sympathy and pay tribute to the late striker.
The death of Jesús de Miguel has plunged Spanish football into deep mourning. As clubs, players, and fans bid their farewells, investigators are now working to clarify the exact circumstances of the fatal collision and the events that followed.
