Spanish football is mourning the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, who died at the age of 30 after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division match.

The incident happened on Monday, November 2, during Tenerife’s game against FC Andorra at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. De Miguel was rushed to hospital after receiving emergency treatment on the pitch, but his condition deteriorated overnight.

On Tuesday morning, November 3, CD Tenerife confirmed that the forward had died at approximately 8 a.m. local time.

The tragedy has prompted an investigation by Spanish police into the circumstances surrounding the collision, while football organizations and clubs across Europe have paid tribute to the player.

THE COLLISION THAT STOPPED THE MATCH
The incident occurred during the closing minutes of a closely contested match between Tenerife and FC Andorra.

With the score tied at 2-2, the game had entered stoppage time. De Miguel was chasing a long ball toward the center of the field when FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for it.

As the two players converged, Owono’s knee struck De Miguel in the chest.

The Tenerife striker immediately collapsed onto the field and remained motionless. Players from both teams quickly recognized the seriousness of the situation and called for medical assistance.

Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch and treated De Miguel for more than five minutes. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Owono received a straight red card following the collision.

The match was abandoned with the score still 2-2, as the medical emergency took priority over the game.

DE MIGUEL SUFFERED CARDIAC ARREST
According to reports, De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest following the collision.

Medical personnel managed to restore his heartbeat, and he was taken to hospital for further treatment. He was admitted to intensive care, where doctors continued working to stabilize his condition.

Late Monday, Tenerife announced that the player was in a serious condition but initially described him as stable.

However, an update issued during the early hours of Tuesday revealed that his neurological condition had deteriorated.

A few hours later, the club confirmed the devastating news.

In its statement, Tenerife expressed profound grief, saying there were no words capable of easing the sadness felt by his family, teammates and supporters.

The club also extended its support to his loved ones and asked the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period.

SPANISH POLICE OPEN INVESTIGATION
Spanish police have opened proceedings concerning the circumstances of De Miguel’s death, including the possibility of involuntary manslaughter.

The development does not mean that the goalkeeper has been found criminally responsible.

Judicial authorities in the Canary Islands explained that an investigation is routinely initiated when a death is considered non-natural under Spanish law. The purpose is to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any legal responsibility exists.

The collision has therefore become both a sporting tragedy and a matter for judicial examination.

Owono has also faced intense online attention following the incident. Reuters reported that the Equatorial Guinea international deactivated his Instagram account after receiving abusive messages.

The investigation’s existence should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing. The full circumstances and any potential legal consequences remain to be determined.

WHO WAS JESÚS DE MIGUEL?
Jesús de Miguel Alameda was born in Madrid in 1996 and built his professional career through several Spanish clubs before reaching the second division.

He developed through the youth system at Leganés and later played for clubs including Inter de Madrid, Fuenlabrada, Unión Adarve, Navalcarnero and Unionistas de Salamanca.

His career gained momentum after joining CD Castellón in January 2023.

De Miguel played an important role in Castellón’s promotion campaign during the 2023-24 season, scoring 16 goals as the club secured a place in Spain’s second division.

He joined CD Tenerife ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and helped the club return to the second tier of Spanish football. He scored 11 goals during the previous season.

For Tenerife supporters, he was part of a team that had worked hard to restore the club’s position in Spanish professional football.

His death has left teammates and fans mourning a player whose career was still developing.

FOOTBALL ORGANIZATIONS PAY TRIBUTE
The tragedy prompted an immediate response throughout Spanish and European football.

The Spanish Football Federation postponed matches scheduled for Tuesday, including fixtures in the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina, as a mark of respect for De Miguel and his family.

UEFA also announced that moments of silence would be observed before European matches during the week.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and other Spanish clubs issued condolences. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed his sadness, while FC Andorra also released a statement sharing its condolences with Tenerife and the player’s family.

Andorra president Gerard Piqué also paid tribute to De Miguel, expressing his sorrow over the loss.

FC Andorra requested the postponement of its next fixture against RCD Mallorca, which had been scheduled for Sunday.

A TRAGEDY THAT LEFT BOTH TEAMS IN SHOCK
The collision happened during an ordinary football match, with both teams competing for points in Spain’s second division.

Within moments, the sporting contest became an emergency that players, officials and spectators will not forget.

The goalkeeper involved in the incident has received online abuse, while the player’s family is facing an immeasurable loss. Authorities must now establish the circumstances of the collision through the appropriate investigation.

For CD Tenerife, the loss goes far beyond football. The club has lost a player who helped it reach an important milestone, while his teammates have lost someone with whom they shared the dressing room and the demands of professional competition.

Jesús de Miguel was 30 years old.

He entered the match on Monday as a professional footballer representing his club. By Tuesday morning, the football world was mourning his death.