After on-field collision, jesus de Miguel: Tenerife striker dies

Football is in mourning following the tragic death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who has passed away at the age of 30 after sustaining severe injuries during a Spanish second-division encounter. The fatal incident unfolded during a dramatic match between Tenerife and FC Andorra, which was deadlocked at 2-2 deep into stoppage time.

With seven minutes of added time elapsed, opposing goalkeeper Jesus Owono rushed toward the center circle to clear an advancing long ball. During the clearance attempt, Owono’s knee collided heavily with the forward, leaving De Miguel motionless on the turf of the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez. Emergency medical personnel rushed onto the pitch to administer urgent treatment before transferring the player to a hospital by ambulance. Spanish sports media outlet Marca reported that the player suffered a cardiac arrest during transit, requiring paramedics to perform resuscitation procedures.

Initial medical bulletins provided a glimmer of hope after the player was admitted. On Monday evening, club officials described his health status as serious but stable. However, a heartbreaking update issued on Tuesday morning confirmed that his neurological condition had deteriorated rapidly. The Spaniard was officially pronounced dead at 07:00 GMT, corresponding to 08:00 local time.

Club and Official Tributes

• CD Tenerife statement: Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true, the club announces the tragic death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda.
• FC Andorra reaction: With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his team-mates, friends, and to CD Tenerife.
• Gerard Pique message: Former Barcelona defender and Andorra co-owner Gerard Pique expressed his grief publicly, stating he was sorry with all his soul and wishing the player eternal peace.

Castellon, one of the forward’s former employers, also shared a heartfelt message addressing the tragedy. Representatives noted that finding appropriate words remains difficult when reality strikes with such unfair severity, extending their warmest embraces and deep condolences to grieving relatives and friends.

Match officials acted swiftly after the collision occurred. Refereeing staff immediately issued a straight red card to goalkeeper Owono for the reckless challenge before abandoning the fixture altogether, as distressed players from both squads wept openly on the pitch.

Born in the Spanish capital of Madrid, De Miguel embarked on his senior footballing journey with Leganes back in 2015. Over the course of his career, the determined striker represented eight distinct clubs across the country. His professional trajectory included stints with Lugo, Fuenlabrada, Internacional Madrid, Union Adarve, Navalcarnero, and Unionistas.

A major turning point in his career arrived in 2023 when he signed for Castellon. De Miguel netted 16 crucial goals during the campaign, driving the team toward a historic promotion into Spain’s second tier. Following that success, he secured a transfer to Tenerife in 2025 on a lucrative three-year contract, maintaining his scoring form by netting 11 goals across 29 appearances.

Outside of his professional athletic achievements, De Miguel leaves behind a young family. He is survived by his infant daughter, Carla de Miguel Fernandez, who was born in the same year he joined Tenerife. With his loved ones, with all of Tenerife who mourn this cruel loss today, we stand with his grieving family.

CD Tenerife released an additional appeal on behalf of the bereaved relatives, emphasizing gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support from the global football community. The family has requested absolute privacy as they navigate these unimaginably difficult circumstances. There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can lessen this overwhelming sadness. And also requests, from the bottom of their hearts, the utmost respect for their privacy during these terrible times, the family of Jesus de Miguel is grateful for each and every expression of support received.