Jesus De Miguel’s Death Sends Shockwaves Through The Football World
Spanish football has been plunged into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, who passed away at the age of 30 after suffering serious injuries in a collision during a Segunda División fixture against FC Andorra.
De Miguel died on Tuesday, 3 November, after being hospitalised following the incident, which occurred during the closing stages of Monday’s match at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López in Tenerife.
The forward was involved in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono in stoppage time, with the teams level at 2-2.
Owono had rushed out of his goal to challenge for a long ball and collided with De Miguel near the halfway line. The Tenerife striker was left unconscious, prompting players from both sides to immediately call for medical assistance.
The goalkeeper was shown a straight red card following the challenge, while the match was subsequently abandoned as medical personnel attended to De Miguel.
He was taken to hospital, where he initially remained in a serious but stable condition. However, his condition deteriorated overnight after he suffered a cardiac arrest, and Tenerife later confirmed that he had died at approximately 08:00 local time on Tuesday morning.
The club announced the heartbreaking news in an emotional statement, expressing its devastation at losing the striker.
“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true,” Tenerife said, confirming De Miguel’s passing.
The club also extended its condolences to his family and loved ones, while asking for privacy as they navigate the difficult period.
FC Andorra also paid tribute to the player, expressing its condolences to his family, teammates and everyone associated with Tenerife.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support from across the football community, with several Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, sharing messages of condolence.
The Spanish Football Federation also announced the postponement of its scheduled Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina fixtures on Tuesday as a mark of respect.
Meanwhile, Spanish police have opened an investigation following De Miguel’s death. Authorities have indicated that the proceedings form part of the judicial process following a death considered non-natural under Spanish law. The investigation should not be taken as an indication of established wrongdoing.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 after helping Castellón secure promotion to Spain’s second division. He had previously represented several clubs in the Spanish lower leagues, including Leganés B, Fuenlabrada, Navalcarnero and Unionistas de Salamanca.
His death is a devastating reminder of the dangers that can accompany football, even during an ordinary challenge for possession.
The tragedy also brings renewed attention to the history of fatal on-field incidents in the sport, including the death of Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson, who died aged 22 following a collision with Rangers forward Sam English in 1931.
However, the immediate thoughts of the football community remain with De Miguel’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at CD Tenerife as they mourn the loss of a player whose life was tragically cut short.