Football Community Pays Tribute to Tenerife Striker Jesus de Miguel Following Tragic Death
The football world is in mourning for Jesus de Miguel, who tragically died following severe injuries sustained during a match.
The incident occurred on Monday during a Spanish second division game against FC Andorra, when De Miguel collided with goalkeeper Jesus Owono, suffering head and chest injuries.
Initially in serious but stable condition, De Miguel’s health deteriorated by Tuesday morning, leading to his death at 07:00 GMT.
In remembrance, a minute of silence took place before Tuesday evening’s Champions League matches across Europe, with a similar gesture planned for Wednesday’s fixtures and all Europa League and Conference League matches this week.
Fans paid their respects with flowers and candles placed at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, the home ground of Tenerife.
Tenerife announced a six-day official mourning period, during which all club activities will be suspended. Players, staff, and officials are set to attend De Miguel’s funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo.
The club stated: “Jesus de Miguel’s family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and respectfully request privacy during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Jesus de Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 on a three-year deal [Getty Images]
Fran Leon, president of Tenerife’s federation of supporters’ clubs, expressed the collective grief, stating: “All of the island is in mourning. All of Canarias is in mourning. It’s a shared pain.”
The match was tied at 2-2 when the collision occurred, as Owono ran to clear a long ball into the center circle, resulting in his knee colliding with De Miguel. Medical staff responded immediately, but the striker remained motionless before being transferred to the hospital via ambulance.
Players from both teams were visibly affected by the incident, with many of De Miguel’s teammates in tears during the ordeal.
Before Spanish club Villareal’s fixture against Paris St-Germain, fans held up a sign that read ‘DEP’ – which translates to descanse en paz, or rest in peace in English [Getty Images]
Investigation Launched into Incident
As a result of De Miguel’s death, authorities in Spain have initiated an investigation to determine if there was any culpability involved. Under Spanish legislation, any non-natural death prompts a judicial inquiry. However, Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s chief prosecutor, Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui, indicated that criminal charges appear “very unlikely.” The match was officially halted by the referee, who issued a red card to Owono following the incident.
The goalkeeper has since deactivated his social media account, which boasted over 30,000 followers.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho shared his condolences and recognized the situation as extremely challenging for Owono, stating, “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.”
He added that their thoughts and support go out to the family and friends of De Miguel, expressing solidarity with his teammate, “It’s sad for everyone.”
Brazilian forward Raphinha, after his successful performance in Barcelona’s game against Aston Villa, spoke of De Miguel, saying, “Today I don’t want to talk about football, I want to send a message to the family of Jesus – may he rest in peace.”
“From the club, I want to send a message of strength to the family.”
A minute’s silence was also held before Aston Villa’s visit to Barcelona in the Champions League [Getty Images]
Tributes From All Corners
De Miguel had been with Tenerife for over a season, having moved from Castellon in the summer of 2025 and played a pivotal role in the team’s promotion to the second division. His football journey began with youth level Leganes and included time with several clubs, including Unionistas de Salamanca and Castellon.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the news as “heartbreaking,” stating: “To see a colleague lose his life in such a manner is beyond any words that I can put today.”
Notable figures from the sports world, including Rafael Nadal, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, offered their condolences on social media. Messi expressed, “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.” Nadal conveyed his “terrible sadness” at the news while Ronaldo referred to it as a “tragedy.”
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, who co-owns Andorra, stated, “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
De Miguel’s teammates also shared their tributes online. Midfielder Juanjo Sanchez highlighted the memories they created together, emphasizing De Miguel’s kind spirit, while striker Enric Gallego described him as “one of the best people” he had ever met, expressing profound loss over his passing.
Fran Sabina, forward for Tenerife, shared heartfelt messages of gratitude and sorrow over their shared experiences.
A minute’s silence was held across the Champions League on Tuesday, including at Old Trafford where Manchester United hosted Roma [Getty Images]
