Headline: FC Andorra Goalkeeper Speaks Out After Tragic Incident Leads to Player’s Death
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has described his current situation as “the most difficult days of my life” following the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
Thirty-year-old De Miguel died after suffering a serious injury in a collision with Owono during a match in Spain’s second division on Monday.
In response to the incident that has shocked the football community, a minute’s silence was observed in tribute to De Miguel, a father of one who had joined the Tenerife squad in the summer of 2025.
On Wednesday, Owono’s club released a statement on his behalf, conveying the 25-year-old’s emotional struggle during these trying times.
“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono stated. “I struggle to find the words, and it is very hard for me to come to terms with what has happened.” He expressed profound sorrow over De Miguel’s loss, mentioning, “I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”
“I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are all experiencing,” he concluded. “Rest in peace, Jesus.”
In solidarity with Owono, FC Andorra teammate Lautaro Spatz defended him, asserting that he “would never intentionally hurt anyone” and emphasized the emotional toll this event has taken on Owono. On social media, Spatz underscored that “those of us who know him know the kind of person he is” and acknowledged the unfortunate nature of such incidents in football.
Players from FC Andorra also observed a minute’s silence during a voluntary training session on Wednesday, which Owono did not attend.
The tragic event unfolded when Tenerife and Andorra were tied 2-2, seven minutes into stoppage time, as Owono misjudged a long ball, colliding with De Miguel. The striker remained motionless while medical personnel provided assistance before transporting him to a local hospital via ambulance.
The referee subsequently sent off Owono, resulting in the match’s abandonment.
Following the incident, the goalkeeper deactivated his Instagram account, which boasted over 30,000 followers. Meanwhile, Spanish authorities initiated a routine investigation into potential involuntary manslaughter related to De Miguel’s untimely passing. Under Spanish law, any non-natural death triggers a judicial inquiry.
Owono has represented Equatorial Guinea internationally on 47 occasions. The country’s football federation president, Venancio Tomas Micha, extended “all our human and professional backing” to the grieving player, acknowledging the intense emotional struggle he faces.
Period of Mourning
Mourners gathered on Tuesday at Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez to pay their respects to De Miguel, laying flowers and lighting candles under a black and white photograph of the late player. Tenerife announced a six-day mourning period, pausing all club activities, and assured attendance at De Miguel’s funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo.
In a statement, Tenerife also opened their stadium for supporters to say goodbye on Saturday evening. “Jesus de Miguel’s family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and, from the bottom of their hearts, ask that their privacy be respected at this terrible time. May he rest in peace,” the statement expressed.
In light of recent events, the weekend’s Spanish second division matches for Tenerife and Andorra against Granada and Mallorca, respectively, have been postponed.
