Newly released footage has shown goalkeeper Jesus Owono involved in a heated exchange with an opposing goalkeeper moments before his collision with Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who later died from his injuries.
The incident occurred during a fiercely contested Spanish second-division match between FC Andorra and CD Tenerife on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The game ended in a 2-2 draw before being suspended following the collision, which resulted in red cards for players from both sides.
Owono, FC Andorra’s goalkeeper, collided with De Miguel towards the closing stages of the match.
The goalkeeper’s knee appeared to strike the striker in the chest as he attempted to clear the ball near the halfway line.
De Miguel immediately collapsed and required emergency medical attention on the pitch.
He was subsequently taken to Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz, where he died at approximately 8am on Tuesday, November 3.
Footage recorded by spectators has since emerged showing Owono’s behaviour before the challenge.
Goalkeeper Seen Confronting Rival After Red Card
The video shows Owono moving towards the opposite end of the pitch following the dismissal of Tenerife goalkeeper Dani Martín.
The two goalkeepers appeared to exchange words and gestures, with Owono seemingly confronting Martín as he left the field.
The footage also captured Owono gesturing towards his opponent following the red card.
Another recording showed the Andorra goalkeeper celebrating his team’s 88th-minute equaliser by jumping into the air and punching his fist while facing the Tenerife supporters.
The footage was shared by Eldense on X, with the account drawing attention to Owono’s conduct before the fatal collision.
In its accompanying post, Eldense wrote that the goalkeeper could be seen confronting his opposite number and celebrating directly in front of the Tenerife stands.
The post also described his behaviour as repeated conduct of a similar nature.
Several spectators who attended the match subsequently commented on the footage.
One supporter claimed that Owono’s challenge was reckless and described it as an assault, while acknowledging that the goalkeeper might not have intended the tragic outcome.
Another spectator said Owono had crossed the pitch to confront Martín over Lautaro Spatz’s red card and had gestured aggressively towards him.
Santiago Canizares Says Owono Used Excessive Force
Former Real Madrid and Spain international goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has also commented on the incident, acknowledging that Owono appeared to use excessive force during the challenge.
Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, Canizares explained that goalkeepers commonly use their knees as a protective measure when contesting aerial balls and attempting to avoid collisions.
He suggested that Owono’s intention was to reach the ball but argued that the goalkeeper failed to control his movement after winning the challenge.
“It’s a goal-scoring opportunity, and what Owono has in his head is ‘I have to contest that ball,’ ball or player,” Canizares said.
He added: “For me, the problem is that Owono uses excessive force, and he lacks the physical dexterity to pull himself back when he sees he’s won the duel.
“He goes all out and goes all out until the end.
That physical dexterity is key when only one of the two is contesting.”
Canizares further suggested that the goalkeeper’s momentum and speed contributed to his knee rising during the collision.
“What happens in this case is that I think the momentum causes the knee to rise due to the force and excessive speed it brings,” he said.
Andorra Defender Defends Owono After Teammate’s Death
FC Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz has spoken in support of Owono, revealing that the goalkeeper has been deeply affected by De Miguel’s death.
In a statement published on social media, Spatz described the incident as a tragedy that had left the entire squad devastated.
“There are moments when football loses its meaning.
Moments that mark you forever and make you realise how fragile life can be,” he wrote.
He continued: “What we went through is something none of us will ever forget.
A tragedy that has left us completely broken, speechless, and with a sadness that is difficult to explain.”
Spatz also extended his condolences to De Miguel’s family, friends, teammates and the Tenerife community.
Addressing Owono directly, the defender said those familiar with the goalkeeper knew his character and understood that he would never deliberately hurt another person.
He added that his teammate was suffering following the incident and urged people to remember the tragedy as an unforeseen event with devastating consequences.
Spatz concluded his statement by calling for respect and support for De Miguel’s loved ones.
Police Investigate Possible Involuntary Manslaughter
Police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have opened a homicide investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death.
Officers from the National Police homicide unit are examining whether the collision could amount to involuntary manslaughter under Spanish law.
A police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation was underway because the death was not caused by natural circumstances.
The spokesperson said the findings would be submitted to a local judge, who would determine whether further legal action was necessary.
A court official in the Canary Islands explained that deaths classified as non-natural automatically trigger judicial investigations, regardless of whether they result from an accident or other circumstances.
The official described the incident as an accidental collision on the football pitch but confirmed that the judicial investigation remained ongoing.
Legal experts have indicated that they do not expect the investigation to result in criminal charges against Owono because the collision happened during open play.
However, the goalkeeper could face a lengthy football suspension.
Investigators Examine Emergency Medical Treatment
The police investigation has also expanded to include the emergency medical response De Miguel received after collapsing on the pitch.
Detectives are reviewing the actions of the medical personnel who attended to the footballer, including the treatment provided during the more than six minutes he remained on the field before being transferred towards an ambulance.
Investigators are examining whether oxygen was administered during resuscitation, whether a defibrillator was used from the beginning of the emergency response and whether the procedures followed during his evacuation complied with medical protocols.
According to reports published by Spanish newspaper El Día, investigators are also examining possible inconsistencies between medical reports and other available evidence, including videos recorded by spectators.
One area of the investigation concerns the use of a Guedel airway, a curved oropharyngeal tube inserted into the player’s mouth after he lost consciousness to prevent his tongue from obstructing his airway.
Authorities are seeking to establish whether De Miguel also received oxygen through a bag-valve mask or a face mask connected to the oxygen cylinders available at the stadium.
The newspaper reported that this question remained unresolved, particularly regarding the treatment administered on the pitch.
Footage showing the footballer being transported on a spinal board has also raised questions about whether oxygen was being supplied during the transfer.
Investigators are examining the manner in which De Miguel was carried from the centre of the pitch towards the ambulance stationed near a stadium entrance on La Mutine Street.
The report also questioned why those carrying the player appeared to be moving at a jog, describing the method of transportation as potentially dangerous.
Medical personnel involved in his treatment are expected to be questioned, while detectives continue examining medical records and other available evidence.
De Miguel Dies After Hospitalisation
The 30-year-old striker suffered a cardiac arrest following his collision with Owono and was reportedly revived by paramedics at the stadium before being rushed to hospital.
His condition subsequently deteriorated, with Tenerife confirming his death on Tuesday morning.
The club announced the news at approximately 9.30am local time, confirming that De Miguel had died at Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital at 8am.
In its statement, Tenerife said: “Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats, and unable to believe this is true, CD Tenerife announces the tragic passing of Jesús de Miguel Alameda, which occurred this Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8am.”
The club added that there were no words capable of easing the pain caused by his death and expressed solidarity with his family, friends and supporters.
De Miguel’s partner, María, and their one-year-old daughter, Carla, had been watching the match from the stands when the incident occurred.
Tenerife also appealed for privacy and respect for the family during the difficult period.
Owono Reportedly Plans to Contact De Miguel’s Family
Owono is reportedly planning to apologise directly to De Miguel’s family over the incident before making a public statement.
The goalkeeper has also reportedly made his social media accounts private following abusive messages and chants directed at him after the footballer’s death.
FC Andorra expressed its condolences following confirmation of De Miguel’s death.
In a statement, the club said: “Heartbroken and devastated, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife.
“May he rest in peace.”
Funeral Arrangements Announced in Toledo
De Miguel’s body is expected to be transported from Tenerife to mainland Spain for his funeral in Navahermosa, a town in the province of Toledo where his parents originate.
His parents had travelled to Tenerife after being informed about the seriousness of their son’s injuries.
They are now expected to return to mainland Spain before travelling to the town, located approximately 80 miles south-west of Madrid.
Tenerife confirmed Navahermosa as the location for the funeral but said the date had not yet been established.
The town council expressed its sadness over the footballer’s death, revealing that residents had hoped he would recover from his injuries.
In a statement, officials said they had continued hoping that De Miguel would overcome what they described as the toughest match of his life.
The council extended its condolences to his family, friends and everyone affected by the loss, adding that the footballer would always remain a source of pride for the town.
Flags outside the town hall were lowered to half-mast following his death.
Castilla-La Mancha President Pays Tribute
Emiliano García-Page, president of Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region, also issued a statement expressing his condolences.
He described De Miguel’s death while playing the sport he loved as heartbreaking news and extended his thoughts to the footballer’s family from Navahermosa.
Meanwhile, the entire CD Tenerife squad is expected to travel to the town to pay their final respects to their teammate.
Tributes have also been paid across Spanish football, with a minute’s silence held before Champions League matches on Tuesday in memory of the deceased striker.
The National Police have yet to publish an official statement detailing the findings of their investigation.
Officers are continuing to gather evidence before submitting their report to the court in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where a judge will decide whether the circumstances warrant further proceedings.
