Spanish football club CD Tenerife has confirmed the death of forward Jesús de Miguel after he suffered a medical emergency during a second-division match against FC Andorra.
The 30-year-old died at 8am on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after being taken to hospital following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
Tenerife announced the news in a statement expressing its grief and offering condolences to De Miguel’s family, friends, teammates and supporters.
The club also said the family had requested privacy during the period of mourning and thanked those who had sent messages of support.
Owono’s Challenge Leads to Match Abandonment
The incident occurred deep into stoppage time when Owono attempted to clear the ball near the halfway line.
The goalkeeper’s raised knee struck De Miguel in the chest, leaving the Tenerife forward motionless on the pitch.
Medical staff attended to the player for more than five minutes as his teammates watched in distress. Some players were visibly emotional as the seriousness of the situation became apparent.
Owono was shown a red card for the challenge, and the referee subsequently abandoned the match.
De Miguel was taken to hospital in an ambulance. Spanish media outlet Marca reported that he suffered cardiac arrest during the journey and had to be revived by medical personnel.
Owono Reportedly Says He Had No Intention of Causing Harm
Following the incident, Owono reportedly became distressed and withdrew from social media after receiving criticism and abusive messages.
Spanish journalist Iván Alvarez, speaking on COPE radio before Tenerife announced De Miguel’s death, said the goalkeeper and FC Andorra maintained that there had been no intention to injure the forward.
Alvarez said Owono was deeply affected by what had happened and intended to contact De Miguel’s family personally to offer his condolences.
He also reported that the goalkeeper had closed his Instagram account after supporters directed chants of “murderer” at him and sent him abusive messages.
According to Alvarez, Owono wanted to approach the family privately before making any public statement.
Goalkeeper Expected to Face Sporting Penalties Rather Than Criminal Sanctions
Reports in Spain indicate that Owono is expected to avoid criminal sanctions over the collision, with the incident likely to be handled through football disciplinary procedures.
According to AS, disciplinary rules provide for a suspension of between four and 12 matches for violent conduct against an opponent during a game that causes serious injury or harm.
Other reports suggested Owono could receive a ban of between eight and 12 matches because of the nature of the challenge.
The goalkeeper has reportedly isolated himself following the incident.
Tenerife Announces Plans for Supporters to Honour De Miguel
Tenerife majority shareholder Rayco Garcia and club president Felipe Miñambres spoke about the death outside the hospital, describing the loss as deeply painful for the club and its supporters.
Garcia said arrangements were being made to transfer De Miguel’s body to Navahermosa, in Toledo, at the request of his family.
He also announced that supporters would be invited to gather at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium on Saturday at 6pm to pay tribute to the forward.
Garcia said the club, its supporters and the wider Tenerife community would come together to remember De Miguel.
Miñambres said the club was preparing to support the players, their families and supporters through the period of mourning.
He added that professional assistance would be needed following the incident and said Tenerife would ensure that De Miguel received a fitting tribute.
Club Remembers Forward Who Helped Secure Promotion
De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 and scored 11 goals in 30 appearances as the club secured promotion from Spain’s third division as champions.
He had previously helped Internacional de Madrid and CD Castellón achieve promotions from the fourth and third divisions respectively.
Castellón also issued a statement following news of his death, remembering his contribution to the club and the celebrations he shared with supporters at the SkyFi Castalia stadium.
The club extended its condolences to his family and joined Tenerife and its supporters in mourning his death.
Football Community Pays Tribute to De Miguel
Tributes have come from clubs and football organisations across Spain and Europe.
FC Andorra expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates, friends and everyone connected with Tenerife.
Barcelona and Real Madrid also issued statements offering support to his loved ones and the Tenerife community.
The Spanish Footballers Association expressed its deepest sorrow, remembering De Miguel’s commitment to football and his contribution to the players’ community.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said the organisation was heartbroken by the forward’s death and confirmed that a minute of silence would be observed at all UEFA matches during the week.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation also cancelled all domestic matches scheduled for Tuesday.
De Miguel Leaves Behind Wife and Young Daughter
De Miguel had become a father in 2025. According to El Español, his wife and baby daughter were watching from the stands when the collision occurred.
Tenerife said the family had received numerous messages of support but requested that their privacy be respected during the difficult period.
The club described the loss as a tragedy and said De Miguel would remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
