Jesus de Miguel, a forward for Spanish second division club CD Tenerife, died the day after colliding with an opposing goalkeeper during a match. He was 30 years old.
According to reports from Yonhap News Agency citing Reuters and BBC, Tenerife announced that de Miguel passed away at 8 a.m. local time on November 3. Spanish police have launched an investigation into the possibility of negligent homicide, as reported by police sources to Reuters. The judicial authorities in the Canary Islands explained that this is a standard procedure for deaths that do not appear to be natural.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) expressed its condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened and extend our heartfelt sympathies," and postponed all matches scheduled for that day, including the Copa del Rey. UEFA also announced that there would be moments of silence before all European matches this week.
The incident occurred on November 2 during a match against FC Andorra at Tenerife's Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. With the score tied at 2-2 in the seventh minute of stoppage time, de Miguel collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Ouwono while attempting to clear the ball.
De Miguel lay motionless after the collision and received medical attention before being transported by ambulance. Spanish media reported that he suffered cardiac arrest in the ambulance and required CPR. He was moved to the intensive care unit with serious injuries to his chest and head but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Ouwono received a red card immediately after the collision, and the match was halted. Following the incident, Ouwono's social media account was inundated with abusive comments, leading to its deactivation on the morning of November 3.
Born in Madrid in 1996, de Miguel transferred to Tenerife from Castellón ahead of the 2025-2026 season, scoring 11 goals last season. The Tenerife club expressed its grief, stating, "Our hearts are shattered with pain. No words can provide comfort. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and Tenerife fans."
Tributes from the football community continued, with Real Madrid players observing a moment of silence before training on November 3. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé wrote on social media, "This is such a great sadness. I am at a loss for words," while Lionel Messi, who played for Barcelona, expressed his condolences to de Miguel's family and friends.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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