Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel has died at the age of 30 after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a Spanish second-division match. His death has sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting tributes from international stars, clubs and football organisations.
The striker, who represented CD Tenerife, suffered the injury during a match against FC Andorra on Monday, November 2. His club confirmed his death on Tuesday, November 3, after he was taken to hospital in critical condition.
The tragic incident occurred during stoppage time when FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for a long ball. During the collision, the goalkeeper’s knee struck the forward in the chest, leaving him motionless on the pitch.
Players from both teams immediately called for medical assistance as emergency personnel rushed to treat the injured striker. The referee subsequently abandoned the match, which was tied 2-2.
Footballer suffers cardiac arrest during match
The collision happened in the 96th minute as both teams attempted to secure a late winner.
After the impact, the striker initially remained on his knees before collapsing onto the pitch. Medical staff immediately began emergency treatment, while players anxiously waited for updates on his condition.
Owono received a straight red card following the incident. However, the match was abandoned as medical personnel continued treating the injured player.
Emergency responders reportedly managed to restore his pulse after he suffered a cardiac arrest. He was then transported to Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Although the club initially described his condition as stable, his neurological condition later deteriorated. Tenerife announced his death on Tuesday morning, leaving teammates and supporters devastated.
Police investigate circumstances surrounding death
Spanish police opened an investigation following the footballer’s death to examine the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities initiated judicial proceedings under Spanish law, which requires investigations into deaths resulting from non-natural causes, including accidents.
However, reports indicated that criminal proceedings were unlikely because the incident occurred during an active football match. No criminal responsibility has been established against the goalkeeper.
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Messi and Ronaldo join football world in mourning
The death prompted an outpouring of condolences from prominent footballers and major clubs.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi expressed sadness over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the player’s family and friends.
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo also shared a message of sympathy, while French forward Kylian Mbappé expressed his grief.
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, who owns FC Andorra, also paid tribute to the Tenerife striker.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool were among the major clubs that expressed condolences. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin also conveyed his sympathy, while the European football governing body announced moments of silence before matches during the week.
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Spanish football announces mourning measures
The Spanish Football Federation postponed several Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina fixtures scheduled during the week as a mark of respect.
CD Tenerife declared six days of mourning and suspended activities involving its first team, women’s team and youth sides. The club also requested the postponement of its upcoming league fixture against Granada.
Born in Madrid in 1996, the striker began his senior career with Leganés B in 2015 before representing several Spanish clubs.
He joined Tenerife from Castellón ahead of the 2025-26 season and scored 11 goals during his previous campaign.
His sudden death has left the Spanish football community mourning a player whose promising career ended in tragic circumstances.
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