By Ghazali Ibrahim
Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel has died aged 30 after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a league match between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra.
De Miguel, who played as a striker for Tenerife, collapsed during the closing stages of Monday’s Spanish second-division encounter after colliding with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono while challenging for a loose ball.
The incident occurred in stoppage time when Owono rushed out of his goal to intercept a long ball and collided with the Tenerife forward around the halfway line.
Medical personnel immediately rushed onto the pitch to attend to De Miguel, who was subsequently taken to hospital by ambulance.
The match, which was tied at 2-2, was abandoned in the 108th minute to allow medical teams to attend to the injured player.
Owono was shown a straight red card following the collision.
Tenerife initially confirmed late Monday that De Miguel had been admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, describing his condition as stable despite its severity.
However, the club announced on Tuesday morning that his neurological condition had deteriorated before confirming his death at 8:00 a.m.
In a statement, Tenerife expressed deep sadness over the loss, saying it stood with the player’s family, loved ones and supporters during the difficult period.
The club also acknowledged the messages of support received and appealed for respect for the family’s privacy.
Tributes have since poured in from across Spanish football, with clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and FC Andorra expressing condolences.
Former Barcelona defender and FC Andorra majority shareholder Gerard Piqué also paid tribute to the deceased striker.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation expressed its condolences and announced the postponement of Tuesday’s Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina fixtures as a mark of respect.
De Miguel joined Tenerife from Castellón in 2025 and helped the club secure promotion to Spain’s second division.
His death has sparked renewed mourning across Spanish football, following a tragedy that unfolded in front of players and supporters during an ordinary league encounter.
