Spanish soccer player dies after horrifying on-field collision

Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday at the age of 30, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision during a match, the Spanish second-tier club said.

The Segunda Division game against Andorra was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time after de Miguel collapsed after a clash with away goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who had rushed out of his area to clear a long ball and struck the forward in the chest with his knee.

Spanish police have opened proceedings relating to a possible involuntary manslaughter charge following the death of de Miguel, a National Police source said.

Judicial authorities in the Canary Islands said the investigation into de Miguel’s death was a routine procedure because any death deemed non-natural under Spanish law automatically triggers a judicial inquiry.

“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.

“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.”

De Miguel lay motionless as players from both teams signalled for medical assistance. Owono was shown a straight red card.

Medical staff treated de Miguel on the pitch for more than five minutes before he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday morning. The Equatorial Guinea international has received abuse on his social media since the incident.

Andorra said in a statement that they “share deeply” in Tenerife’s sadness, and they have requested the postponement of their next fixture against RCD Mallorca, which was due to take place on Sunday.

“I’m sorry with all my heart. Rest in peace Jesus,” Andorra President Gerard Pique wrote on social media.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed all matches scheduled for Tuesday, including fixtures in the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina.

The governing body also called off the official presentation for Spain’s Under-21 international against Japan as a mark of respect and solidarity towards de Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife supporters.

UEFA announced that a period of silence would be observed before all European games this week. Spanish sides Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal are in Champions League action on Tuesday.

“We are heartbroken by the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said. “We have searched for words and found only silence.”

Football clubs across Spain paid tributes to de Miguel.

“Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times,” Barcelona said in a statement.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his club, and all his loved ones,” the club said.

De Miguel was born in Madrid in 1996 and joined Tenerife from Castellon ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, scoring 11 goals last season.

Reuters

Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.