Spanish Second-Division Soccer Player Dies After Collision with Goalkeeper

Jesús de Miguel, a forward for CD Tenerife in Spain's professional second division, died on November 3 (local time), the day after colliding fiercely with the FC Andorra goalkeeper during a match.

According to Reuters and BBC, CD Tenerife announced in a statement that Jesús de Miguel passed away at 8 a.m. that day.

De Miguel was 30 years old.

The collision occurred during stoppage time in the second half of the match on November 2 at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium in Tenerife, when de Miguel collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who had rushed out to clear the ball with the score tied 2-2.

After the collision, de Miguel lay motionless before receiving treatment from medical staff and being transported to a hospital by ambulance.

Spanish media reported that de Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest inside the ambulance on the way to the hospital and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

De Miguel suffered severe injuries to his chest and head and was moved to the hospital's intensive care unit, but his condition worsened and he ultimately passed away.

Born in Madrid in 1996, de Miguel transferred from Castellón to Tenerife ahead of the 2025–2026 season, scoring 11 goals last season.

Owono received a red card immediately after the collision, and the match was suspended.

Malicious comments flooded the social media accounts of Owono, who is from Equatorial Guinea, and his accounts were deactivated that morning.

Spanish police have launched an investigation into the possibility of manslaughter, a police source told Reuters.

Regarding this, the judicial authorities of the Canary Islands explained that such an investigation is standard procedure for deaths that do not appear to be from natural causes.

Tenerife expressed condolences, stating, "Our hearts are torn with grief," and "We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, friends, and Tenerife fans."

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) released a statement of condolence saying, "We are devastated and share our deepest sorrow," and postponed all matches scheduled for the day, including the Copa del Rey.

UEFA announced that a moment of silence will be held before all European matches this week.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé wrote on social media, "Such great sadness, I am speechless," while former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) wrote, "Sending my condolences to the deceased's family and friends."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.