Collision during Tenerife and Andorra match leads to death
Jesús de Miguel, a 30-year-old forward for CD Tenerife, died on November 3, 2026, following a collision during a Spanish second-division football match against FC Andorra. The incident occurred in the 97th minute of the game on November 2, when de Miguel collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
According to Expressen, de Miguel received Owono’s knee in his chest during the challenge. The forward suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, was resuscitated, and transported to a hospital, where he died the following day. Expressen reported that the goalkeeper was shown a red card following the collision, and La Nación reported that the match was abandoned with the score at 2-2.
Family breaks silence on loss
The family of Jesús de Miguel issued a public statement on November 5, 2026, marking their first comments since his passing. Speaking through representative Manuel Hernández, the family expressed gratitude for the support received from teammates, friends, fans, and various clubs.
“Jesús leaves a void that is impossible to fill, but also an enormous memory for all of us who have had the good fortune to share our lives with him,” the family stated, as reported by Expressen. They requested that their privacy, as well as that of other relatives, be respected during the mourning period. The funeral was held in de Miguel’s hometown of Navahermosa.
Goalkeeper Jesús Owono addresses the incident
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono spoke publicly following the event, describing the days since the collision as the most difficult of his life. In a statement published by his club on X, Owono expressed his thoughts for the deceased player and his family.
“These are the worst days of my life,” Owono wrote, according to Omni. The goalkeeper has been the subject of speculation regarding potential disciplinary action. EFE reported that under article 102 of the Spanish football disciplinary rules, Owono could face a suspension ranging from four to twelve matches.
Discussions on football safety and rules
The death of de Miguel has triggered a debate regarding safety protocols and officiating in professional football. Expert in disaster coordination, Ramon Campos, suggested in a statement to El Cierre Digital on November 4 that medical support forces at stadiums should be further professionalized. He proposed a model combining volunteer staff with professional emergency medical technicians.
Dr. Faustino Afonso, a member of the Tenerife medical team, noted the gravity of the situation in remarks following the death. “A 30-year-old man cannot die while playing football,” Afonso said. “Something must change so that this does not happen again.” While experts cited by El País suggest the likely cause of death was a cardiac shock resulting from the blow to the chest, no official medical conclusion has yet been released.
Questions regarding the incident
What was the immediate cause of death?
While an official autopsy result is pending, experts cited by El País suggest the cause was likely a cardiac shock triggered by the heavy impact from the goalkeeper’s knee to de Miguel’s chest.
What is the status of the disciplinary case against Jesús Owono?
Owono received a direct red card during the match on November 2. According to information reported by EFE, he could face a suspension of four to twelve matches, though this remains subject to the Spanish football federation’s application of disciplinary rules.
How is the football community responding to the tragedy?
Clubs and players have held tributes, including a minute of silence observed by the Arsenal squad. The focus of the broader discourse has shifted toward potential changes in refereeing standards regarding player safety and the professionalization of on-site medical response teams.
More on Jesús de Miguel
💔 Heartbreaking news from Spain. CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel has passed away at just 30 following a tragic collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during their match. Our thoughts are with his family, teammates, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Jesús 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/wxvkWYAIxB
Footage shows the moment Spanish footballer Jesus de Miguel is involved in an on-pitch collision during a second-division match. He has died a day later, his club, CD Tenerife, confirms. pic.twitter.com/DcuzqEf4kG
RIP Jesús de Miguel. 🖤 Prayers and condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/elHjZ4ESTP
🇪🇸 Tragic news: Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, 30, has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest following an on-field collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The match was abandoned at 2-2. Rest in peace. 🕊️💔 pic.twitter.com/4VsIwpUpRB