Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel dies after collision in Segunda match

Jesus de Miguel, a 30-year-old striker for CD Tenerife, died on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in a Segunda División match that ended 2-2. The incident occurred near the end of the game at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, leading to Owono’s red card and the abandonment of the match.

Spanish police have opened a judicial investigation into the incident. De Miguel was taken to hospital, placed in intensive care, and his condition later deteriorated neurologically before he passed away.

"We’re unable to believe what has happened, but we will go through mourning, we will come together," Tenerife president Felipe Minambres told reporters, adding that the club would seek professional help and support from fans.

The club announced that its upcoming fixtures against Granada and Badajoz would be postponed after discussions with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The RFEF also postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches for the week as a sign of respect.

UEFA scheduled a minute’s silence before Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and other Spanish clubs, as well as the RFEF, issued statements of condolence. Real Madrid observed a minute of silence before training, and forward Kylian Mbappé expressed “immense sadness.”

"De Miguel's death was shocking and sad," Madrid coach José Mourinho said, noting the difficulty the incident poses for Owono.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the event as “heartbreaking,” while Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente called it “beyond any words.” Players such as Lionel Messi and Rafael Nadal also posted tributes on social media.

De Miguel had joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 after a spell with Castellón, helping the team secure promotion to the second division. He began his career in the youth ranks of Leganés and later played for Unionistas de Salamanca before moving to Castellón in 2023.

"The first time you see a player lose his life after a collision with another player, it really hits you," Castellón youth coach Izan Garrido told AFP.

Supporters placed flowers at Tenerife’s stadium and at Castellón’s Castalia stadium in remembrance.