Spanish Soccer Player Jesús de Miguel Dies After On-Field Collision

by Arop KualNovember 4, 2026, 2:00 pm >

Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died after he suffered cardiac arrest following an on-field collision, his club said Tuesday. De Miguel collided with the opposing team’s goalkeeper in a second-division match.

Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter.

De Miguel challenged for the ball near midfield on Monday when FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono struck him in the chest. Owono came from his half to attempt a clearance, where he collided with De Miguel. Owono was shown a straight red card for the incident that happened in added time.

The country’s National Police said Tuesday that it had opened an investigation. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation.

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Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told Spanish news agency EFE that criminal proceedings were unlikely since the collision occurred during play.

De Miguel was taken to a hospital, the match was tied 2-2 and was abandoned after the incident.

The club, located on Spain’s Canary Islands, said it was “heartbroken.”

Tenerife’s largest shareholder, Rayco García, told reporters that De Miguel’s body would be transported to Navahermosa, in the Toledo province, at the request of his family. He said all of his teammates and club officials would be present for a “final farewell.”

On Saturday, fans will gather at the team’s stadium to honor the player, García said.

Club president Felipe Miñambres said players and their families would likely need help to cope with De Miguel’s death.

“We will need professional help and the help of all of our fans,” he said. “They will be feeling the same way that we are feeling today.”

The club asked for its league game at Granada on Saturday to be postponed.

There were no local media reports about De Miguel having a preexisting health condition. The exact medical cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

“There are no words of comfort,” the club statement read. “There is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow. We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones, and the entire Tenerife community.”

Andorra is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, the club offered its condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish soccer federation, and La Liga.

“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” Andorra said in a statement.

Piqué said on X: “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

Players at Real Madrid held a moment of silence for De Miguel during training, while Espanyol postponed the presentation of its new coach.

Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé said on social media: “So much sadness. There are no words.”

Argentina legend Lionel Messi said on Instagram: “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”

The Spanish federation postponed all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. UEFA said it would observe a moment of silence at all its matches this week.