Source : the age
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.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told Spanish news agency EFE that criminal proceedings were unlikely, noting that the collision occurred during play.
“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 Tenerife club said.
“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.”
Tenerife’s largest shareholder Rayco García said De Miguel’s body would be transported to Navahermosa, in the Toledo province, at the request of his family. He said De Miguel’s teammates and club officials would be present for a “final farewell.”
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.
“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.
Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé said on social media: “So much sadness. There are no words.”
Argentina great Lionel Messi said on Instagram: “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo called it a “tragedy.”
“No words,” he said on Instagram. “Sending strength to the family. May he rest in peace.”
English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool joined in offering their condolences on social media.
UEFA announced that a period of silence would be observed before all European games this week.
“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.”
Clubs across Spain paid tributes to de Miguel, as did teams playing in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times,” Barcelona said in a statement.
The three Spanish teams hosting games – Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal – chose not to play the customary Champions League anthem ahead of kick-off.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his club, and all his loved ones,” the club said.
In those stadiums and others around Europe, like at Old Trafford where Manchester United was playing Roma, a moment of silence was held remembering De Miguel, while a picture of the forward was displayed on the big screens inside the grounds.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and midfielder Mikel Merino – both Spaniards – opened their news conferences on the eve of Wednesday’s match against Slavia Prague with a tribute to De Miguel.
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, AP
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