Shock in Spain after Tenerife striker's death

Jesús de Miguel, a forward for Tenerife, died hours after being hospitalized following a violent collision with the opposing team’s goalkeeper during a Segunda División football match, according to the Spanish club.

In a statement issued by Tenerife, the club said, “With hearts broken by grief, and in a state of shock and disbelief, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death of its player Jesús de Miguel, yesterday morning at 8:00 a.m.”

The 30-year-old forward collided with Jesús Ovono, goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea’s national team and Andorra club, who had rushed out of his goal in an attempt to clear the ball during stoppage time. The incident necessitated his urgent transfer to the hospital, where his condition was initially described as “stable, albeit serious.”

The violent collision led to the suspension of the match, which was in the twelfth round, in the 97th minute, while the score was tied at two goals apiece.

De Miguel remained motionless on the pitch for some time before being taken to the hospital, where local media reported that he suffered a heart attack.

Before the announcement of his death, Tenerife Hospital had issued a statement noting that the player’s health condition had “deteriorated neurologically.”

Tenerife added in its statement, “There are no words that can offer comfort, and nothing at all can ease the weight of this profound sorrow. We stand with his grieving family, his loved ones, and all Tenerife fans who mourn this immense loss.”

He concluded, “Jesús de Miguel’s family expresses its deep gratitude to everyone who has shown support and solidarity, and asks, from the bottom of their hearts, for complete respect for their privacy during this difficult period.”

Gerard Piqué, former Barcelona defender and majority shareholder of Andorra, wrote on the platform X, “I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

Many Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, joined in the mourning, offering condolences and expressing support for the player’s family and loved ones.

The Spanish Football Federation announced it was “deeply shocked by this sad news” and decided to cancel all matches scheduled for yesterday evening in the King’s Cup and Queen’s Cup competitions, as well as the friendly match of the under-21 national team.

Espanyol, a La Liga competitor, also postponed the introduction of its new coach, Ider Sarabia, to today.

Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid forward, wrote on his Instagram account, “Great sadness, no words can describe it.”