The short version
- FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono issued a statement expressing profound sorrow and difficulty processing the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel following their on-pitch collision.
- Spanish police have initiated a standard judicial inquiry into the non-natural death, though prosecutors indicate that criminal charges are unlikely to proceed.
- The football community has responded with widespread mourning, including match postponements, minutes of silence, and public defenses of Owono against online harassment.
Jesus Owono, the goalkeeper for FC Andorra, has publicly described the days following a fatal collision on the pitch as the most difficult period of his life. The incident occurred during a Spanish second division match against Tenerife on Monday, resulting in the death of thirty-year-old forward Jesus de Miguel. In a statement released by his club on Wednesday, Owono expressed immense pain and difficulty assimilating the tragedy, emphasizing that his thoughts remain with De Miguel, his family, and those who loved him.
The collision happened late in the match, which was tied 2-2 in stoppage time. Owono ran from his goal toward the center circle to clear a long ball, making contact with De Miguel. The striker collapsed motionless on the field at Tenerife’s Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez. Medical staff provided immediate treatment before transporting him by ambulance to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Owono was shown a red card for the challenge, and the match was subsequently abandoned.
In the wake of the incident, Spanish national police opened a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. Under Spanish law, any death deemed non-natural automatically triggers a judicial inquiry. However, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, the chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, indicated to news agencies that criminal proceedings are very unlikely. The investigation is described as a standard procedural step rather than an indication of probable guilt.
Owono has faced significant personal distress alongside the legal process. He deactivated his Instagram account after receiving abusive messages from some users who labeled him a murderer. His teammates and federation officials have rallied around him. Lautaro Spatz, an FC Andorra center-back, defended Owono on social media, stating that anyone who knows the goalkeeper understands he would never intentionally harm another person. Spatz noted that while unfortunate incidents occur in football, no one could have imagined such tragic consequences.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation also issued a statement offering full human and professional support to Owono, who has made forty-seven international appearances for his country. Federation president Venancio Tomas Micha described the goalkeeper as living through a situation of deep sorrow and distress as the involuntary protagonist of the tragedy. FC Andorra confirmed it is providing psychological support to any club members affected by the events.
The broader football community has responded with solemn tributes. A minute’s silence was observed before all European competition matches this week, including Champions League games where domestic Spanish fixtures were canceled. Barcelona forward Raphinha, who scored twice in a victory over Aston Villa, admitted he found it difficult to play after learning of the death. He noted that De Miguel was his age and that the incident highlighted how vulnerable players are to such accidents.
Tenerife has instituted six official days of mourning, suspending all club activities during this period. Players, staff, and officials will attend De Miguel’s funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo. The club also plans to open its home stadium on Saturday evening to allow supporters to pay their respects. Mourners have already gathered at the stadium to lay flowers and light candles beneath an image of the striker.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 on a three-year contract and was a father of one. His family has requested privacy during this terrible time, thanking everyone for messages of support. Matches involving both Tenerife and FC Andorra scheduled for the upcoming weekend have been postponed. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the Spanish second division, prompting reflection on player safety and the unpredictable nature of contact sports.
As the judicial process moves forward, attention remains on the human impact of the tragedy rather than legal culpability. Owono’s statement underscores his focus on grief rather than defense, acknowledging that many issues must be addressed but insisting he cannot think about anything other than the loss. The football world continues to grapple with the sudden absence of a colleague and friend, marking a rare moment of unified mourning across rival clubs and competitions.
The situation highlights the complex intersection of sport, law, and public emotion. While legal protocols require investigation, the consensus among peers and officials suggests an accidental tragedy rather than malicious intent. The coming weeks will likely involve continued mourning, potential policy reviews regarding player safety, and ongoing support for those directly affected by the collision that ended a promising career and a young life.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗'Most difficult days of my life,' says goalkeeper Owono after Tenerife player's death
- The Guardian US↗Goalkeeper Jesús Owono experiencing ‘hardest days of my life’ after De Miguel’s death
