FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono is grappling with what he calls “the most difficult days of my life” following the tragic death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The football world is reeling after the 30-year-old De Miguel, a father-of-one who joined Tenerife in summer 2025, died from a serious injury sustained during a collision with Owono in a Spanish second division match on Monday.
A Collision, Abandoned Match, And An Investigation Begins
The devastating incident unfolded seven minutes into stoppage time on Monday, with Tenerife and Andorra locked in a 2-2 draw. Owono made a run towards the center circle to clear a long ball, and his knee appeared to collide with De Miguel. The Tenerife striker lay motionless on the pitch, requiring immediate medical attention before being rushed by ambulance from Tenerife’s Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez to the hospital. Owono was sent off, and the match was immediately abandoned. The weight of the event quickly became clear, with Owono, who had over 30,000 Instagram followers just Tuesday morning, deactivating his account. Police in Spain have since opened a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, a standard judicial inquiry triggered by any death deemed non-natural under Spanish law.
Owono’s Raw Pain And A Teammate’s Fierce Defense
Owono’s club issued a statement on Wednesday, sharing his personal words of anguish. “These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono stated, “I struggle to find the words, and it is very hard for me to come to terms with what has happened. I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.” He acknowledged the tough road ahead, adding, “I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are all experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.” His teammate, center-back Lautaro Spatz, wasted no time defending Owono on social media Wednesday, insisting Owono “would never intentionally hurt anyone” and was “deeply affected” by the tragedy. Spatz made it clear, “Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone. In football, unfortunate incidents can happen but no-one could imagine that one of them might end with such tragic consequences.” Owono, who has 47 international appearances for Equatorial Guinea, was notably absent from his club’s voluntary training session on Wednesday, where FC Andorra players held a minute’s silence. The president of Equatorial Guinea’s football federation, Venancio Tomas Micha, also offered “all our human and professional backing” to the player, noting Owono “is living through this situation with deep sorrow and distress.”
A World In Mourning, A Community United In Grief
The wider football world has rallied in support, observing a minute’s silence at all games in European competition this week. At the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez on Tuesday, mourners laid flowers and lit candles beneath a black and white image of De Miguel. Tenerife has announced six official days of mourning, suspending all club activities during this incredibly difficult time. The club’s players, staff, and officials will attend De Miguel’s funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo. Furthermore, Tenerife will open their home ground on Saturday evening, allowing supporters to gather and “bid a fitting farewell” to their fallen forward. The outpouring of grief and solidarity is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of sport and the deep bonds within the football community. As the world watches, everyone is sending strength to De Miguel’s family and to Owono, who faces a path no player ever imagines.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Leave a Reply