Spanish police open probe into de Miguel’s death
Photo: REUTERS
Spanish police opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, 30, died following an on-field collision with an opposing goalkeeper.
He died after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono while challenging for a ball late in a LaLiga 2 match on Monday, his club announced. De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest after impact, and emergency responders transported him to a hospital intensive care unit.
On Tuesday, National Police opened an investigation involving prosecutors.
Early Tuesday morning, CD Tenerife, located in Spain’s Canary Islands, released a statement: “Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we announce the tragic passing of Jesús de Miguel Alameda this Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 8 am”
Expressing grief, the club added, “There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can ease this profound sense of sadness. We stand with his devastated family, with his loved ones, and with the entire Tenerife football community, who today mourn this cruel turn of events.”
The club conveyed a message from his family, “The family of Jesús de Miguel would like to thank everyone for their expressions of support and, from the bottom of their hearts, ask that their privacy be respected at this terrible time.”
The collision occurred during the seventh minute of stoppage time with the score tied at 2-2. Owono rushed to midfield to challenge a long ball De Miguel tried to reach. Officials showed Owono a red card for “making a sudden, high-kicking tackle on an opponent using excessive force whilst the ball was in play.”
Although Owono walked off, he turned around and joined players checking on De Miguel. Officials abandoned Monday’s game so medical staff could treat him.
After hospitalization, Tenerife said on Monday night the player remained “stable, given the seriousness of the condition.” However, the club updated early Tuesday, announcing, “Jesús de Miguel’s medical condition has deteriorated neurologically. Further information will follow in the coming hours.”
Shortly thereafter, Tenerife confirmed De Miguel’s death.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in summer 2025, helping the club gain promotion to Spain’s second division last season. After his passing, tributes poured in.
FC Barcelona issued a statement, “From FC Barcelona, we deeply regret the tragic news of the passing of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel. Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times.”
LaLiga president Javier Tebas said, “I am deeply saddened by the death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda, a player for CD Tenerife. Today, we all share the terrible pain of an irreparable loss. My deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, teammates and the whole club.”
FC Andorra declared, “With heavy hearts and devastated, we would like to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife.”
Real Madrid added the club “wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his club and all his loved ones.”
De Miguel’s former club, CD Castellón, offered a farewell, “With a broken heart and no possible consolation, Club Deportivo Castellón bids farewell to Jesús De Miguel. It is hard to find the words when reality strikes in such an unfair way. He wore this jersey with pride, celebrated goals with our supporters at SkyFi Castalia, and became part of a history that our fans will never forget. ... You will always be one of us, Demi. Rest in peace.”
Postponing new head coach Eder Sarabia’s presentation, Espanyol explained, “We would like to inform you that, following the tragic death of Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, the presentation of Eder Sarabia has been postponed. It will now take place [Wednesday] at the same time, at the Auditorium. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona shares in the grief of his family, friends and everyone at CD Tenerife during these extremely difficult times.”
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) suspended all activities Tuesday, including two Copa del Rey matches, saying, “Following the confirmation of the death of Jesús de Miguel, a player for CD Tenerife, and as a mark of respect and solidarity, the RFEF announces the postponement of the matches scheduled for Tuesday ... corresponding to the first and third rounds of the Copa del Rey and the Copa de la Reina, respectively.”
The RFEF added, “The official presentation of the Spain Under-21 national team’s match against Japan, scheduled to take place in Almendralejo, has also been canceled. The RFEF will provide further information in the coming days regarding the new tournament schedule and the revised dates and kickoff times for the postponed matches.”
The federation concluded, “The entire Spanish football family stands united in grief following this tragic loss and extends its deepest condolences, love and support to the family, friends and loved ones of Jesús de Miguel, as well as to everyone at CD Tenerife and its supporters during these extremely difficult times.”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said, “We are heartbroken by the death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda. We have searched for words and found only silence. In that silence, our hearts and thoughts are with his family, his team-mates, everyone at Tenerife, and all those who mourn this tragic loss.”
UEFA confirmed observing a moment of silence before all UEFA competition matches this week.
Source: ESPN (adapted)
