Spanish football has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who passed away at the age of 30 after suffering a serious injury during a fixture against FC Andorra.
The match, which ended prematurely on Monday evening, was abandoned in the closing stages after De Miguel was involved in a collision with Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
The incident occurred in the seventh minute of stoppage time, with the score level at 2-2. A clearance from Tenerife sent De Miguel through on goal, prompting Owono to rush off his line in an attempt to intervene. The pair collided, leaving the Tenerife forward motionless on the pitch.
Medical personnel and players from both sides immediately attended to De Miguel, with Owono also among those who rushed to his aid. The Andorra goalkeeper was subsequently shown a straight red card for the challenge.
Tenerife initially confirmed that their striker had been admitted to hospital in a serious but stable condition. However, the club issued a further update in the early hours of Tuesday, revealing that his condition had deteriorated.
The devastating news was confirmed later on Tuesday morning, with Tenerife announcing that De Miguel had succumbed to his injuries.
In an emotional statement, the club expressed its profound grief while extending its condolences to the player’s family, friends and teammates.
The statement read: “Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true, we at CD Tenerife announce the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda.
“There are no words of comfort. There is absolutely nothing that can ease this overwhelming sense of sadness.
“We stand with his devastated family, with his loved ones, and with the entire Tenerife footballing community, who today mourn this cruel turn of events.”
The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) also paid tribute, highlighting De Miguel’s contribution to the professional football community and the loss felt by those who shared the game with him.
Meanwhile, FC Andorra released a message of condolence, expressing their sympathy to Tenerife, the player’s family, friends and teammates.
Several other clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and former side Castellon, also joined the tributes as Spanish football united in mourning the 30-year-old.