30-year-old Tenerife striker dies after shock during match

Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel died this Tuesday (3), aged 30, one day after suffering a cardiac arrest as a result of a collision during a match, the Spanish second division club said.

The second division game against Andorra was halted in stoppage time after De Miguel collapsed following a collision with visiting goalkeeper Jesús Owono, who had come out of the box to clear a long ball and hit the striker in the chest with his knee.

“Tormented by pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe that this is true, we at CD Tenerife announce the tragic passing of Jesús de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.

“There are no words of consolation; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this overflowing feeling of sadness.”

De Miguel remained motionless as players from both teams called for medical assistance. Owono received a straight red card.

Medical staff attended to De Miguel on the field for more than five minutes before he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Canceled matches

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed all matches scheduled for Tuesday (3), including the King's Cup and Queen's Cup games.

The organization also canceled the official presentation of the Spain under-21 team against Japan, as a sign of respect and solidarity with De Miguel's family, teammates and Tenerife fans.

Football clubs across Spain paid tribute to De Miguel.

“Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones in these difficult times,” Barcelona said in a statement.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to the family, teammates, the club and all his loved ones,” the club said.

De Miguel was born in Madrid in 1996 and transferred to Tenerife from Castellón ahead of the 2025/26 season, scoring 11 goals last season.

(Reporting in partnership with Ruairidh Barlow in Barcelona, Spain, and Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, India)

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