“Unable to believe this could be true” – professional footballer dies after foul

The first news after the terrible incident foreshadowed something bad, but a few hours later it became certain: CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel has died. His club confirmed this on Tuesday morning.

“With sadness, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this can be true, we announce the tragic death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.,” the association wrote in a statement.

The 30-year-old Spaniard suffered a cardiac arrest after a hard foul in the second division game against FC Andorra. He collided violently with opposing goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a counterattack, collapsed on the pitch and initially writhed in pain.

An Andorra player was the first to reach the injured man and immediately started waving excitedly and gesturing towards the touchline when he caught a glimpse of de Miguel. The players on both teams were visibly shaken by the incident, with some of de Miguel's teammates having tears in their eyes.

An initial statement said that rescue workers had to resuscitate the footballer on the way to the hospital. “De Miguel is breathing on his own but remains unconscious,” CD Tenerife said.

The incident occurred in stoppage time of the game when the attacker was fouled at high speed just behind the halfway line by the Andorra keeper who had sprinted out. The goalkeeper immediately saw a red card for the excessively hard action. The players of both teams appeared shocked by the sight of the injured player, and the referee stopped the game when the score was 2-2.

CD Tenerife initially said that de Miguel's condition was serious but stable. This Tuesday morning, the club first announced: “Jesús de Miguel’s medical condition has deteriorated neurologically.” A little later the death announcement followed.

"There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can ease this feeling of grief. We stand with his distraught family, loved ones and all CD Tenerife fans who mourn this cruel end today. Rest in peace," the club wrote.