The football world has paid tribute to Jesus de Miguel as it emerged his partner and young daughter were in the stands during his last ever football match that ended in tragedy.
Football is in mourning after the Tenerife striker died after an on-pitch collision in a Spanish second division match against Andorra FC on Monday.
The accident happened after a long ball was sent forward in the final moments of the game before de Miguel was clattered by the onrushing Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono
The match was halted and goalkeeper Owono was given a red card for the challenge.
De Miguel was rushed to hospital after the incident and declared “stable but serious”, but his health deteriorated on Tuesday morning and the star passed away at 8am local time.
The Spaniard reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the way to hospital and was resuscitated by paramedics before being admitted to intensive care, where he could not be saved.
Spanish police have opened a “manslaughter” investigation, which will be conducted under judicial supervision.
Owono, who is expected to avoid criminal sanctions, was reportedly “praying and crying” in the dressing room after the match was abandoned following his red card.
It is understood de Miguel’s partner Maria and their one-year-old daughter, Carla, were at the game when he was involved in the terrifying incident.
It’s a tragic twist to the heartbreaking tragedy that has seen tributes flood in from around the football world.
Moments before the shock incident De Miguel had exchanged words with Owono as the goalie made his way back towards his own half.
Owono had been involved in an altercation with De Miguel’s teammates, and he was seen gesturing towards Tenerife goalkeeper Dani Martin, who was sent off by the referee amid the fracas.
He waved his arms towards the keeper, appearing to tell him to get off the pitch.
That was when De Miguel turned around and appeared to say something in his direction, with Owono running away.
Andorra then scored to level the match at 2-2, and minutes later Owono clashed with De Miguel as he ran out to clear a long ball in the closing stages of stoppage time.
Tributes flow around football world
Fans have laid flowers and Tenerife team scarves outside the club’s home ground, Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez in Tenerife, in honour of de de Miguel.
The UEFA Champions League anthem was not played before the game between Barcelona and Aston Villa on Tuesday, as a mark of respect for de Miguel.
A sombre minute’s silence was held prior to all Champions League matches in tribute to de Miguel.
The poignant silence here was also held to remember the victims of last week’s deadly train crash in Spain, in which 69 people were killed.
“Yes it was (a good win), I want to dedicate this win to the fans, but today I don’t want to talk about football, I want to send a message to the family of Jesus — may he rest in peace,” Barcelona star Raphinha told Spanish broadcaster Movistar after his side’s 3-0 win.
“This can happen to anyone, it’s very tough … you’re going to play a game and the same thing can happen to you …
“From the club, I want to send a message of strength to the family.”
Tenerife has expressed its “heartbreak” in a statement confirming de Miguel’s death.
“Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing, this Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8:00am of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club wrote.
“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.
“We stand alongside his devastated family, alongside his loved ones, alongside all of tinerfenismo that today weeps for this cruel outcome.
“The family of Jesus de Miguel thanks each and every one of the expressions of support received, and likewise requests, from the heart, the utmost respect for their privacy in these terrible moments.”
FC Andorra also responded to De Miguel’s death, saying the club was “devastated”.
“With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace,” the statement read.
Real Madrid and France striker Kylian Mbappe wrote on his social media: “Much sadness, there are no words.”
– With AFP
Originally published as Footballer Jesus de Miguel’s wife and child were in stands when he suffered horror collision