Spanish police and prosecutors are investigating after Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel died after an on-pitch collision with a goalkeeper during a LaLiga 2 match.
The goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, could face involuntary manslaughter charges.
The 30-year-old died on Tuesday morning due to a cardiac arrest caused by blunt force to the chest, according to multiple reports.
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“There are no words of comfort,” Tenerife, which is based in Spain’s Canary Islands, said in a statement. “There is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow. We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones, and the entire Tenerife community.”
The Spanish striker was challenging FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono for the ball in stoppage time when the pair collided.
The game was suspended as first responders took De Miguel to a hospital. The referee gave Owono an immediate red card for the challenge and sent him off the pitch.
The goalkeeper initially walked off the field as De Miguel clutched at his torso at midfield, where the collision occurred. The forward then fell onto his back.
Owono returned to the field, joining other players to check on De Miguel.
Spain’s National Police is opening an investigation alongside prosecutors.
“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” Andorra said in a statement.
De Miguel’s death sent a shockwave through the Spanish soccer community. Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe said on social media that there are “no words.”
“So much sadness,” he said.
Real Madrid held a moment of silence for De Miguel during training on Tuesday.
“From FC Barcelona, we deeply regret the tragic news of the passing of CD Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel,” FC Barcelona said in a statement. “Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times.”
LaLiga President Javier Tebas noted that he was “deeply saddened” by De Miguel’s death.
“Today, we all share the terrible pain of an irreparable loss,” he said. “My deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, teammates and the whole club.”
De Miguel spent more than 10 years playing for lower-level clubs across Spain. He made his professional debut with CD Leganes in his native Madrid.
The long-time forward scored 77 goals across 277 pro appearances.
“With a broken heart and no possible consolation, Club Deportivo Castellon bids farewell to Jesus De Miguel,” CD Castellon, one of De Miguel’s former clubs, said. “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.”
In Spain’s top league, Barcelona-based LaLiga club Espanyol announced Tuesday that it would postpone a planned introduction for its new coach in light of De Miguel’s death.
In honor of De Miguel, the Spanish Football Federation suspended all activities initially planned for Tuesday. Two Copa Del Rey matches — Spain’s national knockout tournament — will be rescheduled.
Spain’s planned under-21 match against Japan was also canceled.
“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 Jesus de Miguel, as well as to everyone at CD Tenerife and its supporters during these extremely difficult times,” the sport’s governing body in Spain noted.
UEFA matches this week will feature a moment of silence for De Miguel.
Fatal injuries in soccer remain uncommon. Those caused by collisions are especially rare.
Guo Jiaxuan, an 18-year-old with the Chinese club Beijing Guoan, suffered a similar fatal brain injury after his head struck an opponent’s knee during a training match against Rayo Ciudad Alcobendas in Madrid in 2025.
Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries suffered during a collision in a fifth-division match. Colindres goalkeeper Raul Ramirez had two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the field and then in the ambulance while being transported to a hospital. He was declared brain dead two days later.
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
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