Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday at the age of 30, a day after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision during a match, the Spanish second division club announced.
“Torn by pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate to you the tragic death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.
“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this overwhelming feeling of sadness.”
The match against FC Andorra was interrupted seven minutes into stoppage time after De Miguel collapsed following a collision with away goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who had rushed out of his area to clear a long ball and hit the striker in the chest with his knee.
De Miguel stood motionless as players from both teams desperately called for medical assistance. Owono received a straight red card.
Medical staff treated the player on the field for more than five minutes before he was taken to hospital by ambulance.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has postponed all matches scheduled for Tuesday, including the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches.
The governing body also canceled the Spanish Under-21 international’s official presentation against Japan as a sign of respect and solidarity with De Miguel’s family, his teammates and Tenerife supporters.
UEFA has announced that a period of silence will be observed this week before all European matches. Spanish teams Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal will compete in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken by the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. “We searched for words and found only silence.”
Football clubs across Spain paid tribute to De Miguel.
“Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times,” Barcelona said in a statement.
“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his club and all his loved ones,” the club said.
De Miguel was born in Madrid in 1996 and joined Tenerife from Castellon ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, scoring 11 goals last season.
Gn sports
