Jesús de Miguel of Tenerife dies after clash with Andorra goalkeeper
The Tenerife forward, Jesús de Miguel, died on Tuesday after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest caused by a strong impact to the chest during the clash with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, while Rayco García said, “we are glad that it is being investigated, we need to know what happened.”
The footballer collapsed on the pitch. The 30‑year‑old player suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. After several minutes of medical assistance, he was rushed to the hospital, where he died at 8 am.
The events are under police investigation. Rayco García, the club’s majority shareholder, described the investigation as good news.
García recalled that there is a protocol that was applied immediately.
There is a protocol and it was applied as it always is. As soon as it happened, we jumped quickly onto the field. As a club person, I would like to know if there is something we don’t know about the incident. This cannot happen again and, if there is something in our hands that could have prevented the tragedy, we must try to improve. We are glad that it is being investigated because we need to know why it happened and how it happened.
He added that the ambulance could not enter the field, something that did not happen.
It was there, in the corner of the field. In the corner. It is the place where it is always set. Where the medical services are called. Some say that it is the blow that caused his death and that, when he is stabilized, it is done artificially. I tell you, I prefer to be cautious and wait for the autopsy. From there, we will take measures.
He had been leading the project for a year and a half and described the day as the hardest of his life. “To lose a player so charismatic, so well‑behaved… right now, as I speak with you, I can’t absorb it,” he said.
Mourning for Jesús de Miguel halts Spanish football for 3 days, Copa del Rey
Reactions and tributes
Supporters gathered outside the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, placing flowers and candles beneath a photo of the player. A farewell will be held on Saturday at the same stadium, open to the public.
The club declared six days of official mourning, suspending all its activities, and players, coaching staff and executives will attend the funeral.
A minute of silence was observed before the Champions League matches on Tuesday night and will be repeated before all UEFA fixtures of the week.
Raphinha of Barcelona sent a message of strength to the deceased’s family. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, described the death as “heart‑breaking.”
Raphinha sets aside brace to mourn Jesús de Miguel
Spanish police opened a routine investigation for possible involuntary homicide, required by national regulations in cases of non‑natural death. The Spanish Football Federation postponed the Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for Tuesday in tribute to De Miguel.
Jesús de Miguel made his professional debut in 2015 with Leganés B and played for several Spanish clubs before joining Tenerife from Castellón in 2025. He signed a three‑year contract with Tenerife last summer and helped the club return to the Segunda División, scoring eleven goals in twenty‑nine matches.