Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife striker who died aged 30 after a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in a Spanish Segunda match, was remembered by fans at the club's stadium on Tuesday night. The player passed away in hospital on Tuesday morning after his health deteriorated, having suffered head and chest injuries in the incident on Monday.
Fans gather to pay tribute
Supporters laid flowers, lit candles and left photos and messages for De Jesus at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez. One message read: “Today the heart of Tenerife is in mourning. It’s hard to find words when someone who has been part of our history leaves too soon.” Another fan wrote: “Your departure hurts us. It hurts us to think that we will no longer see you defend this shirt, that there will be no more celebrations, more hugs or more shared moments.”
A minutes' silence was observed before Champions League matches across Europe on Tuesday night and will be repeated on Wednesday. The club has announced six days of mourning, with all activities suspended as a mark of respect. De Jesus' funeral will take place in Navahermosa, Toledo, with all of his teammates and club staff attending.
Investigation into the incident
Owono was sent off for the challenge, which left De Jesus motionless on the pitch and saw the game abandoned. Spanish authorities have opened an investigation for possible involuntary manslaughter against Owono, who reportedly 'broke down' in the dressing room after the match. However, Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui has said that criminal proceedings against the 25-year-old were "very unlikely".
Tenerife invited fans to gather at the stadium on Saturday evening for "a solemn tribute". The club added: "The family of Jesus de Miguel is grateful for each and every expression of support received, and also requests, from the bottom of their hearts, the utmost respect for their privacy during these terrible times."
Football world reacts
"We are torn by the news," Fran Leon, president of Tenerife's federation of supporters' clubs, told the BBC. "All of the island is in mourning. All of Canarias is in mourning. It's a shared pain."
De Jesus joined Tenerife from Castellon in 2025 on a three-year contract. He contributed 11 goals and seven assists in 35 appearances for the club. Tenerife midfielder Juanjo Sanchez wrote on social media: "You let me into your heart, and you earned a place in mine, as we shared moments of laughter every single day and took walks barefoot after our training sessions."
"Thank you for everything we experienced together - for your camaraderie, your character, your humanity and the exemplary attitude you always showed," Tenerife striker Enric Gallego said. "I feel very fortunate to have shared a locker room with you. I'm going to miss you so much." Barcelona star Raphinha, who scored twice in Barca's 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday night, said: "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. From the club, I want to send a message of strength to the family." Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal were among those to post messages of support on social media.
