Spanish footballer dies aged 30 a day after suffering cardiac arrest in collision with goalkeeper on pitch
Jesus de Miguel (Image credit: Tenerife) Spanish football has been plunged into mourning after Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday at the age of 30, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest after colliding with an opposition goalkeeper during a second division match.De Miguel collapsed after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during Monday’s game, which ended 2-2 in the seventh minute of stoppage time. The striker was taken to hospital after being treated on the pitch, but his condition worsened overnight.Tenerife confirmed his death in an emotional statement.“Overwhelmed by pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we announce the tragic death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can ease this feeling of overflowing sadness.”The club also expressed solidarity with the striker’s family and loved ones, adding: “We are with his devastated family, with his loved ones, with all the people in Tenerife who are mourning this cruel result today.”
What happened during the match?
The incident came as De Miguel looked set to run on the counter-attack in search of a late winner. When a long ball fell to him on the halfway line, Owono raced out of his area to clear it but hit the Tenerife forward with a knee to the chest.De Miguel initially rolled in pain before becoming immobilized, prompting medical staff to rush to the field. He was treated for more than five minutes as visibly distressed teammates looked on, with some appearing to break down in tears.According to Spanish media reports, the attacker suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital and had to be resuscitated in an ambulance.Owono was first red carded for a challenge before the referee stopped the match. De Miguel was subsequently carried away on a stretcher to thunderous applause from the audience.
The football fraternity pays tribute
FC Andorra expressed their condolences following the news, saying: “It is with a broken heart and devastation that we want to express our sincerest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, all his teammates, friends and CD Tenerife. Rest in peace.”The Spanish Football Association (AFE) also expressed its “deepest sorrow”, adding: “His loss leaves a huge void among those of us who shared his passion for football, his commitment to the football community and his work defending the rights of our fellow professionals.”De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 and scored 11 goals in 30 appearances, helping the club secure promotion from Spain’s third division as champions. He previously played a key role in the promotion of Internacional de Madrid and CD Castellón.His family thanked everyone for their messages of support and asked for “the utmost respect for his privacy” at this difficult time.