‘There are no words’: Messi, Mbappé lead football tributes to Jesús de Miguel after fatal pitch collision

L-R: Lionel Messi, Jesus of Michael, Kylian Mbappe The footballing world has mourned the death of Spanish forward Jesús de Miguel, with prominent names including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Gerard Piqué paying tribute to the 30-year-old following his tragic death following a collision on the pitch during a League Two match.De Miguel, who played for CD Tenerife, suffered a cardiac arrest after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during Monday’s match. His club confirmed his death on Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of condolences from players, clubs and football authorities around the world.Former Barcelona defender Piqué expressed his grief in a post on X, writing: “I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart. Rest in peace Jesús.”Real Madrid striker Mbappé also reacted to the news: “So much sadness. There are no words.”Argentina great Messi shared his condolences on Instagram saying: “There are no words. My sincere condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool also joined the tribute, expressing their condolences on social networks.READ ALSO: What’s next for goalkeeper Jesús Owon? Sports sanctions and possible criminal proceedings

Football clubs, federations pay their respects

The tragedy prompted several gestures of remembrance across Spanish football. Real Madrid players observed a minute’s silence for De Miguel during training, while Espanyol delayed the introduction of their new coach as a mark of respect.FC Andorra, owned by Piqué, also issued a statement expressing their condolences to the striker’s family, teammates and the club.“We want to express our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, all his colleagues and friends and CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” the club said.Meanwhile, Tenerife said he was heartbroken by the loss.“There are no words of comfort,” the club said in a statement. “There is absolutely nothing that can ease this deep sense of sadness. We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones and the entire Tenerife community.”The Spanish Football Federation also postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa de la Reina match scheduled for Tuesday.

Police have launched an investigation following the fatal collision

The incident occurred in the closing stages of Tenerife’s 2-2 draw against Andorra. De Miguel was trying to reach a long ball on the halfway line when Owono ran out of his penalty area to challenge him.The goalkeeper collided with the attacker and hit him with a knee in the chest. De Miguel initially stayed on his knees, holding onto his torso before falling to his back. Medical personnel attended to him for several minutes before an ambulance took him to the hospital.Owono received a straight red card but turned back to the incident after the first exit and joined the other players rushing to check on De Miguel. The match was finished in the seventh minute of the set time.Spanish police have launched an investigation into possible manslaughter. Under Spanish law, deaths from other than natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation. An investigation in itself does not establish criminal liability.Owono’s Instagram account, which had close to 30,000 followers, was deactivated on Tuesday after he faced online abuse.Madrid-born De Miguel began his senior career with Leganés B in 2015 before representing several lower-tier Spanish clubs. He joined Tenerife last year and is survived by his wife and daughter, according to Spanish media.His death has drawn renewed attention to the rare but devastating risks of serious on-field collisions in football.