Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono is considering retirement after the fatal collision that claimed the life of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Soccer – LaLiga – Real Madrid x Deportivo Alaves – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain – September 24, 2024 Jesus Owono of Deportivo Alaves REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura/File Photo Jesús Owono is reportedly considering a retirement from professional football following the death of Jesús de Miguel, the Tenerife striker who suffered fatal injuries after colliding with Andorra’s goalkeeper on the pitch. The incident, which occurred during a match on November 2, has left Owon deeply saddened, with those close to him describing the psychological impact of the tragedy as difficult to fathom. His future in football is now uncertain as he receives support from his club.
A collision that changed two lives
The incident took place during the match between Andorra and Tenerife on Monday, November 2, when Owono drove out to clear the ball and collided with de Miguel. The goalkeeper was shown a red card after the challenge, while the 30-year-old striker remained on the pitch while medical staff rushed to help.
FC Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel collides with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono. (AP photo)
De Miguel was subsequently taken to hospital but died the following morning. Reports attributed his death to accidental chest trauma sustained during the collision, bringing a devastating end to the incident which took place during a routine competitive match.
Soccer Football – LaLiga 2 – CD Tenerife vs FC Andorra – Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain – November 2, 2026 Jesus de Miguel of CD Tenerife reacts after a collision with
The consequences went beyond the immediate loss of the player. Owono, who was involved in the collision, struggled to process what had happened, while de Miguel’s family and teammates faced the sudden death of a footballer who had been a part of their lives just hours before.Andorra gives the goalkeeper psychological support as he tries to cope with the tragedy. According to a Spanish publication The world of sportsOwono is now seriously considering whether to continue playing professional football.
Owono tries to come to terms with de Miguel’s death
Owono publicly addressed the tragedy on social media a day after de Miguel’s death, describing the period as the most difficult in his life. His statement expressed the extent of his grief while acknowledging that questions surrounding the incident will eventually have to be resolved.“These are the hardest days of my life. I’m finding it hard to find words and it’s very hard for me to process what happened,” he wrote.
Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono reacts after a collision with FC Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. (AP photo)
He went on to express his grief for de Miguel and those closest to him, making it clear that his immediate thoughts are with the family rather than the circumstances of the collision.“I feel the immense pain of losing Jesus. I think of him, his family and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many questions that need to be addressed. I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I can’t think of anything but Jesus and the pain we’re going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
People close to Owono describe the psychological toll
Ana Maye, the general coordinator of the Equatorial Guinea national team and Owon’s close friend, also spoke about the goalkeeper’s condition. She described him as deeply affected despite the efforts of those around him to offer reassurance and support.“No matter how much we tell him, he is deeply saddened,” Maye said The world of sports.She added that his thoughts were especially with de Miguel’s young son and widow, and described the difficulty Owono had in processing the aftermath of the tragedy.“It’s very affected, especially because of Jesus Miguel’s one-and-a-half-year-old son and his widow. He doesn’t know how to deal with it all.”De Miguel was 30 and had a young family, while Owono now faces the possibility that the incident could fundamentally change his relationship with the profession.According to the Spanish newspaper, retirement is one option the goalkeeper is seriously considering. However, no final decision has been announced and his immediate focus remains on getting support and dealing with the psychological impact of what happened.
Hundreds of people remembered De Miguel at his funeral
The football community gathered on Thursday to pay their respects to de Miguel, whose funeral was held in his hometown of Navahermosa. Hundreds of mourners attended, including members of his family and senior figures in Spanish football, as tributes continued to pour in following his death.
Soccer Football – Funeral of Jesus de Miguel of CD Tenerife – Navahermosa, Spain – November 5, 2026 Mourners leave the church carrying the coffin of Jesus de Miguel and head to the cemetery for the funeral REUTERS/Alejandro Martinez Velez
Soccer – CD Tenerife fans pay tribute to Jesus de Miguel – Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain – November 3, 2026 Fans pay tribute to the memory of CD Tenerife’s Jesus de Miguel, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision during the LaLiga 2 match FC Andor CD Tenerife / Surezja CD Tenerife vs.
Manuel Hernandez, de Miguel’s agent, released a statement on behalf of the grieving family, thanking those who have offered support through messages, phone calls and personal gestures.“Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for being with us,” Hernandez said. “We cannot find enough words to thank you for every message, every phone call and every gesture of affection we receive.He also spoke of the affection he has for the Tenerife striker and the impression he has left on those who knew him.“Feeling such affection for Jesus and seeing the mark he left on so many people is something we will always carry with us. Jesus leaves a void that cannot be filled, but also holds memories for all of us who were lucky enough to share our lives with him.”The immediate challenge for Tenerife, Andorra and the wider Spanish football community is to find a way forward following the death that has struck both clubs. For Owono, the question is more personal. The goalkeeper must first be given time and support to process the tragedy, while any decision about his professional future remains secondary.