Jesús de Miguel Death: Tenerife Striker Dies After Collision with Goalkeeper Jesús Owono

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono faces a potential suspension of up to 12 matches following a fatal collision with Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel during a second-division match on November 2, 2026. The 30-year-old forward died on November 3 after suffering a cardiac arrest, prompting an investigation by Spanish authorities and a disciplinary review by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), CNN en Español reported.

Disciplinary Review Under RFEF Regulations

Referee Manuel Ángel Pérez Hernández sent Owono off in the 90th minute of the match, which was tied 2-2 at the time. In his official post-match report, the referee stated that the goalkeeper “impacted abruptly with his leg raised on an opponent using excessive force when the ball was in dispute.” The RFEF’s Competition Committee is now reviewing this report alongside match footage to determine the appropriate sanction under the official disciplinary code.

The most severe path for the committee is Article 102, which covers violent conduct resulting in serious injury. Under this provision, Owono could face a suspension ranging from four to 12 matches, effectively sidelining him for up to three months. Other potential articles include Article 122, which addresses dangerous play causing harm with a penalty of one to three games, or Article 103, which pertains to aggression. However, the latter is considered less likely to apply, as the referee explicitly noted that the players were competing for the ball rather than engaging in off-the-ball contact, according to CNN en Español.

Goalkeeper Releases Statement After Fatal Accident

The Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands confirmed that an investigation is underway, as is standard procedure for any death considered non-natural, according to reporting by El País and cited by CNN en Español.

After deactivating his social media accounts, the goalkeeper released a statement through FC Andorra on November 4, expressing his grief and offering condolences to the family of the deceased. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation has also issued a statement, referring to Owono as an “involuntary protagonist” in the accident and pledging their support to him during this period.

Impact on the Tenerife Community

The death of Jesús de Miguel has caused widespread mourning within the Spanish football community. The player, who joined Tenerife in 2025 and scored 11 goals in 29 appearances, leaves behind a wife and a young daughter. Following the news, Rayco García, the majority shareholder of CD Tenerife, gathered the squad to organize support for the player’s family, promising that the club would ensure the well-being of de Miguel’s daughter.

Players and clubs across LaLiga, including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and individuals such as Lionel Messi and Nicolás Paz, have publicly expressed their condolences. The tragedy has also sparked technical debate regarding the physics of high-speed collisions in professional sports. Sergio Goycochea, a former professional goalkeeper, noted in comments to Radio La Red that players often experience a loss of spatial awareness when fully focused on the ball, which can lead to physical contact in the air.

The case highlights the extreme risks inherent in professional contact sports, where split-second tactical decisions can lead to life-altering outcomes.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.

Earlier coverage: Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel dies after pitch collision