Pro Soccer Player Dies After On-Field Collision

A 30-year-old Spanish soccer player died after an on-field collision during a match.

Jesus de Miguel, a striker for Tenerife, was injured during Monday’s match in Spain’s Segunda Division, as BBC reported. The player was taken to the hospital following the incident and was reportedly in stable condition at first. But then De Miguel died Tuesday morning as a result of his injuries.

The Spanish athlete sustained injuries to his chest during a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in the final minutes of the match. The two players were both going for the ball at midfield when Owono rushed out of his goal and appeared to strike De Miguel with his knee.

De Miguel immediately collapsed and remained motionless on the field as medical personnel rushed out. Players from both teams were visibly upset by the incident, and some were crying, the outlet noted.

The referee proceeded to abandon the match with the score tied 2-2.

Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital. Paramedics were able to restore his pulse during the ambulance ride, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz.

The club announced Tuesday morning that his neurological condition had deteriorated before confirming his death.

“Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true,” Tenerife said on Tuesday.

“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can lessen this overwhelming sadness. We stand with his grieving family, with his loved ones, with all of Tenerife who mourn this cruel loss today.”

De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025. The Madrid-born forward previously played for several Spanish clubs, including Castellon, where he scored 16 goals during the 2023-24 season.

Tributes poured in from across Spanish soccer following the news. Barcelona and Real Madrid were among the clubs expressing condolences. 

Andorra, Tenerife’s opponents during that game, said: “With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife.”

The Spanish Football Federation announced the postponement of Tuesday’s scheduled matches as a sign of respect.