Police Launch Homicide Investigation After Spanish Footballer Dies Following Terrifying On-Pitch Collision

Spanish football has been left in mourning after professional footballer Jesús de Miguel died following a violent collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division match. Police have now opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

De Miguel, 30, who played as a forward for CD Tenerife, suffered a cardiac arrest after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a match on Monday, November 2.

The horrifying incident occurred during stoppage time at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium in Tenerife. De Miguel was chasing a long ball when Owono rushed out of his goal in an attempt to intercept it.

The goalkeeper collided with the striker, striking him in the chest with his raised leg. The impact left De Miguel unconscious on the pitch, prompting players from both teams to immediately call for medical assistance.

Owono was shown a straight red card by the referee, while the match was eventually abandoned as players struggled to cope with the seriousness of the situation.

Medical personnel rushed to treat De Miguel before transferring him to hospital. His heart reportedly stopped during the emergency journey, but medical teams managed to restore his pulse.

His condition initially appeared stable despite the severity of his injuries. However, his neurological condition deteriorated, and Tenerife announced his death on Tuesday morning, November 3.

Following the tragedy, Spain’s National Police opened judicial proceedings through its homicide division to investigate a possible case of involuntary manslaughter.

The investigation is a legal procedure required under Spanish law when someone dies from a non-natural cause, including an accident. Authorities are expected to examine video footage of the collision and take statements from the goalkeeper and medical personnel involved in treating De Miguel.

However, the chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, indicated that criminal proceedings were unlikely because the collision occurred during normal gameplay.

There is reportedly no established precedent in Spain for a footballer facing criminal prosecution over an accidental collision during a competitive match.

Owono, 25, has also faced an emotional backlash following the incident. Reports said he was deeply distressed by what happened and subsequently closed his social media accounts after receiving a wave of hostile comments.

FC Andorra expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family and teammates, emphasizing the emotional impact the tragedy had on everyone connected with the club.

Tenerife announced a period of mourning and suspended team activities following the death. Tributes have also poured in from football clubs, players and sporting organizations across Spain and beyond.

De Miguel joined Tenerife in 2025 and helped the club secure promotion to Spain’s second division. He had previously played for several Spanish teams, including Unionistas de Salamanca and Castellón.

He leaves behind his wife and their young daughter.

The police investigation continues, but prosecutors have indicated that the circumstances of the collision may make criminal proceedings difficult to pursue. The tragedy has once again highlighted the devastating consequences that can follow a split-second incident on a football pitch.