Family of Footballer Jesús de Miguel Breaks Silence at Emotional Funeral After His Sudden Death on the Pitch

The heartbroken family of Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel has issued an emotional first statement following his sudden death after a collision during a match, thanking supporters for their kindness while asking to be allowed to grieve in private.

The 30-year-old CD Tenerife striker died on Tuesday, November 3, after suffering a serious chest injury during his team’s match against FC Andorra.

His funeral was held on Thursday, November 5, in Navahermosa, the Spanish village in Toledo where his family has its roots. Family members, friends, teammates and some of the biggest names in Spanish football gathered to pay their final respects.

The funeral was attended by Tenerife players and officials, representatives of FC Andorra, Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente, Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín was also among those present.

Family delivers heartbreaking message

Outside the funeral home, the player’s representative, Manuel Hernández, read a statement on behalf of the family.

They expressed gratitude for the countless messages, calls and gestures of support they had received since Jesús’s death.

The statement said: “Jesús leaves a void that can never be filled, but also an immense memory in all those who have been fortunate enough to share our lives with him.”

The family also made a heartfelt request for privacy, saying they needed to experience their grief in peace and quiet.

They thanked his teammates, friends, supporters and football clubs that had sent condolences and stood beside them during the difficult days.

Their message ended with a simple expression of gratitude: “Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for accompanying us.”

What happened during the match?

The tragedy unfolded during Tenerife’s second-division fixture against FC Andorra on Monday, November 2.

In the closing moments of the match, De Miguel collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono as both challenged for the ball.

Owono’s knee struck the striker in the chest, leaving him unconscious on the pitch. Medical personnel immediately rushed to his aid and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

De Miguel was taken to hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite emergency treatment, his condition deteriorated, and the club announced his death the following morning.

A preliminary autopsy report later identified accidental chest trauma as consistent with the cause of death. Further investigation remains ongoing.

His death leaves football in mourning

The tragedy prompted an outpouring of tributes from clubs, players and football organizations across Spain.

Tenerife declared six days of mourning and requested the postponement of its next fixture. FC Andorra also postponed its upcoming match.

LaLiga announced that matches played over the weekend would include tributes to De Miguel, with a moment of silence and a pause during the ninth minute in recognition of the number he wore for Tenerife.

His death has also deeply affected those who knew him personally. Friend and fellow footballer Fernando Román spoke about the devastating impact on De Miguel’s partner, María, who had been at the match with their one-year-old daughter, Carla.

The family has now laid the striker to rest, but the grief surrounding his sudden death continues to be felt throughout Spanish football.

For those closest to him, Jesús will be remembered not only as a footballer, but as a loved one whose absence has left a void that cannot be filled.

Source: DAILYMAIL