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Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel dies, Andorra goalkeeper could face 4 years in prison

Tenerife and Andorra players gather around an injured player during their Spanish second-division match, which was halted following a serious medical emergency, Spain, Nov. 2, 2026. (Screenshot via X/@laligaa_neews)
November 03, 2026 09:32 AM GMT+03:00

CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel Alameda died Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the age of 30 after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper during a Spanish second-division match against Andorra, the club confirmed in an official statement.

The Spanish footballer died at 8 a.m. local time, less than a day after being rushed to the University Hospital of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, where he had been receiving intensive care following Monday's incident.

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Tenerife confirms striker's death in emotional statement

Tenerife announced De Miguel's death on its official X account, expressing profound grief over the loss of the forward.

"Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true," the club said in its statement, announcing the player's death.

The club said no words could ease the sadness surrounding his passing and extended its condolences to his devastated family, loved ones and supporters.

De Miguel's family also thanked everyone who had expressed support since the incident and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult period.

The announcement came hours after Tenerife reported that the striker's neurological condition had deteriorated overnight, following an earlier medical update describing him as stable despite the severity of his injuries.

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Collision with goalkeeper leads to cardiac arrest

The incident occurred Monday, Nov. 2, at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium during the closing stages of Tenerife's Spanish second-division match against FC Andorra.

As De Miguel chased a long ball, Andorra goalkeeper Owono rushed out to challenge him, striking the forward with his knee during the collision.

De Miguel collapsed on the pitch, prompting medical teams to step in and administer emergency assistance while players from both sides gathered around him.

The striker suffered cardiac arrest, but medical personnel managed to restore his heartbeat through resuscitation efforts before he was admitted to intensive care.

The referee subsequently abandoned the match, which was tied 2-2 at the time of the incident. Owono was shown a red card following the collision.

Despite the emergency medical intervention, De Miguel remained unconscious, and his condition worsened before his death Tuesday morning.

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono poses with a football in an undated photograph. (Photo via FC Andorra)
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono poses with a football in an undated photograph. (Photo via FC Andorra)

Andorra goalkeeper could face up to 4 years in prison

De Miguel's death has also raised questions about the potential legal responsibility of Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, with Spanish media examining whether the collision could lead to a criminal investigation.

According to a report published by Goal, citing Spanish newspaper Sport, the case could potentially be examined as involuntary manslaughter if authorities determine that Owono's challenge went beyond the accepted risks of professional football and involved gross negligence directly linked to the striker's death.

Under Article 142 of the Spanish Penal Code, causing another person's death through gross negligence carries a prison sentence of between one and four years. Death resulting from less serious negligence may instead carry a fine calculated over a period of three to 18 months.

However, De Miguel's death does not automatically make Owono criminally responsible, and the goalkeeper's red card during the match does not amount to evidence of a criminal offense.

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Video footage and medical evidence could determine legal responsibility

Any potential criminal case would depend on whether the goalkeeper's actions exceeded the ordinary risks involved in football and whether a direct causal connection could be established between the collision and De Miguel's death.

According to the report, investigators would need to examine footage of the incident, including the position of the ball, the goalkeeper's movement toward the striker and whether the collision could reasonably have been avoided.

Medical findings and technical assessments would also be essential in determining the nature and seriousness of the contact and its connection to the fatal outcome.

Although Owono received a red card, disciplinary sanctions in football are separate from criminal proceedings and do not, by themselves, establish criminal negligence.

The possibility of a judicial investigation therefore remains conditional on the available evidence, with no confirmed criminal charges or conviction against the goalkeeper.

November 03, 2026 12:45 PM GMT+03:00
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