By Elma Aksalic

Spanish authorities have launched an investigation following the death of professional soccer player Jesús de Miguel, who suffered a fatal medical emergency after colliding with an opposing goalkeeper during a second-division match on Nov. 2.

De Miguel, 30, a forward for CD Tenerife, died in the hospital Tuesday morning, after sustaining serious injuries during a match against FC Andorra at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium in Tenerife, Spain’s Canary Islands.

The incident occurred during stoppage time as De Miguel attempted to reach a long ball near the halfway line.

Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed forward from his penalty area to challenge for possession when the two players collided, with Owono making forceful contact with the Tenerife striker.

The impact left De Miguel requiring immediate medical attention on the pitch.

Players from both sides quickly signaled for assistance as medical personnel rushed to treat him. Despite efforts to stabilize him, the forward was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital.

Tenerife later confirmed that De Miguel had suffered cardiac arrest following the collision.

The club initially reported that his condition was serious but stable, before announcing that he had passed away at approximately 8 a.m. local time on Nov. 3.

“There are no words of comfort,” the club wrote in a statement. “There is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow. We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones, and the entire Tenerife community.”

The match, which was 2–2 when the incident occurred, ended following the emergency. Owono received a straight red card for his involvement in the collision.

Spain’s National Police confirmed that an investigation had been opened into the circumstances surrounding the player’s death, including the possibility of involuntary manslaughter.

Prosecutors are also expected to examine the case. The referee’s account and any subsequent findings from football disciplinary officials will partly contribute to the assessment.

Born in Madrid, De Miguel began his professional career with Leganés before representing several clubs in Spain’s lower divisions. He joined Tenerife in 2025 and continued his career with the Canary Islands.

His death prompted a wave of tributes across the football community, including soccer stars Gerard Piqué, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I am so sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” wrote Piqué on X.

“Very sad. There are no words. Rest in peace,” Mbappé said.

Messi wrote on his Instagram stories, “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”

“A tragedy. No words … Lots of strength to the family. May he rest in peace,” Ronaldo said on the platform.

The Spanish Football Federation announced the postponement of all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina fixtures scheduled for this week.

UEFA also confirmed that moments of silence would be held before all its matches throughout the week to honor De Miguel, while Tenerife requested that its scheduled away game in Granada on Saturday be postponed.

De Miguel is survived by his wife, María, and their young daughter, Carla, who was born in June 2025.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.