Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel has died at the age of 30, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest following an on-field collision.
The incident took place during a Spanish second-division match on Monday as he challenged for the ball near midfield in stoppage time. Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono struck De Miguel in the chest with his knee as he rushed out to clear a long ball.
De Miguel initially fell to his knees, clutching his torso, before collapsing onto his back. He received treatment for more than five minutes on the pitch before being taken by ambulance to hospital. Tenerife initially said he was stable despite the severity of his condition, but the club announced on Tuesday that he had died that morning.
Owono was shown a straight red card for the incident, and Spain's judicial authorities have opened an investigation into De Miguel's death.
In a statement, Tenerife said it was heartbroken by the loss and extended condolences to the forward's family, friends and the club community. Tributes poured in from across Spanish football, including from FC Andorra, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and the Spanish Football Federation.
Andorra's majority shareholder, former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, wrote on social media: “I'm sorry with all my heart. Rest in peace Jesús.”
The Spanish Football Federation postponed all matches scheduled for Tuesday, including Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina fixtures, as a mark of respect. UEFA also announced that moments of silence would be observed before European matches during the week.
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