JESÚS OWONO BREAKS HIS SILENCE AFTER TRAGIC COLLISION THAT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF JESÚS DE MIGUEL, 30: “THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT DAYS OF MY LIFE”

The football world has been left in mourning after Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel, 30, tragically passed away following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish second-division match.

Days after the incident, Owono has spoken publicly for the first time, describing the experience as the most difficult period of his life. His emotional statement has drawn widespread attention across Spain and beyond, as supporters continue to mourn De Miguel and express concern for everyone affected by the tᩚraɢedy.

The incident happened on Monday, November 2, 2026, during a match between CD Tenerife and FC Andorra at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium in Tenerife.

The game was tied at 2–2 when a long ball was played forward during stoppage time. De Miguel moved to challenge for the ball, while Owono, the 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international, rushed out of his goal to intercept it.

The two players collided heavily as they contested possession.

The referee immediately stopped play and showed Owono a straight red card in the 96th minute. De Miguel remained on the pitch and required urgent medical attention. Players from both teams gathered around him, visibly distressed by the situation.

Medical personnel began resuscitation efforts after the striker suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. His pulse was reportedly restored during the emergency response, and he was subsequently transported to Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

However, despite the efforts to save him, De Miguel passed away at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3.

CD Tenerife subsequently confirmed his passing in a heartbreaking announcement, expressing profound sorrow and extending its condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and everyone connected with the club.

The match, which had been tied at 2–2, was abandoned following the emergency. The incident left players from both teams deeply affected, with the football community struggling to comprehend the devastating outcome.

OWONO SPEAKS OUT: “THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT DAYS OF MY LIFE”

On Wednesday, November 4, FC Andorra released an official statement from Owono, marking his first public response since the collision.

The goalkeeper acknowledged the emotional weight of what had happened and admitted that he was struggling to find the right words to express his feelings.

“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said.

He continued by explaining that he was finding it extremely difficult to process the events and understood that there would be many questions to address.

He said he would face whatever came with the utmost respect, but emphasized that his thoughts remained focused entirely on Jesús and the pain surrounding his passing.

“Right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesús and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

The statement offered a rare glimpse into the emotional impact of the tᩚraɢedy on the young goalkeeper.

Owono is only 25 and has represented Equatorial Guinea at international level since his teenage years. He has built his professional career through football, becoming an important figure for both his country and FC Andorra.

Following the incident, reports emerged that he had deactivated his Instagram account after receiving a wave of hostile comments. Some users reportedly directed extremely hurtful accusations at him, including calling him a murderer.

The online reaction has raised concerns about the treatment of athletes involved in tragic sporting incidents, particularly while investigations are still ongoing and the full circumstances have yet to be established.

FC Andorra has also offered psychological support to members of the club affected by De Miguel’s passing.

OWONO LEFT OUT OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA’S UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES

The emotional aftermath has also affected Owono’s international football commitments.

On November 5, Reuters reported that the goalkeeper had been left out of Equatorial Guinea’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

The national team is scheduled to face Zimbabwe in Bata on November 12 before travelling to Harare for the return fixture on November 16.

Owono had been his country’s first-choice goalkeeper and had already featured in the opening two qualifying matches for the 2027 tournament.

His absence represents a significant change for the national team. However, there has been no official confirmation that the decision was a disciplinary punishment connected to the collision.

The Equatoguinean Football Federation has expressed support for the goalkeeper, acknowledging the profound sorrow and grief he is experiencing following the loss of De Miguel.

POLICE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AS NEW DETAILS EMERGE

Meanwhile, Spanish authorities have opened a judicial investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s dєatᩚh.

The investigation is being handled by the National Police’s homicide division and is under judicial supervision in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Authorities are examining the circumstances of the collision, while also looking into the medical assistance provided after De Miguel collapsed on the pitch.

According to reports published by EL PAÍS, investigators are examining whether the emergency medical protocols were followed, what medical equipment was available at the stadium, how the player was treated on the pitch, and the circumstances surrounding his transfer to hospital.

A preliminary autopsy report, reported on November 5, identified accidental chest trauma as consistent with the cause of dєatᩚh. However, further examinations, including additional forensic testing, remain necessary before the investigation can reach its conclusions.

Importantly, the opening of a judicial investigation does not mean that Owono has been found criminally responsible.

The chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has previously indicated that criminal proceedings would be difficult to pursue because the collision occurred during an active football match.

The sporting disciplinary process is separate from the judicial investigation. The referee’s report described the challenge as involving excessive force while the ball was being contested. Any disciplinary decision must be considered independently of the question of criminal responsibility.

WHO WAS JESÚS DE MIGUEL?

Beyond the tragic circumstances of his passing, Jesús de Miguel was a professional footballer who had spent years working towards establishing himself in Spanish football.

The 30-year-old forward played for several clubs throughout his career, including Leganés B, Inter Madrid, Fuenlabrada, Navalcarnero, Unionistas de Salamanca, and Castellón.

One of the significant moments in his career came with Castellón, where he became the club’s leading scorer during its promotion campaign to Spain’s second division in 2024.

He subsequently joined CD Tenerife in 2025, continuing his professional journey with the ambition of making his mark at the club.

His passing has therefore been felt particularly deeply by the Tenerife football community, where teammates, staff, and supporters have been left grieving the loss of a player whose life and career were still unfolding.

CD Tenerife announced a period of mourning and offered support to his loved ones. Tributes and messages of condolence also came from clubs and football organizations across Spain and Europe.

Barcelona and Real Madrid were among the major clubs to express their condolences, while football supporters gathered to leave flowers and tributes outside Tenerife’s stadium.

A tᩚraɢedy THAT HAS LEFT TWO FOOTBALL COMMUNITIES IN MOURNING

The events surrounding De Miguel’s passing have become a painful reminder of how quickly a sporting moment can turn into an unimaginable tᩚraɢedy.

For his family, friends, and loved ones, the loss is permanent. For his teammates, the memories of that evening will remain part of their lives long after the match itself has been forgotten.

For Owono, the days ahead will also be difficult as he faces the emotional consequences, public attention, and the ongoing investigation.

There are important questions that authorities still need to answer. There are also boundaries that must be respected while the facts are being established.

What should never be forgotten is that Jesús de Miguel was more than a footballer involved in a tragic incident. He was a son, a friend, a teammate, and a person whose life meant everything to those who loved him.

And Jesús Owono is also a human being facing an extraordinary and painful situation.

Football brings people together through passion, competition, and shared memories. But in moments like this, compassion must come before rivalry, and humanity must come before judgment.

May Jesús de Miguel rest in peace. May his family find strength in the love and support surrounding them, and may everyone affected by this tᩚraɢedy receive the understanding and care they need.