Spanish police open investigation after player dies in collision with goalkeeper

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Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel died after he suffered cardiac arrest following the on-field collision, his club said today. He was 30.

De Miguel was challenging for the ball in the midfield on Monday when he was struck in the chest by Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who came running from the opposite direction in an apparent attempt to clear the ball. Owono was shown a straight red card for the incident, which happened in added time.

Spain’s National Police said today that an investigation was open. Under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation.

De Miguel was taken to a hospital and the match, tied 2-2, was abandoned after the incident.

The club located on Spain’s Canary Islands said it was “heartbroken.”

The heavy collision happened when Owono rushed out of his area all the way to midfield to challenge for a long ball that De Miguel was trying to reach.

De Miguel initially curled on his knees, clutching his torso for a few seconds, before he fell over onto his back, with his arms falling to his sides.

Owono was walking off the field after being shown the red card but turned around and joined the other players rushing to check on De Miguel.

The goalkeeper’s Instagram account, which had nearly 30,000 followers, had been deactivated today.

De Miguel, a Madrid native, began his senior career with Leganes B in 2015 and subsequently played for a number of lower-division clubs in Spain. He joined Tenerife last year.

Spanish media said De Miguel is survived by his wife and their daughter.

“There are no words of comfort,” the club statement read. “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.”

Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Pique, also offered its condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish football federation and La Liga.

“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” Andorra said in a statement.

Pique said on social media: “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

The players of Real Madrid held a minute of silence for De Miguel during training, while fellow topflight club Espanyol postponed the presentation of its new coach.

Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe said on social media: “So much sadness. There are no words.”

Argentina great Lionel Messi said on Instagram: “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”

English clubs Manchester United and Liverpool joined in offering their condolences on social media.

The Spanish football federation postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa de la Reina matches scheduled for later on Tuesday.

Life-threatening injuries from collisions in football are extremely rare.

Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries suffered during a collision in a fifth-division match. Colindres goalkeeper Raul Ramirez had two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the field and then in the ambulance while being transported to a hospital. He was declared brain dead two days later.

In 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died from head injuries sustained in a collision during a match while playing for CSKA Moscow.

Malaga goalkeeper Jose Antonio Gallardo died in January 1987, more than three weeks after a collision with Celta Vigo forward Baltazar in a second-division game.