FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has described the days since his collision with CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel as the most difficult time for him. De Miguel passed on following the on-field collision which left Spanish football in mourning. Owono made the emotional admission on Wednesday, November 4, two days after the second-division fixture ended in tragedy.
The incident has generated widespread reactions from football supporters, players, and clubs. It has also placed Owono under intense public scrutiny as he struggles to come to terms with the death of a fellow professional.
How the Fatal Collision Happened
The incident occurred during the league encounter between FC Andorra and CD Tenerife on Monday, November 2, 2026.
As the match approached its closing stages, Jesús Owono moved away from his goal to intercept an aerial ball. De Miguel was also attempting to reach the ball when the two players collided.
The impact was severe. De Miguel immediately fell to the ground, attracting the attention of players from both sides, including Jesús Owono. The referee and other players quickly called for medical assistance.
Medical personnel entered the pitch to attend to the injured striker. Owono was subsequently sent off following the challenge.
De Miguel was taken to hospital for emergency treatment. Initial reports from Tenerife indicated that he was in a stable condition, although his injuries remained serious. Jesús Owono was then left to wait for news.
The situation later deteriorated. On Tuesday morning, November 3, the club announced that the striker had died at approximately 8:00 a.m., news that Jesús Owono would soon have to face.
The announcement shocked the football community, particularly those who had watched the match and witnessed the incident.
Jesús Owono Expresses Deep Regret and Sorrow
Breaking his silence on Wednesday, Jesús Owono released a statement through FC Andorra, explaining the emotional difficulties he had experienced since the incident.
The goalkeeper admitted that he was finding it difficult to process the events of the previous days. He also expressed sympathy for De Miguel's family and everyone affected by the loss.
He explained that his thoughts were centred on the deceased footballer and those who had shared their lives with him.
Owono's statement reflected the emotional weight of the situation. The goalkeeper acknowledged that the loss was difficult to comprehend and that he was struggling to find words that could adequately describe his feelings.
He also expressed his desire for De Miguel to rest in peace.
The statement offered a glimpse into the psychological burden carried by a player directly involved in an incident that resulted in another person's death.
Although the collision happened during a competitive football match, its consequences have extended far beyond the result of the fixture.
Social Media Backlash Against Owono
The tragedy has also exposed Owono to considerable hostility online.
Following confirmation of De Miguel's death, some social media users directed abusive messages at the goalkeeper. Several comments reportedly accused him of responsibility for the striker's death, with some using extremely offensive language.
The abuse became so intense that Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday.
The reaction has raised questions about how football supporters respond to tragic incidents involving players. While emotions can run high, particularly when a player's death is involved, accusations made without an established investigation can cause further harm.
Owono's teammate, Lautaro Spatz, came to his defence amid the growing criticism.
Spatz described the goalkeeper as a friend and teammate who was very affected by the unfortunate event. He maintained that Owono was not someone who would deliberately set out to injure another player.
He also appealed for understanding, noting that football involves physical contests and that unfortunate incidents can occur even when players have no intention of causing harm.
His comments reflected the difficult position of a player who must deal with the emotional consequences of an accident while facing criticism from the public.
FC Andorra has also confirmed that psychological assistance is available to members of the club impacted by the incident.
Football Community Shows Support
The tragedy has attracted condolences from different parts of the football world.
The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation has expressed support for Owono, who has represented the national team 47 times.
The federation's president, Venancio Tomás Ndong Micha, reportedly conveyed the organisation's sympathy and solidarity with the goalkeeper during this difficult period.
The support is particularly significant given Owono's position as an international footballer and the emotional pressure surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, clubs and supporters have continued to pay tributes to De Miguel. Barcelona and Real Madrid were among the prominent Spanish football clubs that expressed condolences following the announcement of his death.
At Tenerife's Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, supporters have gathered to honour the striker. Flowers and other tributes have been placed in his memory.
The club has also announced plans for a memorial gathering on Saturday, November 7, where supporters and members of the football community can pay their final respects.
For Tenerife, the loss represents a painful moment in the club's history. De Miguel was part of its playing squad, and his death has left teammates and supporters grieving.
Investigation Underway
Spanish police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
The investigation is expected to establish how the collision occurred and examine the events surrounding the striker's injuries and subsequent death.
It is important, however, to allow the relevant authorities to complete their work before drawing conclusions about responsibility.
The fact that Owono was involved in the collision does not, by itself, establish that he acted deliberately or committed an offence.
There is a difference between an unfortunate sporting accident and an intentional act of violence. Establishing the facts will be essential to understanding what happened.
Player Safety and the Emotional Cost of Football
De Miguel's death has renewed attention on the physical dangers associated with professional football.
Although the sport has introduced several measures to protect players, serious injuries remain a possibility. High-speed movements, aerial challenges and physical contact can sometimes result in unexpected consequences.
The incident also highlights the importance of effective medical arrangements at sporting venues.
Clubs and football authorities must ensure that trained medical personnel, emergency equipment and clear response procedures are available during matches.
- Trained medical personnel;
- emergency equipment;
- appropriate response procedures.
Quick medical attention is particularly important when players sustain potentially life-threatening injuries.
However, the emotional consequences of such incidents also deserve attention.
Players involved in serious collisions, like Jesús Owono, may experience shock, guilt, anxiety and psychological distress, even when there is no deliberate intention to cause harm. Access to professional mental health support should therefore form part of the response to major sporting tragedies.
Supporters also have a responsibility to exercise restraint when reacting to incidents online. Social media should not become a platform for harassment or the public punishment of individuals before investigations are concluded.
A Painful Moment for Spanish Football
The death of Jesús de Miguel has left a difficult mark on Spanish football. His family has lost a loved one, Tenerife has lost a player, and the wider football community is mourning a life cut short.
For Jesús Owono, the coming days are likely to remain emotionally challenging. His involvement in the collision has placed him at the centre of an incident that neither he nor the football community would have wanted to experience.
His public statement has made clear that he is struggling with the loss and thinking about those closest to the deceased striker.
As investigations continue and tributes are paid, the focus should remain on supporting the bereaved family, providing assistance to affected players and establishing the facts surrounding the incident.
Football is built around competition, but the lives of players matter more than any match result. The tragedy is a sobering reminder of that reality.
Supporters, players, and clubs have responded strongly to what happened on the pitch. Owono now faces intense public attention while he tries to accept that a fellow professional has died.
Spatz called Owono a friend and a teammate who has been badly shaken by the events of the past few days. He insisted that the goalkeeper would never go onto a pitch intending to hurt an opponent.
