The Jesús de Miguel funeral took place on Thursday in Navahermosa, drawing family, friends, Tenerife players and leading figures from Spanish football to remember the striker who died after a collision during a match. The service was held at the San Miguel Arcángel church following a procession through the village.
De Miguel was involved in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono on Monday. He was taken to intensive care, and his death was announced on Tuesday. The Tenerife squad, club staff and majority shareholder Rayco García attended the funeral, along with Spanish FA president Rafael Louzán, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín.
A family statement and a shared sense of loss
Before the funeral, the player’s agent Manuel Hernández read a statement on behalf of the family. They expressed gratitude for the affection shown toward De Miguel and described the impact he had on so many people as something they would always carry with them. The family said his death leaves a void that cannot be filled, while also leaving cherished memories for those who shared their lives with him. They thanked people for loving him and for standing by them.
The gathering in Navahermosa reflected the reach of a career that had taken De Miguel through Spanish football. He spent two and a half years at Castellón before joining Tenerife in 2025.
Investigation opened as Owono speaks
Spanish police have opened an investigation into De Miguel’s death. FC Andorra goalkeeper Owono, who was involved in the collision, said in a statement released by his club on Wednesday that he is going through the most difficult days of his life. He said he struggles to find words and finds it very hard to process what has happened. Owono acknowledged that many questions will need to be addressed and said he will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. He added that, right now, he cannot think about anything other than De Miguel and the pain being experienced, and ended his statement by wishing him rest in peace.
Postponements and tributes across LaLiga
Tenerife’s match against Granada and FC Andorra’s game with Mallorca have been postponed this weekend. LaLiga confirmed that fixtures in the top two tiers will go ahead apart from those exceptions, along with Castellón versus Eibar. The decision came despite the Spanish Footballers’ Association calling on Thursday for the suspension of this weekend’s round of matches. LaLiga accepted Castellón’s request to postpone their game, with De Miguel having spent two and a half years at the club before moving to Tenerife.
A minute’s silence will be observed before each game that goes ahead. The referee will stop play at the first interruption after the ninth minute, recognising the number nine shirt De Miguel wore for Tenerife.
Las Palmas will play their match against Eldense on Sunday in blue and white, the colours traditionally worn by their main rivals Tenerife, as a tribute to De Miguel. Tenerife owner García invited fans to the club’s stadium on Saturday to pay their respects in what he called “the last goodbye”.
