Spanish Striker Jesus de Miguel dies at 30 after collision in Tenerife match

Thirty-year-old Jesus de Miguel died Tuesday morning after his heart stopped during a football match on Monday. The forward for the Spanish club Tenerife collapsed on the pitch following a collision with an opponent in stoppage time.

De Miguel was advancing down the center of the field at the Tenerife stadium during a 2-2 draw with FC Andorra. A teammate had cleared a through pass just before the incident. The Andorra goalkeeper rushed out of the penalty area to challenge for the ball. De Miguel was struck by the keeper, fell to the ground, and rolled onto his back. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead the following morning.

Known affectionately as "Demi" by teammates, De Miguel had a career typical of many lower-division players. Born in Madrid in 1996, he began his professional journey in 2015 with the reserve team of Leganes. He moved between clubs around the Spanish capital, seeking stability and playing time.

His most prolific season came in 2023 after joining Castellon. He scored 16 goals that year, helping the club earn promotion to the second division. After a difficult year in the second tier, De Miguel moved to Tenerife in the summer of 2025. He returned to the third division with the Canarian island club.

De Miguel quickly found form at his new team. He scored six goals in his first five matches and finished the campaign with 11 goals. His performances contributed to the team's promotion. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, the left-footed striker was a traditional forward who specialized in aerial duels.

At the time of his death, De Miguel left behind a daughter born in 2025. His former teammate Fernando Roman posted on social media that he was devastated by the loss. Roman described De Miguel as humble, hardworking, and a good person. "I did not consider you a friend. I considered you one more in my family," Roman wrote.

Tenerife announced that De Miguel's body would be moved to Navahermosa in Toledo province at the request of his family. Club officials and teammates plan to attend the final farewell. Felipe Minambres, the president of Tenerife, stated that the club and community would come together to honor his memory and keep him in their hearts.