“THE HARDEST DAYS OF MY LIFE” — JESÚS OWONO BREAKS HIS SILENCE AFTER THE COLLISION THAT CLAIMED JESÚS DE MIGUEL’S LIFE

One footballer lost his life. Another is now struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that unfolded in front of thousands of spectators.

Jesús Owono, the 25-year-old FC Andorra goalkeeper, has spoken publicly for the first time after a devastating on-field collision with Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, 30, left the Spanish football community in shock.

In an emotional statement released through his club, Owono described the aftermath as “the most difficult days of my life.”

His words have drawn widespread attention across Spain, as supporters try to understand the emotional impact of an incident that changed two families forever.

THE COLLISION THAT SHOCKED SPANISH FOOTBALL

The incident happened during a Spanish second-division match between FC Andorra and CD Tenerife on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Deep into stoppage time, Owono rushed out of his goal to challenge for the ball near midfield. He collided heavily with De Miguel, who was left seriously injured.

The Tenerife forward suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest and was taken to hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Despite medical efforts, he died on Tuesday morning, November 3.

He was just 30 years old.

De Miguel was a husband and father, and his family was among those left devastated by the sudden loss.

“THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT DAYS OF MY LIFE”

After remaining silent in the immediate aftermath, Owono finally addressed the tragedy through an official statement published by FC Andorra.

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

He continued:

“I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesús. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him.

“I know there will be many questions to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.

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

The statement reflected the profound grief surrounding the incident, while making clear that Owono’s thoughts were with De Miguel and those closest to him.

ONLINE ABUSE FORCED HIM TO STEP AWAY

The tragedy was followed by a wave of hostile comments directed at Owono on social media.

Some users reportedly posted deeply abusive messages, including accusations that he was a murderer.

His Instagram account was subsequently deactivated.

FC Andorra asked the public to show sensitivity and respect, while confirming that psychological support was being made available to anyone at the club who needed it.

His teammate Lautaro Spatz also publicly defended him, explaining that Owono was deeply affected by what had happened.

“Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment, and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone,” Spatz said.

He also stressed that nobody could have imagined an unfortunate football incident would end with such devastating consequences.

LEFT OUT OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA’S UPCOMING MATCHES

Owono has also been left out of Equatorial Guinea’s squad for the country’s November Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zimbabwe.

The 25-year-old has represented his country 47 times and is an established international goalkeeper.

However, neither the federation nor the available reporting has established that his absence was a disciplinary punishment. It should not be presented as evidence that he has been found responsible for De Miguel’s death.

The Equatorial Guinean Football Federation has expressed support for the goalkeeper, describing his situation as one of profound sorrow and grief.

POLICE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Spanish national police have opened an investigation into De Miguel’s death.

The investigation is intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. It does not, by itself, establish criminal wrongdoing by Owono.

The tragedy has also prompted wider questions about the emergency response and medical assistance provided after the collision.

For now, the football community is mourning De Miguel while calls for compassion toward Owono continue.

TWO FAMILIES, TWO DIFFERENT KINDS OF HEARTBREAK

For De Miguel’s family, the loss is permanent. His wife, young child, relatives and teammates must now face a future without him.

For Owono, the collision has become an experience he will carry with him long after the headlines fade.

There is no statement that can undo what happened. There are no words capable of taking away the grief of De Miguel’s loved ones, or the emotional weight now facing the goalkeeper.

One life has been lost. Another has been profoundly changed.

And amid the grief, one message deserves to be heard: compassion should never be replaced by online hatred.

May Jesús de Miguel rest in peace, and may both families find the strength and support they need in the days ahead.