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

A tragic collision on a football pitch has left one family mourning the loss of a loved one and another player struggling to come to terms with an incident that changed two lives forever. Now, Jesús Owono’s future in professional football remains uncertain as his club promises to stand by him.

Football goalkeeper Jesús Owono is facing one of the most difficult periods of his life following the death of Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel, who suffered a cardiac arrest after colliding with him during a match.

The incident happened on November 2, 2026, during a Spanish second-division fixture between FC Andorra and CD Tenerife at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López in Tenerife.

De Miguel, 30, was challenging for the ball when Owono rushed out of his goal. The two players collided, with the goalkeeper striking the Tenerife forward in the chest.

The impact left De Miguel seriously injured.

Medical personnel immediately rushed onto the pitch to provide emergency treatment. The striker suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest and was subsequently transported to hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care.

Despite medical efforts, De Miguel died on the morning of November 3.

His sudden death sent shockwaves through Spanish football, leaving teammates, supporters and both clubs devastated.

OWONO BREAKS HIS SILENCE: “THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT DAYS OF MY LIFE”

Following the tragedy, Owono released his first public statement through FC Andorra on November 4.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper struggled to find words to describe what had happened.

“These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process everything that has happened.”

He continued by expressing his deep sadness over De Miguel’s death.

“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesús. I think of him, his family and everyone who loved him.”

Owono also acknowledged that there would be questions to address in the aftermath of the incident.

He said he would face whatever came with the utmost respect, but explained that his thoughts were entirely with De Miguel and those grieving his loss.

He ended his message with a simple tribute:

“Rest in peace, Jesús.”

The statement reflected the emotional weight of the tragedy for a goalkeeper who had been directly involved in the collision.

ONLINE ABUSE FORCES GOALKEEPER TO STEP AWAY FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

While Owono was dealing with the death of another player, he also became the target of disturbing online abuse.

Following the incident, his social media accounts were flooded with hostile messages.

Some users reportedly called him a murderer, despite the collision occurring during an attempt to challenge for the ball.

The abuse became so severe that Owono deactivated his Instagram account.

The Equatorial Guinean Football Federation publicly expressed support for the goalkeeper, acknowledging the profound grief and distress he was experiencing.

FC Andorra also confirmed that psychological support was being made available to members of the club affected by De Miguel’s death.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of athletes online following tragic sporting accidents.

WILL JESÚS OWONO RETIRE FROM FOOTBALL?

One of the biggest questions surrounding the case is whether Owono will return to professional football.

The goalkeeper was left out of Equatorial Guinea’s squad for the November international fixtures against Zimbabwe.

However, there has been no official announcement that he intends to retire.

On November 12, FC Andorra manager Carles Manso addressed the situation and explained that the club would not pressure Owono into making an immediate decision.

Manso said the goalkeeper was deeply affected and was spending time close to family and friends.

The manager emphasized that Owono would be given complete freedom to decide whether he wanted to return to football, and when he felt ready.

He also rejected reports suggesting that the goalkeeper had already decided to end his career.

According to Manso, it was too early to draw conclusions about Owono’s future.

The club’s priority was to remain close to him, respect his privacy and provide whatever support he needed.

THE FAMILY LEFT BEHIND: A WIFE AND A ONE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

Behind the headlines and football controversy is a family facing an unimaginable loss.

Jesús de Miguel was 30 years old and left behind his partner and their one-year-old daughter.

His death has devastated his family and those who knew him throughout his football career.

Following the tragedy, messages of condolence poured in from clubs, players and supporters across Spain.

A fundraising campaign organized by footballer Fran Sol also attracted significant support.

By November 12, donations had reportedly exceeded €213,000, with the money intended to support De Miguel’s relatives.

His family later publicly thanked everyone who had contributed and offered messages of support during their difficult time.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FATAL INCIDENT

Authorities have also examined the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death.

Police opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following the fatal collision.

Under Spanish law, deaths resulting from non-natural causes can be subject to judicial investigation.

However, prosecutors have indicated that criminal proceedings were considered unlikely based on the circumstances reported.

The collision occurred during an active football match, while both players were competing for the ball.

No finding of criminal responsibility against Owono has been established.

FC ANDORRA PROMISES TO STAND BY ITS GOALKEEPER

As the football season continues, FC Andorra is preparing to return to competition following the tragedy.

The club’s first match after De Miguel’s death is scheduled against Almería on November 14.

But the emotional impact of what happened is expected to remain with the players and coaching staff.

Manso acknowledged that the entire squad had been struggling with the loss and that there was no simple way to process such an event.

He stressed that everyone would be allowed to deal with the tragedy in their own way, with psychological assistance available where needed.

For Owono, the future remains uncertain.

He may eventually return to the pitch, or he may decide that he needs more time away from the game.

For now, his club says the decision belongs entirely to him.

Two footballers met in a split-second collision. One lost his life, leaving behind a young family. The other is left carrying the emotional burden of an accident that has changed his life forever.

As Jesús de Miguel’s loved ones continue to mourn, Jesús Owono is being given time, privacy and support to decide what comes next.

Football will continue, but for everyone involved, this is a tragedy that will never simply become another match in the record books.