Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesus Owono is reportedly considering walking away from professional football following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel in a collision during a Spanish second-division match.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the 25-year-old FC Andorra goalkeeper has been deeply affected by the tragedy and is struggling to come to terms with what happened. The publication reports that Owono has even contemplated quitting football as he battles feelings of guilt over the incident.
The goalkeeper is receiving psychological support, with FC Andorra providing professional assistance to help him process the traumatic experience. According to the report, the club has also been showing him videos of other athletes who have experienced similar traumatic incidents in their careers, hoping to help him understand and cope with the situation.
Ana Maye, a close confidante of Owono and coordinator of the Equatorial Guinea national team, reportedly revealed the extent of his emotional distress. She said the goalkeeper was particularly troubled by thoughts of De Miguel’s young child and widow.
Owono’s circle has also appealed for respect and privacy for the player and his family, who are reportedly experiencing significant emotional distress following the tragedy. The report stresses that the goalkeeper needs support and understanding as he attempts to navigate one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Owono breaks his silence
The Andorra goalkeeper previously released his first public statement following De Miguel’s death through his club on Wednesday, 4 November.
“These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very hard for me to process what has happened,” Owono said.
He added that he was aware there would be questions to address and said he would face whatever came with respect.
“But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
His statement came amid intense reactions on social media, where he reportedly received abusive messages following the incident. His Instagram account was subsequently deactivated.
FC Andorra has also asked the public to show sensitivity and respect towards the goalkeeper and everyone affected by the tragedy.
How the tragedy unfolded
The incident happened on Monday, 2 November, during a Spanish Segunda DivisiΓ³n fixture between FC Andorra and CD Tenerife at the Heliodoro RodrΓguez LΓ³pez Stadium.
With the match level at 2-2 and deep into stoppage time, Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel chased a long ball towards the Andorra goal.
Owono had rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for possession. The goalkeeper collided with the striker, making forceful contact with his knee around De Miguel’s chest.
The 30-year-old forward immediately collapsed on the pitch, prompting players from both sides to urgently call for medical assistance.
Medical personnel attended to him before he was taken to hospital. De Miguel reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated by emergency responders. Despite initially being described as stable but in a serious condition, his health deteriorated, and Tenerife confirmed his death on Tuesday morning, 3 November.
Owono received a straight red card for the challenge, while the referee abandoned the match with the score at 2-2.
The Spanish Football Federation subsequently declared the fixture concluded at that score, citing the exceptional circumstances and the need to respect the memory of the deceased player and his family.
Preliminary autopsy and police investigation
Spanish authorities have opened a judicial investigation into De Miguel’s death.
A preliminary autopsy report, delivered to the investigating judge, reportedly identified accidental chest trauma as a cause compatible with the footballer’s death. However, the findings are not final, with additional medical examinations and toxicology results still required.
Investigators are examining the circumstances of the collision, as well as the medical attention De Miguel received on the pitch and during his transfer to hospital.
Spanish prosecutors have indicated that criminal proceedings against Owono would be difficult to establish if the incident is determined to have occurred during a genuine contest for the ball. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and no final legal determination has been made.
The opening of judicial proceedings is also a routine requirement in Spain following deaths considered non-natural and should not be interpreted as proof of criminal wrongdoing.
Football community mourns De Miguel
The death of Jesus de Miguel has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, with clubs, players and football authorities expressing condolences to his family, teammates and supporters.
His funeral was held in Navahermosa on Thursday, 5 November, attended by family members, Tenerife teammates, club officials and prominent figures in Spanish football, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid president Florentino PΓ©rez and Spanish Football Federation president Rafael LouzΓ‘n.
His family expressed gratitude for the support received, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss while remembering the affection and memories he left behind.
A memorial gathering is also scheduled at Tenerife’s stadium on Saturday, 7 November, to allow supporters to pay their respects.
Who is Jesus Owono
Born in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, on 1 March 2001, Jesus Owono developed his football career in Spain, progressing through the youth ranks of Deportivo AlavΓ©s after earlier spells with Antiguoko and Real Sociedad.
He made his first-team debut for AlavΓ©s in January 2022 and subsequently gained experience in Spanish professional football.
Owono joined FC Andorra before making the move permanent and has established himself as an important member of the Equatorial Guinea national team, having made his senior international debut in 2019.
He has represented the Nzalang Nacional at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: Cameroon 2021, Ivory Coast 2023 and Morocco 2025.
