‘Most Difficult Days of My Life’: FC Andorra Goalkeeper Jesús Owono Breaks Silence Following Tragic Death of Tenerife Forward Jesús de Miguel
Reported By: David Watkinson, Ffion Wynne, Will Castle & Sports Desk
Published: November 5, 2026 | 8 min read
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono pulls out of Afcon qualifiers against Zimbabwe following the fatal on-pitch collision with Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, as Spanish courts weigh the 'permitted risk' legal doctrine.
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has broken his silence, stating he is living through “the most difficult days of my life” following the tragic death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel. The 30-year-old striker passed away in hospital after suffering a severe chest injury during a collision with Owono in stoppage time of a Spanish second division match on Monday. As Spanish authorities initiate a routine judicial inquiry, Owono has deactivated his social media accounts, withdrawn from international duty with Equatorial Guinea, and received widespread support from his club and federation.
Jesús Owono Breaks Silence & Teammate Defense
The incident occurred seven minutes into stoppage time when Andorra and Tenerife were tied 2-2. Owono rushed out towards the centre circle to clear a long ball when his knee collided with De Miguel. The striker was treated on the pitch and rushed to hospital, where he tragically passed away on Tuesday morning.
Jesús Owono's Personal Statement (Released via FC Andorra):“These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very hard for me to come to terms with what has happened. I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
Following online abuse, including racist remarks and hostile comments on social media, Owono deactivated his Instagram account. Teammates and club officials rallied strongly around the 25-year-old goalkeeper, who has received psychological support from FC Andorra.
Solidarity and Support from Peers
“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. In football, unfortunate incidents can happen.”
Offered full human and professional backing to Owono, noting he was living through a situation of profound sorrow and distress as an “involuntary protagonist”.
Spanish Judicial Inquiry & 'Permitted Risk' Doctrine
Under Spanish law, any non-natural death automatically triggers a routine judicial inquiry. Tenerife judge Eva Esther Juárez has opened an investigation to determine whether criminal liability exists, though legal experts point to established Spanish Supreme Court jurisprudence that may protect the goalkeeper.
Afcon Qualifiers: Owono Pulls Out of Zimbabwe Double-Header
Due to the profound emotional distress following the incident, Jesús Owono has officially requested to be left out of coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s Equatorial Guinea squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
Owono, who has been first-choice for the 'National Thunder' since 2020 and starred at past Afcon tournaments, will miss the crucial Group E double-header against Zimbabwe:
Both teams currently sit level on three points after two rounds in Group E, trailing group leaders DR Congo (six points), making Owono's absence a significant sporting blow for Equatorial Guinea.
Jesús Owono, Jesús de Miguel Tragedy & Zimbabwe Fixtures: Frequently Asked Questions
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono expressed profound sadness following the death of his teammate Jesús de Miguel. In his public statement, Owono described the period as the most difficult days of his life, acknowledged the enormous pain caused by the tragedy and extended his condolences to de Miguel's family. His message reflected the emotional impact of losing a fellow footballer and teammate under such tragic circumstances.
The incident reportedly prompted police inquiries in Spain into the circumstances surrounding Jesús de Miguel's death. However, an investigation does not automatically establish criminal responsibility. Any potential prosecution would depend on the evidence, the circumstances of the collision and the applicable Spanish criminal law. The legal assessment would need to distinguish an accidental incident during ordinary sporting activity from conduct that could potentially amount to a criminal offence.
According to the supplied reports, Owono requested to be excused from Equatorial Guinea's November international fixtures against Zimbabwe following the tragedy involving his teammate. His absence was linked to the difficult circumstances surrounding de Miguel's death. Any confirmed squad announcement or explanation from the national football federation should be treated as the definitive source of information about his availability.
Jesús de Miguel was a footballer whose reported death following an on-pitch collision sent shockwaves through the football community. The tragedy attracted attention because it involved an incident during competitive sporting activity and affected teammates, supporters and the wider football fraternity. His death also renewed conversations about player welfare, emergency medical response at football matches and the risks athletes face during physical competition.
No. A serious injury or death during a football match does not automatically mean that another player has committed a criminal offence. Investigators and legal authorities must consider how the incident happened, whether the conduct fell within the normal risks of the sport and whether there is evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The fact that a collision occurred during a match is relevant, but it does not by itself settle the question of criminal liability.
The permitted-risk principle concerns the ordinary physical risks accepted by participants in lawful sporting activities. In football, players are expected to engage in physical challenges within the rules and accepted nature of the game. However, this principle is not blanket immunity from criminal responsibility. Deliberate violence, conduct outside the accepted risks of the sport or other legally relevant circumstances may require a different assessment. Only the competent legal authorities can determine how the principle applies to a specific incident.
Owono is a recognised goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea and has represented the country in international football. His participation is therefore relevant when the national team prepares for competitive fixtures, including matches against Zimbabwe. Any absence can affect squad selection and preparation, although the final decision on who starts or travels rests with the national team's technical staff.
The reports referenced in this story describe an inquiry into the circumstances of the fatal incident. An inquiry or preliminary police investigation should not be confused with a final court ruling. Any decision on criminal responsibility would depend on the findings of the authorities and, if proceedings are brought, the outcome of the judicial process. Readers should watch for official statements before drawing conclusions about the case.
1kVA Inverter Load Guide
Load guide for small households.
2kVA System Load Capacity
Powering essentials in medium homes.
3kVA System Panel Count
Understand solar array sizing.
3kVA Inverter Load Guide
Appliance guide for a typical household.
Best 3kVA Inverter Brand
Compare reliability and warranties.
3kVA Appliance Load Guide
Understand simultaneous load capacity.
3kVA Powering Motor Loads
Guidance on handling motor loads.
Choosing the Right Inverter
Matching inverters to your specific load.
David (Solar Sales)