Jesus de Miguel's family said the mark he left on so many people would always be remembered as his funeral took place on Thursday. The 30-year-old Tenerife forward died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second division match on Monday. After colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, De Miguel lay motionless on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he died at 07:00 GMT on Tuesday.
Owono was sent off and the game was abandoned. De Miguel's funeral was held in his parents' hometown of Navahermosa, Toledo, about 125km from Madrid. His Tenerife team-mates carried his coffin before the service at San Miguel Arcangel.
Current Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was among the mourners, along with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and former Real and Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho. De Miguel's agent, Manuel Hernandez, issued a statement on behalf of the family, which read: "Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for being with us." Feeling such affection for Jesus and seeing the mark he has left on so many people is something we will always carry with us. Jesus leaves a void that is impossible to fill, but also cherished memories for all of us who were fortunate enough to share our lives with him." Tributes have been paid to De Miguel, who joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025, with a minute's silence being held at all games in European competitions this week.
In a statement issued by his club Andorra on Wednesday, goalkeeper Owono said he was experiencing the most difficult days of my life. I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus, he added. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.
The family also asked with the utmost respect, that our privacy - and that of everyone who is supporting us at this time - be respected. In the hours after the death was announced, mourners laid flowers and lit candles beneath a black and white image of De Miguel at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez - the stadium on the island of Tenerife, where Monday's game took place. We need to grieve in the peace and quiet that this situation demands, the statement added.
We appreciate the affection, concern and expressions of support that his loss is inspiring, and we are deeply grateful to you all.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing