The family of Spanish footballer Jesús de Miguel have paid an emotional tribute to the Tenerife striker, saying “the mark he has left on so many people” is something they will always remember.
The 30-year-old was laid to rest on Thursday in his parents’ hometown of Navahermosa, Toledo, following his death after a serious injury during a Spanish second-division match on Monday.
De Miguel suffered the injury after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during Tenerife’s fixture at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López. He was treated on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he died at 07:00 GMT on Tuesday.
Owono was sent off following the collision, and the match was abandoned.
In the aftermath of De Miguel’s death, supporters gathered at Tenerife’s stadium to lay flowers and light candles beneath a black-and-white image of the striker. Tributes have continued to pour in, with a minute’s silence observed at European competitions this week.
In a statement issued through his agent, Manuel Hernández, the family thanked the football community for its support.
“Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for being with us,” the statement read.
“Feeling such affection for Jesús and seeing the mark he has left on so many people is something we will always carry with us.”
The family also appealed for privacy as they mourned their loss, saying they needed to grieve “in the peace and quiet that this situation demands”.
Owono, who was sent off during the match, also expressed his grief in a statement released by Andorra on Wednesday.
“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesús,” he said, adding that his thoughts were with the striker’s family and everyone who loved him.
Among those who attended the funeral were Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and former Real Madrid and Spain coach José Antonio Camacho.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 and leaves behind a young family, with tributes highlighting the impact he had on those around him.
