Jesus de Miguel: Hundreds gather for funeral of Tenerife striker

Family, friends and teammates gathered for the funeral of the Spanish footballer who died following an on-field collision with another player.

Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after clashing with Andorra ‌goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match on Monday, and was pronounced dead in hospital the following day.

Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral in the village of Navahermosa, central Spain, on Thursday.

His teammates travelled from the Canary Islands, and Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente along with Real Madrid's president Florentino Pérez were also in attendance.

In a statement read by De Miguel's agent Manuel Hernandez, the family said: "Feeling so much affection for Jesus and seeing the impact ​he had 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. Thank you for loving him and for ​standing by us."

De la Fuente also told reporters: "It is with deep sorrow and genuine emotion that we offer our condolences and our respect.

"It is the best way to show that the soccer community stands united, by sending a very warm embrace to all his loved ones."

A funeral car draped with floral arrangements arrived at a church in the village, with dozens of people walking behind.

After the mass, pallbearers carried De Miguel to the local cemetery.

The village, where De Miguel's parents were reportedly born, has declared three days of mourning with flags at half-mast at the town hall.

Tenerife's match against Granada and Andorra's game with Mallorca, initially scheduled for this weekend, have both been postponed.

Goalkeeper Owono said he is experiencing "the most difficult days of my life" in a statement released on Wednesday.

He went on: "I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to ​process what has happened. I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him."

Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter - a routine procedure for a death deemed non-natural.

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Investigators will reportedly assess whether Owono's challenge went beyond the normal course of play.

On Sunday, Tenerife's main rivals Las Palmas will play against Eldense in blue and white colours, typically worn by Tenerife, in tribute to De Miguel.

Fans have also been invited to Tenerife's stadium on ​Saturday to pay their ⁠respects to De Miguel in what his agent has called "the last goodbye".

(c) Sky News 2026: Jesus de Miguel: Hundreds gather for funeral of Tenerife striker