Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel dies after cardiac arrest following collision during a match

Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died ‌on Tuesday at the age of 30, a ‌day after suffering a cardiac arrest following ​a collision during a match.

"Racked with pain, with ‌a lump in our throats and unable to ​believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic ​passing of Jesus de ⁠Miguel Alameda," the ⁠Spanish second-tier club said.

"There are no words of comfort; there is ‌absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness."

The match ‌against FC Andorra was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time after De Miguel collapsed following a collision with ⁠away goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who ​had rushed out of ​his area to clear a ​long ball and collided with the striker. Owono was sent off immediately.

Medical staff treated De Miguel on ⁠the pitch for more ​than five minutes before he ​was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Late on Monday night Tenerife issued a statement confirming De Miguel had been admitted to hospital and was initially described as "stable despite the severity of his condition". An update in the early hours of Tuesday morning said his condition had "worsened neurologically".

A club statement concluded: "The family of Jesus de Miguel thanks each and every one of the expressions of support received, and likewise requests, from the heart, the utmost respect for their privacy in these terrible moments."

Opponents Andorra issued a statement on X which read: "With broken hearts and devastated, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his team-mates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace."

UEFA added that all matches this week will be preceded by a moment of silence in tribute to the player.

On Tuesday, Spanish police said they have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. Judicial authorities in the Canary Islands said this was a routine procedure because any death deemed non-natural under Spanish law automatically triggers a judicial inquiry.

Condolences offered across football

LaLiga said in a statement: "We wish to express our deep sadness over the tragic passing of Jesús de Miguel Alameda. We share in the grief of his family, his loved ones, and @CDTOficial during these very difficult times. All our affection and support. Rest in peace."

Meanwhile, other Spanish clubs posted messages of condolence to Tenerife and De Miguel's family.

Barcelona said: "From FC Barcelona, we are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Jesus de Miguel, CD Tenerife player. Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times."

Real Madrid said the club "wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, his club and all his loved ones".

In an interview with Television Canaria, LaLiga president Javier Tebas expressed his profound shock at the news and pledged to make the league's resources available to the club and the family.

Tebas said he would speak with Tenerife to consider postponing their next match, given the circumstances and the immense emotional difficulty of returning to competition this weekend.

He also raised the possibility of organising a joint tribute involving clubs from both divisions of professional football, while emphasising the need for reflection before deciding on specific measures.

Tebas stressed that support for the family and Tenerife must continue not only in these immediate moments, but also throughout the coming weeks.

Aleksander Ceferin, the president of European football's governing body UEFA, said: "We are heartbroken by the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda.

"We have searched for words and found only silence. In that silence, our hearts and thoughts are with his family, his team-mates, everyone at Tenerife, and all those who mourn this tragic loss."

Arsenal also held a minute's silence at the start of their training session this morning.