Tenerife is experiencing a profound sense of grief following the death of footballer Jesus de Miguel. The 30-year-old striker for Tenerife passed away from injuries sustained in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match on Monday. De Miguel had become a fan favorite after scoring 11 goals in his first season, helping Tenerife achieve promotion to the second tier of Spanish football.
The Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium has transformed into a makeshift shrine, with hundreds gathering to lay flowers, light candles, and pay their respects. Bouquets, scarves, photographs, and children's drawings have been placed around gate nine, creating a moving scene where fans and residents stand in silence. Many are visibly emotional as the magnitude of the loss begins to settle.
Visitors from Stoke-on-Trent, Lisa and Lee, who attended the match hoping to experience Spanish football, were deeply affected by the incident. "We never expected something like this to happen," they told BBC Sport, recalling the somber atmosphere as players surrounded De Miguel, some praying on the pitch. Upon hearing the news the next day, they returned to the stadium to lay a Port Vale shirt among the tributes, emphasizing, "Football has no colours. If it was one of our players, we'd be heartbroken. They're part of your family."
Carlos, a player with Tenerife's disability team, described De Miguel as "incredible" and a crucial figure in the club's recent history. "He practically gave his heart and soul for the shirt. He's already a legend at the club because, after all, we were in a very difficult position a few years ago and he helped pull us out of it," Carlos said, visibly shaken by the events of Monday's match. He extended his condolences to De Miguel's devastated family.
The Canary Islands' minister for education and sport, Poli Suarez, stated that "Canarian sport has been left devastated" and that "The club is broken. Absolutely heartbroken." Suarez highlighted that De Miguel had become an integral part of the Canary Islands' sporting history, not only due to the tragic circumstances of his death but also for his affection towards the island and his club. A further tribute is scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 GMT to honor his memory and show solidarity with his family.