Tenerife’s Jesus De Miguel honoured in tearful tribute by teammates, fans

Thousands gathered at CD Tenerife’s stadium to honour forward Jesús De Miguel, who died after a collision during a match. The emotional tribute brought together his family, teammates and rival supporters, while prompting debate over whether Spanish football authorities adequately responded to players’ grief.

De Miguel’s death was confirmed on Tuesday, a day after he was taken to hospital following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The club has pledged to support his 18-month-old daughter financially until she turns 18. Players’ union AFE said footballers across the divisions favoured postponing matches, but only three Segunda fixtures and one women’s match were delayed; other games went ahead with tributes including silences and pauses in the ninth minute.