Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono's future open after Jesus de Miguel's death

The collision and its aftermath

Jesus de Miguel Alameda, a 30-year-old forward for CD Tenerife, died in hospital the day after a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in a Spanish second-division match on 2 November. Owono was sent off for the foul. The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international has not trained with his team since then. In a statement released on his behalf on 4 November, he described the period as the most difficult days of his life.

Manso speaks for the first time

Andorra coach Carles Manso faced the press on Thursday, 12 November, his first public comments since the match and the death. He said the squad had shown common sense and respected each player's needs in recent weeks, and he asked that the goalkeeper's privacy be respected. Manso described Owono as trying to digest a very complex situation, spending much of his time with family and friends. He said the club would give him the room to choose freely.

“We will give him space so that he feels completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return, when, or if he does not want to return.”

Manso said the club's task was to stand by the goalkeeper and offer him as much support as possible. He also said Owono was going through one of the most difficult phases of his life.

“What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to him.”

Investigation and possible sanctions

A homicide unit of the Spanish police has opened an inquiry into possible negligent homicide, according to AP. A police source told AFP that an investigation was open under judicial supervision, without saying whether it targets Owono directly. Spanish media report that Tenerife's chief prosecutor, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, considers criminal proceedings over the play very unlikely. Spanish media also report that the Real Federación Española de Fútbol has already reached a sanction decision but has not announced it, out of respect for the recent tragedy. COPE reported that the decision was expected to become public in the week of 9 November 2026. Spanish outlets report a ban of 15 matches, while current rules set four to 12 games for aggression and up to 15 in other cases. A radio report also raised the possibility of withdrawing his licence, which would keep him out of Spanish football.

Owono's wish to reach De Miguel's family

Marca reported that Owono wanted to contact De Miguel's family, apologise and speak with them, and had hoped to attend the funeral. His family and Andorra advised him to wait a little longer. He reportedly also approached Tenerife, which asked for patience and more time to respect the family's grief. According to the same report, his wife and mother keep him company at home, and doctors and psychologists are supporting him. He has not yet decided whether he can return to football, and no date has been set for his return to training.

What comes next

Andorra are scheduled to play UD Almería on Saturday, 14 November, their first match since the collision, and Owono is not expected to play. Manso said the goalkeeper will decide when he feels genuinely ready. Owono's sporting future therefore depends both on the federation's pending decision and on his own timing.