The Jesus de Miguel funeral took place on Thursday in the village of Navahermosa, days after the Tenerife striker died following an on-field collision. The turnout said plenty about how far the news travelled beyond his own club.
De Miguel was involved in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono on Monday and was taken to intensive care. His death was announced on Tuesday.
Jesus de Miguel funeral brings Spanish football together
Tenerife's squad, club staff and majority shareholder Rayco Garcia attended the service at the San Miguel Arcangel church, which followed a procession. Also there were RFEF president Rafael Louzan, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin.
Family tribute and a police investigation
De Miguel's family released a statement, read out by the player's agent Manuel Hernandez before the funeral. "Feeling so much affection for Jesus and seeing the impact he had on so many people is something we will always carry with us," they said.
"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."
Spanish police have opened an investigation into De Miguel's death.
Jesus Owono: "These are the most difficult days of my life"
FC Andorra goalkeeper Owono, the other player involved in the collision, said in a statement released by his club on Wednesday that he is living through the hardest period of his life. "These are the most difficult days of my life," he said.
"I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. I know there will be many questions to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."
LaLiga fixtures go ahead with three exceptions
LaLiga confirmed that fixtures in the top two tiers will go ahead this weekend, apart from FC Andorra vs Mallorca, Granada vs Tenerife and Castellon vs Eibar. That is despite the Spanish Footballers' Association calling for the suspension of the round on Thursday.
De Miguel spent two-and-a-half years at Castellon before moving to Tenerife in 2025, and LaLiga accepted the club's request to postpone their match. A minute's silence will be observed before each game that goes ahead.
Referees will also stop play at the first interruption after the ninth minute, in recognition of the number nine shirt De Miguel wore for Tenerife. Las Palmas will play Eldense on Sunday in blue and white, the colours traditionally worn by their rivals Tenerife, as a tribute.
Tenerife owner Garcia invited fans to the club's stadium on Saturday to pay their respects, calling it "the last goodbye".
Analysis: what to watch next
The police investigation is the thread to follow from here, and the three postponed fixtures will need new dates. The tributes, from Las Palmas's shirt switch to the ninth-minute stoppages, are the visible part of a weekend shaped by one collision.
Original report: skysports.com.
