‘A void that is impossible to fill’ – tributes paid at De Miguel funeral

Jesus de Miguel’s family said “the mark he has left on so many people” was something they would always remember as the footballer’s funeral took place on Thursday. The Tenerife forward, who was 30, died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second division match on Monday. After colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, De Miguel lay motionless on the pitch while being treated by medical staff and was taken to hospital, where he died at 07:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Owono was sent off for the challenge and the game was abandoned. De Miguel’s funeral was held in his parents’ hometown of Navahermosa, Toledo, about 125km from the Spanish capital Madrid. His Tenerife team-mates carried his coffin before the service at San Miguel Arcangel. Current Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was among the mourners, along with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and former Real and Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho.

De Miguel’s agent, Manuel Hernandez, issued a statement on behalf of the family, which read: “Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for being with us. “We cannot find enough words to thank you for every message, every phone call and every gesture of affection we are receiving. “Feeling such affection for Jesus and seeing the mark he has left on so many people is something we will always carry with us.

“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.” Tributes have been paid to De Miguel, who joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025, with a minute’s silence being held at all games in European competitions this week. In a statement issued by his club Andorra on Wednesday, goalkeeper Owono said he was experiencing “the most difficult days of my life”.

“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus,” he added. “I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.” The family also asked “with the utmost respect, that our privacy – and that of everyone who is supporting us at this time – be respected”. In the hours after the death was announced, mourners laid flowers and lit candles beneath a black and white image of De Miguel at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez – the stadium on the island of Tenerife, where Monday’s game took place.

“We need to grieve in the peace and quiet that this situation demands,” the statement added. “We appreciate the affection, concern and expressions of support that his loss is inspiring, and we are deeply grateful to you all.” Players want all matches postponed this weekend The Spanish footballers’ union, the AFE, made a request on Thursday for all this weekend’s matches to be postponed out of respect for De Miguel.

Tenerife’s match at Granada and Andorra’s game against Mallorca have already been postponed, as were several midweek cup fixtures. However, all Spanish sides in European competition have played their games this week. The AFE said of the weekend games: “The footballers have expressed their deep sorrow for this loss and do not believe that there are the psychological and humane conditions necessary for the competition to be played in normal circumstances.” The union said its members “in every category” believed “unanimously” that the matches should not be played.