By Basant El-Faramawy
The Canary Island of Tenerife is in mourning following the death of striker Jesus de Miguel, 30, from injuries sustained in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a match on Monday. De Miguel, who scored 11 goals in his first season as Tenerife earned promotion to Spain's second tier, died on Tuesday.
Stadium Becomes Shrine
The Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez Stadium has turned into a memorial site, with hundreds gathering outside gate nine to lay flowers, light candles, and leave bouquets, rosettes from clubs across Spain, prayer cards, photographs, children's drawings, and scarves. Fans and residents stand in silence, many visibly tearful, at the very ground where the incident occurred.
Fans and Visitors Pay Respects
Among those paying tribute were Lisa and Lee, visiting from Stoke-on-Trent, who attended Monday's match hoping to experience Spanish football for the first time. They described the atmosphere as sombre and almost silent as players surrounded De Miguel, some crying and praying on the pitch. The couple returned Wednesday to lay a Port Vale shirt among the tributes, saying "football has no colours."
Disability Team Player Remembers 'Legend'
Carlos, a player with Tenerife Foundation, the club's disability side, called De Miguel a legend who gave his heart and soul for the shirt and helped pull the club out of a difficult period. Carlos, who was at the match, said he was left trembling and in shock, and expressed support for De Miguel's family.
Government Minister Describes 'Complete Mourning'
Poli Suarez, the Canary Islands' minister for education and sport, said Tenerife was in "complete mourning" and that Canarian sport had been devastated. Suarez pledged government support to the club, players, and supporters, describing De Miguel as part of the islands' sporting history. He emphasized thoughts are with De Miguel's wife, daughter, and wider family.
Tribute Planned for Saturday
A further tribute is scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 GMT, with supporters encouraged to gather to honour De Miguel's memory and show solidarity with his family.
