France national team head coach Zinedine Zidane expressed his condolences on Friday following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
The 30-year-old Spanish forward died on November 3 after sustaining a fatal chest injury during a Segunda Division match earlier that week.
The tragedy occurred on November 2 during a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in the final minutes of the match, as reported by Goal.com. De Miguel suffered blunt force trauma to the chest and subsequent cardiac arrest.
While medical staff managed to revive him, he died later that day at the hospital. After his heart rate was restored by medical staff, he was rushed to the hospital, but his condition declined before he died from chest trauma.
“Yang terpenting, saya merasa sedih untuk keluarganya. Saya berharap tidak pernah lagi melihat hal seperti itu terjadi di lapangan sepakbola sepanjang hidup saya,” France national team head coach Zinedine Zidane said to reporters during a press conference held ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Investigation into collision continues
Spanish police and judicial authorities have opened a routine investigation into the death, as it was not caused by natural factors, according to Goal.com. On November 3, the Spanish National Police officially opened the inquiry.
Authorities are examining the incident, including potential charges of involuntary manslaughter and a review of pitch-side medical protocols. According to the Associated Press, Spanish authorities are considering classifying Owono’s violation as involuntary manslaughter with the participation of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident has had severe psychological consequences for the goalkeeper involved. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has reportedly been receiving counseling from his club, FC Andorra, as he struggles with the aftermath of the event. Owono, who has played for Equatorial Guinea at the international level since 2019, is considering ending his professional career.
He is facing intense emotional pressure and guilt following the collision, which has been compounded by social media criticism. Owono and his family have faced insults, with some individuals labeling him a killer. The pressure has also affected his sister, a student at the University of Valencia.
🚨💔 Zinedine Zidane reacts to the tragic incident following the death of Jesús de Miguel: “I am saddened by what happened. I AM DEEPLY AFFECTED. I hope with all my heart that we NEVER HAVE TO SEE SOMETHING LIKE THIS ON A FOOTBALL PITCH AGAIN.” 🕊️ A heartbreaking reminder that… pic.twitter.com/kNhYmOmV6M
“It is very difficult,” Maye said.
Legal precedents and professional implications
The referee’s match report said that the goalkeeper used excessive force during the challenge, a detail that investigators are expected to review as part of the broader legal inquiry. FC Andorra has maintained that the collision was an unintentional accident that occurred during a standard attempt to play the ball. Investigators must determine if Owono’s actions exceeded the acceptable risks of football to establish a causal link to the death.
France squad announcement for November
Zidane finalized his 23-man squad for the upcoming November international break during the press conference. Captain Kylian Mbappé has returned to the team after an injury-enforced absence, while forward Pablo Pagis earned his first senior national team call-up following strong performances at the club level, as detailed by Goal.com.
France currently leads Group A1 in the UEFA Nations League with 10 points. The team is scheduled to travel to Milan to face Italy on November 12. Following that match, the squad will return to Bordeaux to conclude their group stage campaign against Turkey on November 15.
🚨 BREAKING: Zinédine Zidane has reportedly reacted to the tragic death of Jesús de Miguel, describing the incident as deeply unfortunate and expressing sympathy for everyone affected. The French football legend reportedly believes that while the circumstances surrounding the…
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